Patient asks for more education on kidney failure

Dialysis patient Matshepo Inama would like to see more awareness of kidney-related illnesses so that people can better understand the challenges patients face daily.

Inama spoke after a kidney awareness walk and ride campaign organised by the Mpongo Cycling Club (MCC) to mark National Kidney Month (March) at the Lido in Daveyton on March 26.

She said there is not enough information readily available to educate the public about kidney failure.

“I was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2012. It has been on end-stage since. I want people to know more about kidney failure and that because we have two kidneys, they can donate one and still live a full life,” she said.

Inama told the paper that since her diagnosis, her life has changed drastically.

“I’m on treatment three times a week and one session takes four hours. It has limited my life. I was an outgoing person. But because of my illness, I’ve had to cut out so many things.”

She pleaded with companies to introduce educational programmes about different illnesses to create harmony in the workplace.

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“Dialysis patients face many problems at work. Our employers don’t understand we have to do our treatment every week.

“We ask that companies understand that our treatment keeps us alive. We should be given an opportunity. We shouldn’t be treated like we are not contributing anything.”

MCC’s Thuto Radebe explained this campaign was close to their hearts as they have seen the struggles Inama has gone through.

“We strive to promote healthy living. Matshepo told us there’s never been a kidney awareness day in Daveyton. We jumped on board to give our community perspective on the issue.

“We want the people of Daveyton to understand and get to know about their kidneys. We want them to know the importance of taking care of their bodies and staying fit.

“Through this campaign, we hope our people will read and live healthy lifestyles by dieting and exercising,” Radebe said.

The event started with a 6km walk and 20km bicycle ride.

Sprotting pink and white clothes and green ribbons, community members came out in numbers to show their support.

Mawethu Mahlathi from the My size, My age NPO told the City Times that such initiatives were important for community building.

“What the MCC is doing for the people of Daveyton is critical. We can only hope more members of our community can come to show their support,” Mahlathi said.

Chairperson of the Daveyton Hearts Athletic Club Tsietsi Diphokoane thanked the MCC for taking a lead in highlighting issues faced by the community.

“Such initiatives seldom happen in townships. We are thankful that the MCC is here helping us to find solutions to the problems we are facing.”

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