James’ Story

James was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure at age 24… This is his story.

I’m James

Despite kidney problems from birth, I count myself as becoming a kidney patient at age 24 when I went for a routine health screening with my GP. Despite having no symptoms, I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure and referred to UHW Cardiff where I was soon put on Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) in 2008.

In 2009 I received the amazing gift of a kidney transplant which, after a bumpy road, including several bouts of rejection and a diagnosis and successful treatment for Hepatitis C, I lived a full and active life with my transplant until 2019.

In 2019 I was told that my transplant had failed. I attempted to go back onto CAPD but, after some very difficult months including temporarily losing 80% of my vision due to blood clots in my eyes, I was transferred to Haemodialysis at the Liz Baker Unit, Morriston Hospital. I attend there 3 days a week for 4-hour session but with travel and waiting times it all takes around 7 hours.

I am on the waiting list for another kidney transplant and am hoping to get the call soon.

I am a volunteer ambassador for Kidney Wales where we use our experience of kidney disease to help educate and raise awareness of kidney health throughout Wales.