At 26, I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. I’ve spent the last year on dialysis, losing more and more of the life I once loved. I can’t eat the foods I enjoy, hang out with friends like I used to, or even sleep normally. I’ve lost my job, my energy, and even my dog. Every day is a struggle — and I’m still facing years on the transplant waitlist. This is my story. I’m sharing it to raise awareness and to find hope maybe even a living kidney donor who could save my life.Please read, share, or reach out. Your support means everything.
My name is Yide Cai and I have end stage renal failure. My kidneys are no longer working and I’ve been on peritoneal dialysis for a year now. I’m about to switch to hemodialysis. I want to let people know how miserable this disease is. I discovered it at age 26 and I was immediately sent to the ER.
I was put on peritoneal dialysis for a year then it started to fail and now I’m on hemodialysis.
Being on dialysis is miserable. Every food tastes gross. I can’t lay down when I sleep. I constantly get muscle cramps. I puke everytime I eat something too salty. I have to constantly be sent to the ER when my dialysis isn’t working properly. I cannot enjoy life the same way most people do. I lost my job due to this disease. I became unable to work. I miss being able to eat my favorite food. I miss the taste of sugary drinks and hearty soups. I miss being able to go swimming and take warm baths.
I miss being able to go out and socialize with friends without losing energy so quickly and be able to enjoy the same food as them. I missed the opportunity to go to EDC in 2024 because of surgery and it has always been my dream to go. I miss working out my muscles, going rock climbing, playing pickleball, and cliff diving with my friends. I miss my dog who I had to give away because of my illness. I miss it all.
The wait list for a kidney for me is 5 years but I’m not sure if I can wait that long for my life to be normal again. The average life expectancy on dialysis isn’t long. Which is why I’m desperate now for a living donor. Everytime I hangout with my friends, I feel sluggish and always leave early. I don’t have the energy to meet new people or make new friends either. I hate this life so much but I’m grateful for the friends and family I have that supports me and keeps me happy.
I want to thank my parents for supporting me on this journey. I want to thank my friends for having me by their side and checking up on me.