Member Spotlight: Chris S.

Kidney transplants work upside down! Read on to hear more on Chris's kidney journey.

Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself, and your kidneys!

I'm Chris, I am just over 70, and retired having worked for Rolls Royce Aircraft Engines for about 40 years. 2 years after retirement while busy building barns and improving the house, I realised something was wrong, I had vasculitus and this had seriously damaged my kidneys. While recovering from this, and the subsequent wipe out I had a brief period with low performance kidneys, before going through the pathway to peritoneal dialysis for a year, followed by haemodialysis. After 12 weeks of training at the hospital I was given a machine at home and had 5 nights a week on dialysis. With busy days and life nearer normality, one year later in the middle of a snowstorm I was called in for my transplant to Nottingham City Hospital, it has succeeded and 9.5 years later working well.

How do you feel in general about physical activity and movement?

I do plenty of walking (we have a sheepdog that loves to do miles) and gardening so I know how it can be pleasant, but you have to make an effort and it is often too cold and too wet so you spend time on the laptop or on the sofa!!

What barriers have you had towards exercising?

My biggest barrier is being motivated to do the proper exercise, living in the country on the edge of the Peak District we have lots of walks, always up or down hill, but that is not full exercise of the body or specific muscle groups.

How has Kidney Beam helped you overcome these barriers?

Firstly, Kidney Beam provides discipline of turning up for the class at a certain time, being professionally guided to do the exercise and the use of zoom to showing how others are joining is brilliant. You start moving bits of your muscles you had forgotten about and you finish feeling on good form. As the weeks go by your body feels fitter and in a better shape. You begin to enjoy the company of your virtual friends, all trying to improve. It is a supportive environment.

What else makes you feel good?

I have a passion for mechanical things, including Steam Engines. I've even had the pleasure of driving the Flying Scotsman briefly in the sidings at Tyseley in the 1980’s and still enjoy travelling behind it. More recently I was able to taxi in a Lancaster Bomber called Just Jane at East Kirkby in Lincolnshire. I've also enjoyed a 240mph victory rollover in a spitfire over Kent, proof that transplants work upside down!

The walking now feels more fun, I even did a 5 mile walk at Transplant Games in Newport in July 2019. More and more jobs around the house and garden are getting sorted, plus we have a holiday coming soon!

Thanks to Kidney Beam I feel fitter as a person. Everyone with renal challenges should join in for the structure, guidance and education - it is great fun.

Feeling inspired by Chris and want to 'Get Started' on Beam?

All classes can be taken at your own pace, and if you’re feeling nervous, let the instructor know and they’ll be sure to reassure you. You can start with an On Demand session, to get active with a Live Class and join the rest of the Kidney Beam community. We also have a dedicated programs which are perfect to ease you in, try the Get Started program or the 12-week Renal Rehab Program.

Remember, the Beam Team is here to support you too, so if you have any questions about starting classes, please feel free to get in touch with us - hello@kidneybeam.com