Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Jim

Jim has been diabetic for 20 years and has a check-up every three months where his blood is tested for a variety of things including his blood sugar level. After a recent test he learned from his GP that he has a mild kidney problem probably due to his age.

  • Background

    Jim is widowed with two adult children. He is a retired company director. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 75
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Betty

    Betty cannot recall being told about any kidney impairment and has no symptoms of it as far as she knows. She has occasional blood and urine tests but is not told the results unless action is needed. She has multiple health problems and limited mobility.

  • Background

    Betty is divorced with three adult children. She has been a housewife and mother. Ethnic background: White English.

  • Age at interview 89
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Sarah

    Sarah learned she had chronic kidney disease stage 3 after requesting printouts of recent routine blood test results. She felt angry that her GP had not told her about this and although later advised not to worry about it she feels a need to know more.

  • Background

    Sarah is a retired physiotherapist and looks after her husband who has been seriously ill with cancer but is now in remission. Ethnic background: White English.

  • Age at interview 77
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Ken

    Ken learned that he has chronic kidney disease stage 3 following a routine blood test 6 months ago. He is not worried by it but taking part in research has prompted him to seek more information. He is fit and well apart from slightly high blood pressure.

  • Background

    Ken is married with two adult children. He has retired from a career in the police force and now works as an events safety officer. Ethnicity: White British.

  • Age at interview 72
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Simon

    Simon's kidney function has been damaged by long term use of lithium to treat bipolar disorder. His kidney health is monitored by his GP and a specialist. He is also treated for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation.

  • Background

    Simon is married and has an adult stepson. He is employed by the local authority as a support worker. Ethnicity: White English.

  • Age at interview 56
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Elizabeth

    Elizabeth learned recently that her kidney function has been monitored for 6 years and is impaired. Although told it isn't life threatening she worries that she might need dialysis in future. She has multiple health problems and feels weak and tired.

  • Background

    Elizabeth is a retired mushroom picker. She is widowed with three adult daughters. Ethnicity: White British.

  • Age at interview 74
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Eric

    Eric was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 3A in 2008 while having investigations for anaemia. His GP has reassured him that it is not life-threatening, so he doesn't worry about it. He is treated for hypertension, high cholesterol and gout.

  • Background

    Eric is married with two adult children from a previous marriage. He is retired Royal Air Force Airman Aircrew. Ethnicity: White English.

  • Age at interview 79
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Donald

    Donald has diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, an underactive thyroid gland, and a history of kidney stones. His conditions are monitored every three months with blood tests, which include checks of his kidney function.

  • Background

    Donald is a retired police constable and now works as a customer service agent. He is single and lives alone. Ethnicity: White British.

  • Age at interview 60
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Lesley

    Lesley was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after developing swollen legs, nausea and loss of appetite. She feels her GPs have been unwilling to discuss her condition and she has had to ask for periodic checks of her kidney function.

  • Background

    Lesley is divorced with two adult children. She has retired early from managing a charity shop due to the combined effects of several chronic health conditions, including fibromylgia, arthritis and...

  • Age at interview 58
  • Sex/Gender Female