Kids Kidney Research - Sam Clark runs London Marathon 2009

Sam Clark runs London Marathon 2009

Sam's daughter Izzy

Sam Clark is running the 2009 London Marathon for Kids Kidney Research. Find out why she has chosen to run for Kids Kidney Research.

"I was diagnosed with IgAN in 1994 at the age of 22 however I had been suffering with what I thought was a severe water infections together with visible blood in the urine on and off since the age of 16. I was told at first it was just a simple urine infection but the problem persisted until eventually I was referred to Guy’s Renal outpatients unit where I underwent tests. They suspected I was suffering from a progressive kidney disease known as IgAN although without a biopsy this couldn’t be confirmed. I immediately rejected the biopsy - the thought of having a piece of my kidney removed just seemed so drastic at the time! By the age of 22, my blood pressure began to creep up and my Kreatnin levels began to rise as well as my protein levels. It was a very daunting prospect to think that I could be faced with a life of dialysis. I was prescribed three different types of blood pressure tablets, two of which controlled my blood pressure and the third to control the protein leak. I made the decision to have the biopsy at this time which confirmed that I did indeed have IgAN.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease other than closely monitoring of blood pressure and regular blood tests. From here on I was closely monitored every three months at Guy’s Renal Outpatients. The water infections began to subside by the age of about 25 and other than feeling my blood pressure rise from time to time, I was really unaware of the disease.

I took up running when I was about 28 and lost about three stone in weight. It was at this point that my blood pressure plummeted resulting in two of my tablets being stopped. By the age of 32, having just booked a wedding in St Lucia and confirmed a place in the London Marathon, I discovered I was pregnant with my first child! The wedding and the Marathon had to be postponed but it was a very small price to pay considering! It was a worry time for me and my now husband as due to the added complications of my disease, I had to be monitored every two weeks by a specialist team at St Thomas in London. I was told at the outset that my kidneys may not cope too well during pregnancy and they may induce me at 32 weeks. However, I went full term and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Izzy. The pregnancy had no impact on my kidney function much to my relief however I don’t think I would risk having another child just in case.

I am now seen at Guy’s Hospital every 6 months. My disease is well controlled although I am aware that there are no certainties but I can only hope that my kidneys will see me through to a ripe old age. I know how important it is for me personally to keep fit and eat a well balanced diet. My outlook at the beginning looked gloomy but now my outlook for the future is very positive."

What an inspiration to us all!