Yvonne’s Story: Getting Strong and Active with Kidney Beam Health Coaching
Yvonne’s medical journey began when she was just 14, when she needed surgery for coarctation of the aorta due to severe high blood pressure. Years later, when pregnant with her now 13-year old daughter, doctors discovered she had Turner syndrome (TS) with mosaicism, a genetic condition that has affected her circulation and kidney health.
“Due to TS, my kidneys are being fed upwards by my blood supply leaving me with very poor kidney function, and that is why I found Kidney Beam”
Over time, poor circulation caused damage to both of her renal arteries, leading to reduced kidney function. Yvonne also has no direct aorta supplying blood to her legs, meaning her kidneys and legs rely on alternative blood flow. Because of this, she often struggles with walking long distances and must pace herself carefully.
After more than 30 years under the care of various dietitians, and professor George Mellotte in Dublin, Yvonne was encouraged by her healthcare team to try Kidney Beam - a chance for her to take care of herself, working around her full time job, and taking her daughter to various sporting activities.
Upon joining Kidney Beam, Yvonne was paired with a health coach, Linda, who checked in with her weekly and helped keep her motivated.
“Linda kept me motivated to start the online programme and gave me the push I needed to help myself”
With that encouragement, Yvonne discovered she could do more than she had expected, and learned that getting active on top of everyday life was not too difficult. The wide variety of on-demand classes suited her busy lifestyle, allowing her to fit in 20 or 40 minute sessions whenever she had time, taking things at her own pace with the different levels that the classes offer.
Since starting the Kidney Beam programme, Yvonne has become fitter, stronger, and has more energy. She credits Linda and the Kidney Beam team for giving her the support and confidence she needed to take positive steps toward improving her health.