Episode 158: Stage 5 Kidney Failure Without Warning: Carla’s Dialysis to Transplant Journey

2026-04-27

Download 238

Carla shares how she was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure without warning, leading to dialysis and ultimately a kidney transplant. This episode explores missed signs, sudden diagnosis, and the reality of living through kidney failure. In this episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee Moore speaks with Carla — a kidney warrior and former mental health nurse — about her experience of being diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure without warning. After earlier test results showed declining kidney function, Carla did not receive follow-up — and later found herself sitting in front of a consult...

Carla shares how she was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure without warning, leading to dialysis and ultimately a kidney transplant.

This episode explores missed signs, sudden diagnosis, and the reality of living through kidney failure.

In this episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee Moore speaks with Carla — a kidney warrior and former mental health nurse — about her experience of being diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure without warning.

After earlier test results showed declining kidney function, Carla did not receive follow-up — and later found herself sitting in front of a consultant being told her kidneys were functioning at just 12%. What followed was a sudden transition into dialysis, a challenging and emotional journey through treatment, and ultimately, a kidney transplant.

Carla shares her story with honesty and insight — from the shock of diagnosis, to navigating dialysis access and setbacks, to the mental and emotional toll of living with kidney failure.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how kidney disease can progress silently, and the importance of listening to your body, asking questions, and advocating for your health.

🔹 Key Topics Covered

Stage 5 kidney failure diagnosis
Kidney disease progression and missed signs
Dialysis treatment and access challenges
Emotional impact of kidney failure
Kidney transplant journey
Patient experience and advocacy

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may benefit from hearing Carla’s story.

Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast so you never miss an episode — and join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior family for updates, support, and community.

Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:

📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw

🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior

📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw

🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social

💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List

Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more!

👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47

📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp

Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content!

👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r

Kidney Care UK

💻 Website: www.kidneycareuk.org

📧 info@kidneycareuk.org

📞Tel: 01420 541 424

📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org

📷Instagram: @kidneycareuk

🔵Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social

📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A

📩 To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.