At the age of 30, Justin Pham from Los Angeles, California, received a life-changing diagnosis: his kidneys had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer function independently. This revelation was particularly startling for Pham, who had spent most of his twenties dismissing various health symptoms. Now 32, Pham is sharing his story to raise awareness about kidney disease, a condition affecting approximately 35.5 million Americans, according to the American Kidney Fund.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Pham’s initial encounter with kidney issues began at the tender age of nine, necessitating surgery to remove half of each kidney. Despite this early intervention, he remained largely symptom-free until his twenties. During this period, he began experiencing a range of symptoms, including:

• Itchy Skin or Rashes: Persistent skin irritation that he attributed to dryness.
• Morning Leg Cramps: Frequent cramps upon waking, which he considered minor annoyances.
• Stomach Aches and Vomiting: Occasional gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea, often blamed on dietary choices.
• Frequent Nighttime Urination: Increased need to urinate during the night, disrupting his sleep.
• Foamy Urine: Noticeable bubbles in his urine, which he overlooked as insignificant.
• Breathing Difficulties: Shortness of breath during routine activities, which he did not associate with kidney issues.

Reflecting on these symptoms, Pham told FRONTPAGE, “I always thought the symptoms were something minor, such as dry skin making me itch. Or I’d blame stomach issues on something I had eaten.”

The Overlooked Warning Signs

Dr. Blake Shusterman, a nephrologist based in Greenville, South Carolina, explained to FRONTPAGE that the symptoms of kidney disease are often ignored because they are non-specific, resembling those of many other conditions. This ambiguity can lead both patients and healthcare providers to miss the critical window for effective treatment.

For instance, the exact cause of itching in kidney disease patients remains a mystery. Dr. Shusterman noted, “The itching may be due to waste products that build up in the body when the kidneys aren’t filtering correctly. These waste products then lead to physiological changes in the skin that trigger the itching.”

Similarly, foamy urine can be a sign of proteinuria, a condition where damaged kidneys leak excess protein into the urine. While not a disease itself, proteinuria can signal underlying kidney issues.

The Turning Point

Pham’s complacency was shattered when he began experiencing severe shortness of breath. “I was struggling to breathe when crossing the road from my car to the grocery store,” he recounted. This alarming symptom prompted him to seek medical attention, suspecting a possible COVID-19 infection due to the pandemic’s prevalence in 2022.

However, after comprehensive blood work and tests, Pham received a diagnosis of Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This stage indicates that the kidneys have failed and can no longer function properly. Pham was unaware that high blood pressure, prevalent in his family, is the second leading cause of kidney failure after diabetes.

The National Kidney Foundation explains that ESKD occurs when the kidneys operate at less than 15 percent of their normal function. At this critical point, treatments such as dialysis or a kidney transplant become necessary for survival. Additionally, ESKD significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

The Onset of Heart Complications

Approximately two years after his kidney disease diagnosis, Pham began experiencing symptoms indicative of cardiovascular issues, including:

• Swollen Hands and Feet: Indicative of fluid retention.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort in the chest area, raising concerns about heart health.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, beyond normal levels.
• Low Appetite: Reduced desire to eat, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies.

Initially, Pham attributed these symptoms to his kidney condition. However, further evaluations at transplant centers revealed that he was also suffering from heart failure. “As I started going into transplant centers for further testing, the doctors discovered heart failure; when one organ starts failing, another one does,” he explained.

Dr. Shusterman elaborated on this interconnectedness, stating, “Heart failure and kidney failure often go hand in hand.” The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating the body’s salt and water balance. When they fail to function correctly, these substances can accumulate, placing additional strain on the heart. This situation can lead to a “domino effect,” where the failure of one organ precipitates the failure of another.

Current Treatment and Outlook

Presently, Pham undergoes 10 hours of peritoneal dialysis daily. This treatment utilizes the lining of the abdomen to filter blood, serving as an alternative to the kidney’s natural function. He is also on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and is scheduled for a heart procedure in the coming month.

Despite these significant health challenges, Pham maintains a positive outlook and actively shares his journey on TikTok under the handle @platinumkidney. His videos have garnered millions of views, resonating with many and raising awareness about kidney disease.

Pham emphasizes the importance of proactive health management, especially among young individuals who may feel invincible. “When you are young, you think you’re invincible, especially guys—we don’t do manual check-ups like women do,” he told FRONTPAGE. He advises, “My advice for young people is to always see a doctor and think about your health. Don’t take it for granted—just because you are young doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you.”

For those facing similar diagnoses, Pham offers words of encouragement: “It isn’t a death sentence.” He underscores the resilience of the human body and the advancements in medical treatments that can help manage such conditions.

Conclusion

Justin Pham’s experience underscores the critical importance of recognizing and addressing the subtle symptoms of kidney disease. Early detection and intervention can significantly impact outcomes, potentially preventing the progression to more severe stages. Pham’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that health should never be taken for granted, and proactive medical consultation is essential, regardless of age or perceived invincibility.