…as Botswana recently joined the world in commemorating World Kidney Day
Over 1 500 renal patients are treated annually in Botswana’s public hospitals and currently 700 patients are on kidney replacement therapy known as herm dialysis. Figures are expected to increase, as the load of non- communicable disease such as diabetics and hypertension grows. These being the main causes of chronic kidney diseases.
Last week Thursday Botswana joined the globe community in commemorating World Kidney Day under the theme, “Are your kidneys, okay? detect early, protect your kidney health.”
Patricia Mogapi (31) was there to share her life story with chronic kidney failure, a journey which started when she was in her final years in university nine years ago.
“I was first diagnosed with hypertension when I was in senior school doing my form five. And nobody knew why at a young age I had hypertension. Each time I went to hospital or clinic, doctors would ask why and what causing a young girl like me to be hypertensive. Questions which I could not answer or explain. The same narrative continued “, Mogapi began her story.
It was only when she was in her final year at the University of Botswana that she was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure.
“I was only 22 years old. A student in tertiary juggling school and other life challenges. When I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) my condition was already advanced, at the last stage and none of my two kidneys were functioning now,” continued Mogapi.
“This meant that I had to start dialysis immediately, the toxics in my body were very high. The diagnosis threw my life upside down, I had to start navigating studies, treatment sessions and other social obligations. Before eating or travelling I thought of my kidneys. It’s my life now.”
Despite a dark cloud enveloping her life and not sure what tomorrow would be, Mogapi saw a silver lining in her situation.
“At least I was a bit more mature and about to complete my studies. I was older to see how I can navigate through the challenges of chronic kidney failure. I had treatment three times a week, in the evenings after classes. It meant I was missing evening classes, group discussions, study and other academic activities. I had work extra hard to keep up”, smiled Mogapi, who is now working in a private clinic in Francistown.
“I still had to attend class. The university could not change the curriculum to timetable just for me. Everything continued as normal, it was up to me to adjust into my new life. I was fortunate because the university provided transport to and from the renal unit when l needed to go for treatment.”
She said life for a chronic kidney disease patient is plagued with challenges, disruption and stigma. When she graduated and her university, while mates remained in Gaborone to hassle and find internship, Mogapi had to relocate back home. “I needed to be closer to my parents and family for their support and care when I went for treatment. When searching for employment I had to be selective due to my condition”, she continued.
“I had to consider the location of the job, because I needed to be close to a renal unit. I could not take up any type of job, because renal patients suffer from fatigue. We get tired very easily, so we cannot take up manual and heavy-duty jobs. Renal patients are limited in so many things such as diet, employment opportunities”, highlighted Mogapi.
She recalled some of the struggles fellow renal patients face as they battle with their life long condition.
“At one time at the renal unit there was a small boy who had repeated Standard Five thrice. Because he had missed classes, tests examinations because he was away for treatment, which was at 11 o’clock during the day and school days. Teachers did not understand what was happening in this young boy’s life. No one cared.”
She added that another challenge is the diet in public schools as students eat a lot of beans but as renal patients, beans have a lot of protein which they should not consume.
Mogapi appreciated government for footing the health bill for renal patients and ensuring their get the necessary surgeries and ancillary services. However, she urged government to include chronic kidney disease patients under the disability scheme. This she said is so that the patients receive an allowance for travelling expenses to hospital when due for treatment.
To the newly diagnosed renal patients particularly those on dialysis, Mogapi encouraged them by saying, “you are not alone, nor is this the end of life. You can still do and achieve much in life. Your dreams do not have to die with your diagnosis. “
And to the care givers, she urged them, “you matter so much because you feel pain for us more than we do for ourselves. This is a long journey with never ending challenges, be patient with us even when it seems like we are losing it.”
