Still Keeping It Renal

21/11/2025

6 months ago today I received my second kidney transplant.

What a wild rollercoaster the past 6 months have been. I don't really remember this photo being taken but this is the first photo I have of the start of my new life. It hasn't been easy adjusting to living rather than just existing but trust me, this isn't a complaint!

There have been some really high points. For example my kidney function hit 55% which is the highest it has ever been in my whole life.

But there has also been low points like calcium gate and mental health struggles.

Organ donation does work. Like "normal people", I too struggle with everyday things. But that's life! And I am living it!!

Again I would like to say how grateful I am to my donor for everything she has done and continues to do for me and my family.

Just keep swimming (or celebrating the small goals in life everyday).

28/10/2025

A few weeks ago I made a video about world mental health day and how important it is to talk to people.

Within the past 2 weeks I have felt incredibly heavy. I had to leave work one day last week because I had a panic attack (sweating, shaking and developed a stutter that I just couldn't shift!) in the middle of the office... worst bit is.. I have no idea what has changed and why I am now feeling like this.
With my health I have always had an explanation or understanding as to why it was happening to me. This heavy/anxiety and panic attack thing is new and I don't understand it.

I have already been referred to the mental health services through my GP so I have taken the steps to understand but it's just so hard to explain because when you dont understand it.

look after yourself people. if you notice a change, report it to someone and get help when it is needed.

even if it requires armbands.

28/10/2025

Is dialysis holding you back from taking a holiday? This is not the case.

It is great to see Spud Man highlighting the importance of dialysis to his wider audience whilst on his break with family in Scotland.

Do you have a question regarding dialysis or travel? Call our Freephone Helpline on: 0800 169 09 36.

The NKF Helpline is open from Monday to Thursday: 08:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday: 08:30 am - 12:30 pm.

On holiday but still have to do the dialysis! It can be stressful but it is fun improvising - I didn't even realise I could still get down this low - Spudwife was speechless (quietest she's been for a while 😉😂 ) and it's well worth it to make memories with the family.

15/10/2025

Lucy appreciation post!

1 year today I get to marry the most incredible woman on the whole planet. I'm beyond lucky and I know I'm not just punching, I'm pulling a full scale haymaker.

I have put Lucy through so much in the past 3 years but she still stands tall (ish) beside me supporting me through every single appointment, stupid decision and emotional rollercoaster that I embark on.

So incredibly lucky to have the Incredible support team and I'm so glad to have you as it's captain 💜💜

14/10/2025

Yet more bumps on the rollercoaster of life.

I was rushed into hospital on Monday evening with dangerously low calcium levels being told that the levels were so bad I was at severe risk of going into cardiac arrest. Naturally we dropped everything and made our way to the hospital where we sat in a corridor for 4 and a half hours before being seen. We then waited a further 3 hours for a 10 minute infusion before being let home to await the results and free up the bed for somewhere else.

We were home for approximately 1 hour before the phone rang again saying the calcium infusion I had received hadn't changed my levels and I needed another one. Back we came to Gloucester royal.

We have now been here over 24 hours and I have received 2 short calcium infusions and I have 4 hours left of a 10 hour calcium infusion.

Both Lucy and I have had approximately 1 hour sleep in over 36 hours and we are so ready for this infusion to be finished so we can go home.

Hopefully this infusion will help me get on top of the never ending slope that is the bu****it of developing "Hungry bones syndrome".

Again. Thank you Lucy for your support, parking and endless calming techniques. Thank you to everyone else who contacted me to check in. 💜

Only one thing to do when they place the cannula so close to an important message.
Just Keep Swimming

13/10/2025

Quick burst from the NKF - National Kidney Federation Conference 2025.

Where is your local kidney patients association and what involvement have you had with them?

I am now the Chair of my local KPA. So please let me know in the comments below what you think a KPA should do to help other people with kidney disease.

💜💜💜

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Over the last 3-4 years my life has been a hell of a rollercoaster. From experiencing the lowest of lows to highest of highs.

Mental health is a term that is thrown about a lot but do you really understand what your limit is? It's important to recognise when you are struggling and seek help by talking to someone.

My DMs are always open whether you are struggling with kidney disease or just having a bad day.

No matter how many arm bands you need to wear it's important to just keep swimming 🥽

27/09/2025

Bit of a long one...sorry!

Please watch this video and share it with your family and friends. (I would really appreciate it💜)

The waiting list for an organ is at an all time high with over 8000 people waiting for an organ. (This is only those who are active on the list).

This is National organ donation week. I felt It was important to share my story to help people understand the need for organ donation.

Just keep swimming.

26/09/2025

I am Live RIGHT NOW chatting about organ donation week! Come say hi!! :D

National Organ Donation Week.💜. | Check out Zoe Still.Keeping.It.Renal LIVE streams on TikTok! Watch, follow, and discover the latest content from Zoe Still.Keeping.It.Renal.

25/09/2025

What a few days I've had!

I was honoured to be invited by Kidney Research UK to attend the Driving Discoveries conference.

It was absolutely incredible to meet and network with some of the phenomenal people who are working hard everyday to better the lives of kidney patients across the country. I've learned so much about so many different things from gene therapy, to potential new treatments and the different kidney disease prevention methods that are being developed!

I am just in awe of everyone that was in that room over the past few days. Both Lucy and I stood up and spoke to the researchers about our story and why their research is so important. Happy to report I didn't faint or swear so it was a win from me. ( I also managed to get my favourite quote "just keep swimming" out there 😉)

Thank you so much to all the researchers for their work and of course Kidney Research UK for the invite.
Now... Time for a well deserved nap!

Just keep swimming (or keep being a proactive little cog in a massive machine that is working hard to end kidney disease.)

25/09/2025

It is National organ donation week in the United Kingdom this week.

I am obviously incredibly passionate about this.
Forget waiting to be munched on by a spider or radioactive waves like a marvel film..become a superhero today! Join the organ donor register and tell your family about your wishes for your organs.

Have the conversation, become a superhero.
💜

24/09/2025

We are in Bristol for the next two days networking at a The Driving Discovery conference on behalf of Kidney Research UK.

Really pleased to be here as a patient representative. Thank you Kidney Research for this amazing opportunity to learn so much about the research you do and the future of Kidney Research within the UK.

Just keep swimming. (Or be in a room full of incredible people trying to make the lives of kidney patients better).