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My Story

Empowering CKD Warriors to Thrive.

Hello

My name is Geordan Burt and I am a Kidney Disease Warrior & Advocate!

If you are here, you’ve probably been diagnosed with kidney disease or have a loved one that has kidney disease.

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From Diagnosis to Determination: My 13-Year Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease

Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs that can either break us or make us stronger. In 2011, during what I thought would be a routine checkup, I started a health journey and I received news that would forever change my life: I was diagnosed with Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
My CKD Story

The Unexpected Discovery

There were no dramatic symptoms, no warning signs that something was seriously wrong. Just high blood pressure readings and routine blood work that raised red flags about my kidney function. After some routine labs, my primary doctor notified me that I had some concerning results and asked me to come back and retake the bloodwork. Upon the second lab report, it was determined my creatine levels were significantly elevated and my doctor referred me to a Nephrologist, who later confirmed through further testing and a biopsy, that I did in fact have Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease with FSGS.  Like many others diagnosed with CKD, I had been unknowingly living with declining kidney health. 

The beginning

The Initial Shock

I’ll never forget the moment I received the diagnosis. At 28 years old, hearing “chronic kidney disease” felt like a death sentence. Fear gripped me, uncertainty clouded my thoughts, and I felt my life spiraling out of control. But amid the shock and fear, something inside me refused to give up. 

Taking Control: The Transformation Begins

Looking at my lifestyle, I had to face some hard truths. At 225 pounds, with a habit of heavy drinking, frequent fast-food meals, and a love for sugary sodas, I was my own worst enemy. I knew something had to change – everything had to change. 

I made a vow to myself: this diagnosis would be my wake-up call, not my downfall. 

Journey to Health

My transformation started with completely overhauling my diet.

Eliminated fast food, alcohol, and sodas.

Started cooking and prepping all my meals at home.

Focused on kidney-friendly, whole foods.

Embraced lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and proper portion control.

My new go-to meals became nutrient-rich combinations like grilled chicken salads loaded with mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and red onion, or baked salmon with wild rice and asparagus.

Exercise became my daily meditation. I discovered a passion for rowing, running, and strength training. Burpees, though challenging, became a symbol of my resilience. Through consistent effort and dedication, I watched the scale move from 225 pounds to 175 pounds within a year. Not only did I lose the weight, I got rid of high blood pressure and began to see my kidney lab reports gradually improve and ultimately maintain at Stage 3.

 
Thriving with Ckd

The Support System

I couldn’t have made this journey alone. My wife, friends and family, though initially shocked by my diagnosis, became my strongest supporters. Their encouragement helped me through the toughest days when motivation waned. 

The Daily Battle

The biggest challenges weren’t just physical – they were mental. Maintaining discipline with my new eating habits and keeping my mental health in check required constant vigilance. Some days were harder than others, but each small victory made me stronger. Through daily meditation, yoga, journaling and quality time with friends and loved ones, I maintained my mental health, too! 

Over a Decade Later:

Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Today, well over a decade after my diagnosis, I’m not just surviving with CKD – I’m thriving. This journey has taught me that a CKD diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of a full life. Instead, it can be the beginning of a healthier, more conscious way of living. 

This is why I launched “Thriving with CKD” – to share my story and help others who are facing the same challenges I did. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with CKD for years, I want you to know that you’re not alone, and that it’s possible to take control of your health and thrive. 

Through my journey and learnings, I successfully improved and maintained my health and kidney function from 2011 until the end of 2021 when my kidney function suddenly started to decline after I got sick with COVID-19. My kidneys eventually began to fail in 2022, and I ended up on Peritoneal Dialysis at home for over 2 years before getting a successful kidney transplant. Despite 11 years of Stage 3 Kidney Disease, Dialysis and eventually a transplant I still was able to exercise, go to work every day and maintain a relatively normal life to the point others didn’t know anything was wrong with me unless I told them.  

I look forward to interacting with you all and helping you through further blogs, discussions, and resources. 

Please join my email list and stay tuned for weekly information on all things related to Kidney Disease & Awareness.  

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You don’t have to walk this path alone. Join our community of warriors, advocates, and supporters who are proving every day that thriving with CKD is possible.

Empowering Lives,
One Kidney at a Time!

Together, we can transform the way kidney disease is understood, managed, and lived with.
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