Student's headache turned out to be far more sinister - and life-changing
A university student who went to the GP with a headache was diagnosed with stage four kidney disease and will need a transplant.
Merryn Holmes-Jefferd, 22, says the lead up to her diagnosis was terrifying and confusing because she went to the GP with a headache and was admitted to hospital for a week.
Tests showed she had stage four kidney failure as a result of a damaged valve which was allowing fluids and acids into Merryn’s kidneys since childhood. Doctors aren’t sure what cause the damage but believe it could have potentially started after a childhood water infection.
Now Merryn’s kidney function is just 15%. She is on the transplant list and will wait until a suitable donor is found. Her parents and friends have volunteered to be tested and in the meantime Merryn is dealing with debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, pins and needles and vomiting.
Merryn went to the doctors with a headache (Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.)
She was told she had stage 4 kidney diseaseTo manage her condition Merryn takes 12 tablets a day to stabilise her blood pressure and has regular injections of hormones and B12. But she says her diagnosis has given her a new inner strength and confidence and she doesn’t let it stop her enjoying life. This summer she went surfing, completed a skydive and attended a diving trip to Egypt.
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Merryn, who is a third year student at Falmouth University studying Marine and Natural History Photography, said: “My diagnosis has motivated me in a positive way. In that it’s made me want to do everything I can when I feel well. Knowing my health and energy will get worse feels bigger than any insecurities I used to have. I have more confidence now.”
Merryn doing a skydiveIt was January 2021 when Merryn was admitted to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester after a few months of unexplained symptoms. She said: “Now when I look back I could tell was getting ill but at the time I just thought I was run down. I’d get out of breath a lot and feel exhausted. At college I’d get the shakes or feel really cold.
“But in January I had recurring headaches and went to the GP for a check up. They took my blood pressure and the reading was double what it should be. Normal range is 60-80 and mine was 180. I was told to go straight to hospital. I went that day and didn’t come out for a week. I was in such a state and my parents couldn’t visit because of covid. I’ve never had so many tests, injections and so much blood taken.
Merryn now needs a transplant“Finally I was diagnosed with reflux nephropathy - meaning a damaged valve outside my kidneys was letting in fluids and acid that shouldn’t be there. It had irreversibly damaged my kidneys.” Doctors told Merryn that she would be monitored and medicated until her kidney function declined to a point when she might need a transplant and dialysis.
Now Merryn is waiting for a match. Once the transplant is complete it is possible for her new kidneys to function at 100% which will be life changing for the ambitious photographer. Merryn said: “I’ve tried really hard not to let my condition stop me from achieving my goals. In January I managed to join my classmates on a photography and diving expedition in Egypt.
Merryn is studying Marine and Natural History Photography
She is enjoying life at Falmouth University“Some days my daily blood pressure results meant I had to sit out some of the dives but I always want to do the most I can.” With support from friends and family Merryn has been raising money for KidneyCare UK.
In July Merryn and her dad completed a skydive Now determined to secure her degree, she has plans to continue with a career in photography after the course. She added: “I try to stay positive but it can be so hard. I cried every day after finding out my kidney function was 15%. It is the unknown that scares me I really like having a plan but so far the plan has been wait until you get a lot worse.
“After my transplant I would love to work abroad and complete my master diving qualification. It’s really important to me that I don't let kidney disease stop me. When I have the energy I join mates on nights out and I’m proud of the adventures I’ve still managed to have. If you looked at me you’d have no idea how ill I am. I try not to let my illness define me. I just want to carry on doing what I love and I’m so grateful for all the amazing support I’ve had from my friends and family.” You can support Merryn’s fundraiser here.
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