(BPT) - For Bronx native and current Indian Land, SC, resident Thelma, it took years to discover she had kidney disease, despite experiencing symptoms like fatigue and swelling, as the underlying cause was never fully explored.
Unfortunately, Thelma’s not alone in getting a delayed diagnosis. While more than 35 million adults in the U.S. have kidney disease, as many as 90% of them are unaware of their condition, since many people do not experience symptoms until their disease has advanced. That’s why Thelma wants to share what she’s learned through her own journey, including that It Takes 2 — a patient and healthcare professional — to detect and manage kidney disease.
Now, over twenty years into her kidney health journey, Thelma’s offering some tips on how to take charge of your kidney health.
“Knowledge is power, and working closely with your doctor to test for kidney disease is one step towards achieving that. That’s why I’ve joined It Takes 2 to empower at-risk adults to partner with their doctor and ask about complete screening, including the urine test for kidney disease.”
“This is especially true for Black and Latin Americans who are disproportionately burdened by kidney disease. As a black woman, I know firsthand what it’s like to feel unheard by the medical community. What’s been critical in my journey is recognizing that no one will fight harder than myself because no one knows my body better. Doctors care about you, but you have to care about yourself more.”
“The support from my care team, like my husband, Michael, our twin sons, and my doctors, has been a huge source of strength in managing my symptoms and staying positive. They remind me that this disease does not define me and that there is more to life than my kidney disease.”
Learn more about the resources available and the importance of complete testing for kidney disease by visiting www.TestYourKidneys.com.