Member Spotlight: Xochitl
Xochitl, 62, was first diagnosed with a rare kidney condition at 34 and spent years on dialysis before receiving two life-changing transplants. She discovered Kidney Beam while on dialysis and after her second transplant, she faced mobility issues due to spinal problems. Starting cautiously on Kidney Beam, Xochitl slowly gained strength, confidence, and independence, improving her mobility, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Read on for more of her story!
Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and your kidneys.
I have, until very recently, been a fairly active 62 year old woman and I have been working in education for a long time. I’d had no health issues before I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Rapidly Progressive (Crescentic) Glomerulonephritis when I was 34 years old. After 5 years on dialysis I received my first transplant which served me well for 20 years.
How do you feel in general about physical activity and movement?
I have been enjoying very good health and more energy since receiving my second kidney transplant in June last year after 2 years on haemodialysis. However, while recovering from surgery I noticed my mobility started to worsen, after various tests and an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon, I was told I would need surgery on my spine to stop it from getting worse. I walk very slowly with the help of two crutches and I require the use of a wheelchair for work.
Why did you decide to try Kidney Beam?
I first read about Kidney Beam in the Kidney Care UK magazine while I was on dialysis. I thought about trying it out to regain strength while I recovered post transplant, as I initially thought my mobility problems were related to my abdominal surgery.
Tell us about any positive changes that have come since starting Kidney Beam
When I first started the 12 week Kidney Rehab Programme I couldn't walk at all as both my legs felt weak and I did not feel confident moving about without being supervised by a member of my family. I started the exercise sessions slowly and at my own pace managing two sessions a week till I could add more in a week. The results started to show and by week 3 I could do things easier and had built up enough confidence to move about with my trusty crutches without need for supervision. I could finally take a shower without using support as my legs felt stronger to allow me to stand up for longer periods. After three months of following various instructors, and trying out different exercise sessions that are more challenging, they have helped me to not just feel stronger, and better about my overall fitness but they are also helping me to improve my sleep. I enjoy all the sessions and the instructors are great.
What are your favourite things about Kidney Beam?
The Kidney Beam Team is fantastic and they have been very helpful in providing me with free access to the online programmes. They keep in touch and are easy to reach also. I am particularly enjoying the different guided programmes led by specialists that I can follow at my own pace. There is such a good variety of video classes to improve fitness, and the education sessions providing valuable advice to better understand nutrition and mental health issues are great.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am very grateful to the Kidney Beam Team for putting together such a wide array of programmes and information sessions that are so relevant and accessible. They are key in helping kidney patients keep active and better manage our health.