One trac(t) at a time: The Big Red Kidney Walk | HerCanberra

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One trac(t) at a time: The Big Red Kidney Walk

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[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6z3rptm0LFU/VA0gwZ8JssI/AAAAAAAAIvY/bj6TvS2lbU8/s144-c-o/BJP_1617.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/TheBigRedKidneyWalkLisaSStory#6056533089852175042″ caption=”Lisa runs FEEDinc Nutrition Clinic.” type=”image” alt=”BJP_1617.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w300″ pe2_img_align=”right” ]

Finding out she had a serious kidney condition was the last thing nutritionist Lisa Donaldson expected when she had a urinary tract infection at 21.

Now 36, Lisa is mum to gorgeous nine-month-old Nathaniel, runs FEEDinc Nutrition Clinic, and works as a nutritionist for the Michelle Bridges 12-Week Body Transformation.

She will be at this year’s Canberra Big Red Kidney Walk, a 5k stroll to raise money and awareness for Kidney Health Australia on September 21, offering health checks and advice.

Lisa said that prior to her diagnosis, she had always been healthy and had no indication that anything was wrong.

“I took Ural for my urinary tract infection and thought it would just go away, but it got worse and I ended up with a severe fever,” she said. “I went to hospital and found out there were bigger things going on.”

Lisa was diagnosed with a condition called kidney dysplasia, which means the internal structures of her kidneys didn’t develop normally in the womb. Fluid-filled sacs called cysts replace normal kidney tissue.

“I was conceived six months after my sister was born, so doctors wondered if that was the reason but we’ll never really know,” she said.

Around the time of her diagnosis, doctors told Lisa she wouldn’t be able to have children, so she discussed it with her husband Dane, who she formed a five-year friendship with through teaching an RPM class which he attended.

“He didn’t want kids either, but after we got married a point came when we decided to investigate the possibility,” she said.

“I fell pregnant quickly but I didn’t feel anxious at all, because my renal team were closely watching over me every step of the way. They were very diligent and it was smooth sailing – Nathaniel was born after a drug-free labour on Melbourne Cup Day.”

Thanks to her nutrition knowledge, Lisa manages her condition well through a strict diet, with a check-up every six months.

She has also been diagnosed with coeliac disease and has a lactose intolerance, and it was a combination of these things, along with the renal diet, that inspired her to get into nutrition.

“I began reading about nutrition – I wanted to understand food and health, so I went back to uni and studied a Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics at UC,” she said.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ml6WeEd8fpQ/VA0gwCIgegI/AAAAAAAAIvk/Jn8k2-8EfGk/s144-c-o/150773_10151618927194458_2019571262_n.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/TheBigRedKidneyWalkLisaSStory#6056533083461548546″ caption=”Lisa is part of Michelle Bridges’ 12WBT Team” type=”image” alt=”150773_10151618927194458_2019571262_n.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w300″ pe2_img_align=”center” pe2_caption=”1″ ]

Now she spends her mornings online with 12WBT, answering questions, checking the meal plans and managing a team of dietitians.

On Fridays she works out of her nutrition clinic FEEDinc in Kingston, where she helps a range of clients including those with coeliac disease, kidney issues, sports dietetics and weight loss issues.

Lisa will be performing health checks at the Canberra Big Red Kidney Walk by using body composition scales.

“They give an analysis of the visceral fat around the organs, limbs, body fat, how hydrated you are, muscles, bone mass, the calories your body needs, waist circumference, physique rating and body type,” she said.

“It’s so important to be aware of your health, as kidney disease can affect anyone and there are often no symptoms until a lot of damage has been done.”

the essentials

What: Canberra Big Red Kidney Walk
Where: Central Basin, Lake Burley Griffin, off Barrine Drive, Parkes (near the National Carillon)
When: Sunday, 21 September 2014, 11am-1pm
How far: A 5k stroll around the lake, with a shorter route available for those less energetic
How much: Individual: $10; group: $50; children <12: free
Web: bigredkidneywalk2014.gofundraise.com.au/cms/canberra

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