A WOMAN who was always ‘the healthy one’ has recalled her shock diagnosis, after being told she had a year before going into kidney failure. 

French-born Bristol resident, Ninon Fougerit was just 28 years old when she discovered she had kidney disease. 

Ninon was always seen as ‘the healthy one’ among her friends, exercising, eating healthy and never smoking – she could not imagine she would have to live with a chronic condition.

When she first experienced symptoms of tiredness, heavy breathing, and itchy skin, she initially assumed she was simply unfit.

After moving to the UK, results of a routine blood test returned with a letter recommending her to see a kidney specialist. 

The waiting list was long and Ninon believed that if it was something serious, the GP would have called her in. 

She didn’t realise that she had already lost half of her kidney function or that it was set to decline even further. 

Ninon said: “About a year ago I started to feel much worse and knew that something wasn’t quite right. 

“I was constantly tired, had heavy breathing and my skin was itchy but I had just assumed that I was just unfit. 

“I eventually ended up in A&E to find that my kidney function was really low. 

Gazette Series: Ninon was always one for adventure before her shock diagnosis Ninon was always one for adventure before her shock diagnosis (Image: Kidney Research UK)

“The doctors told me that within a year, I would be going into kidney failure.

“It all just felt surreal and I think I spent a few months being in shock. I even thought about getting a second opinion.”

Ninon spoke to a kidney specialist who helped her to understand her diagnosis and the next steps on her journey.

Keen to avoid dialysis, she is instead focussing on transplantation as her preferred option. 

Nino added: “My plan is to have a live transplant from my dad in July. 

“As long as my kidney function remains stable, it should mean that I avoid having to go on dialysis which I really do not want to have to have. 

“It all feels really weird that I’m in this position, I have focused a lot on what I eat and being healthy and my friends used to make fun of me because I never used to eat junk food or anything. 

“I’d encourage anyone, no matter how healthy they think they are, to get their kidneys checked. 

“It is a chronic disease, but progression can be slowed. Once you are in renal failure, that’s when the real problems begin.”

Gazette Series: Ninon in hospital following her diagnosis of kidney disease Ninon in hospital following her diagnosis of kidney disease (Image: Kidney Research UK)

Ahead of World Kidney Day, on Thursday (March 9) Kidney Research UK has developed a dedicated kit to help those at the first stage of their journey. 

Sandra Currie, chief executive said: “Ninon’s story is unfortunately one that occurs far too often. Even seemingly healthy people can fall seriously ill after living with kidney disease for many years. 

“When patients start their kidney journey it can be difficult to get to grips with their diagnosis and overall kidney health. 

“Working with experts, we have been able to develop a dedicated kidney kit to help guide new patients on the early steps of their kidney journey.”

To sign up for a free Kidney Kit, visit: www.kidneyresearchuk.org/kidney-kit