Hello lovely people, just want to take a moment to thank everyone for sending in their stories, they will all be shared here over the next few weeks - so keep them coming. They are so inspiring. If you'd like to have your story featured here, get in touch on the email at the bottom of this post. 
For now, this is Keith's journey.
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"I was first diagnosed in November 2015 after I made a visit to A&E (Accident & Emergency) feeling very unwell. They kept me due to my kidney function being very low; to the point of being dangerous. I spent about a week in Calderdale Hospital and was then seen by a Renal Consultant who transferred me to the specialist renal unit at St James Hospital in Leeds. I had a kidney biopsy and blood tests and then diagnosed with ANCA Vasculitis but it had also left me with Stage 3/4 Chronic Kidney Disease. I then spent 2 weeks in the unit and the decision was made to give me a plasma exchange which basically meant I spent every day on a machine for 5-6 hours having about 53 litres of plasma exchanged; coupled with a couple of blood transfusions.
The illness has affected my life in many ways; I was a very active guy who loves sport and played rugby for many years until I eventually retired. I loved walking and playing golf. Now, unfortunately, I have to listen to my body when it tells me to stop and rest.
Steps are an issue for me and balance hampers me but thankfully Janet, my wife who has been my rock through all this, is there to support me. I think you do take a reality check in circumstances like this; Janet and I discussed things, but now we don't plan like we used to.. if we decide we just DO IT. It has been a very long road and I am still on it, it's been both difficult and worrying but my consultants and St James Hospital Renal Unit have been fantastic, to say the least, they monitor me on a very regular basis which gives me a great deal of confidence.
I am still on a journey and goodness knows where it will take me. I enjoy talking to people with similar or same issues on HealthUnlocked. It's interesting that I can talk to Janet, my wife, about the illness and all that goes with it but with no disrespect to her, talking to people in my situation is invaluable; we give confidence and support to one another.
I have had a further complication as though I haven't had enough to cope with and that was through examination, I was found to have bladder cancer and all credit to my consultants I was dealt with quickly and had the tumor removed and had 6 weeks of chemotherapy to prevent reoccurrence. I then had another examination later and scar tissue was found in my bladder so had to go back in again to have it removed. My kidney consultant has been great in explaining everything in that it could have started because my immune system was very low to combat my Vasculitis.
All in all, I am still on a journey and goodness knows where it will take me. I have my wife Janet who is my rock through it all and we carry on doing the things we want to and trying not to dwell on anything."
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Keith has given us consent to share this story.
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Stories on HealthUnlocked have an incredible way of raising awareness around certain conditions, as well as inspiring people who might be in the same situation as you. Would you like to share your health journey? Email me at communications@healthunlocked.com
xo, Leilah
