Home Dialysis Is Available Mackay Local Shares Personal Journey With Chronic Kidney Disease

Mackay local Tracey Morgan is sharing her story to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease and help others understand that treatment options can allow people to continue living a full and independent life.

Born and raised in Mackay, Tracey says the region has always felt like home, with strong family, friend and community ties.

Her health journey began after routine blood tests revealed abnormalities. Further testing and monitoring eventually led to a life changing diagnosis.

“In February 2024 I was told I have stage five chronic kidney disease,” Tracey said.

“Part of that was through hypertension and genetics because my dad had the same thing as well.”

Tracey watched her father manage treatment at home through peritoneal dialysis, which allowed him to continue working while remaining present for family life.

“Seeing my dad do dialysis at home and still work full time definitely influenced me,” she said.

Tracey had originally planned to manage her kidney disease with home dialysis, preparing through surgeries, training with specialist nurses and learning how to monitor her treatment from home. However, after complications with the catheter used for peritoneal dialysis, she is currently receiving haemodialysis at hospital while completing further testing to join the active kidney transplant list.

While home dialysis remains an option she hopes others will learn more about, Tracey currently attends hospital twice a week for treatment. Despite the challenges, she continues to work full time as a support worker.

“We had a lot of training with the PD nurses and they come out to your house… they make sure you know what you’re doing before you start,” she said.

“At the moment I do dialysis twice a week at the hospital while getting ready to go on the active transplant list.”

With around one in ten Australians living with kidney disease and rates expected to rise significantly in coming years, Tracey hopes sharing her story will encourage greater understanding of the condition and the treatment options available.

“Dialysis should work around your life, not have your life dictated by dialysis,” she said.

She also wants people to understand that kidney disease can affect anyone.

“Chronic kidney disease doesn’t discriminate. People come from all ages, shapes, sizes and walks of life,” she said.

Tracey says awareness and education are key, particularly when it comes to home dialysis options that may help people maintain independence and continue working or spending time with family.

“People assume you lose weight because you’re sick, but people waiting for transplants have to work really hard to be in the best condition possible,” she said.

By speaking openly about her journey, Tracey hopes more people will feel confident asking questions and learning about the support and treatment options available.

“We don’t want pity from people. We just want people to ask questions and understand that it is possible to receive dialysis treatment at home, on your own terms.”

Photo caption: Mackay local Tracey Morgan is raising awareness about chronic kidney disease by sharing her journey with stage five kidney disease while continuing to work and preparing for a transplant, hoping to help others understand their treatment options and maintain independence. Photos supplied