Home / Health / Silent Killer Fatigue: Mum's Kidney Failure Shock
Silent Killer Fatigue: Mum's Kidney Failure Shock
14 Sep
Summary
- A working mother's fatigue was the only symptom of her silent killer condition.
- Her kidneys were found to be failing, operating at only 30-44% capacity.
- She is now waiting for a kidney transplant after two and a half years.
Aneka Murphy, a primary school teacher from West Yorkshire, received a shocking diagnosis of advanced kidney disease at just 34 years old. Her only symptom was fatigue, easily dismissed as a side effect of being a busy mother of four. Doctors revealed her kidneys were functioning at a mere 30-44% capacity due to years of undiagnosed high blood pressure.
This condition, known as hypertension, is a "silent killer" because it often presents no symptoms and can cause significant damage to blood vessels and organs over time. Now 41, Aneka has been on the kidney transplant waiting list for two and a half years, with a potential wait of another five years. She currently undergoes five hours of home haemodialysis three times a week while continuing to work.
Her diagnosis in 2019 was accidental, following a needle stick injury at school which prompted blood tests. These revealed stage 3b chronic kidney disease and a blood pressure reading of 186/110mmHg. Despite attempts to find a living donor, including eight people, no match has been found. Anneka's life is on hold as she must stay within two hours of the hospital, fearing suspension from the list if a suitable kidney becomes available.
