Gymnast Suni Lee, the woman who gained immense popularity with her all-around title victory at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games, is all prepared for her sensational comeback to the Olympic stage. Recently, the 21-year-old gymnast finished fourth in the championships, and she is now practising for the Team USA trials, which will be held at the end of June. However, her personal battle is going on in the background of all these achievements. Suni is fighting a life-threatening disease, and her health issue has significantly affected her training and daily life.
Suni Lee's Health Journey
Suni Lee recently revealed in an interview with SELF magazine that she has been diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease. She explained that the revelation followed her ending the NCAA gymnastics season at Auburn University because of health concerns, pausing her training for six months.
It was in February, Suni says, that she woke up one morning with swollen ankles. The next day it spread to her entire body—the face, legs, and hands. Though she suspected an allergic reaction to something in the beginning, the symptoms did not disappear with any medication, causing her to gain weight rapidly. "I just kept getting more swollen…and I think I gained, like, 40 pounds," Suni shared. Eventually, she started facing difficulties in peeing as well. The combination of severe symptoms and difficulty in peeing led to more medical tests for her, including a kidney biopsy, which eventually discovered her medical condition.
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Understanding Kidney Diseases
As per Dr Vaibhav Keskar, Consultant Nephrology, Fortis Hospital Mulund, kidney diseases refer to the conditions that damage the kidney's ability to clean blood and filter out waste. Depending on the specific condition, kidney diseases vary in diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease is an umbrella term for conditions that damage the kidneys, reducing their ability to clean blood. Because of this, waste can build up in the body, leading to several health problems.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
PKD is a genetic disorder characterised by the growth of fluid-filled cysts on the kidneys, which can impair their function over time. While there is no cure, treatments can slow cyst growth and manage symptoms.
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Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
TTP is a rare blood disorder in which small blood clots form throughout the body, causing damage to the organs. It is most often treated by means of plasma therapies, and no definitive cure has yet been established.
Primary Hyperoxaluria
This is a rare liver disease in which the liver produces too much oxalate. Oxalate can accumulate in the kidneys, causing stones and damage. The goal of the treatment is to manage oxalate levels.
Lupus Nephritis
An autoimmune disorder, lupus nephritis occurs when the immune system attacks the kidneys, leading to inflammation and the impairment of kidney function. Treatments are oriented toward reducing immune system activity.
Minimal Change Disease (MCD)
MCD is more common in children. It affects the tiny vessels present in the kidneys, which affects their filtering ability. It can often be managed or cured with appropriate treatment.
IgA Nephropathy
The rare disease IgA nephropathy occurs when the immune system antibodies deposit in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage. Treatments can slow disease progression even though there is no definitive cure.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
HUS is a condition wherein red blood cells are destroyed, and organ damage to the kidneys is caused. In some cases, it may be caused by infection, medication, or even genetic factors. Early treatment is what’s needed to manage this disease.
Suni Lee’s Diagnosis
Despite her diagnosis, Suni Lee's determination and resilience have not waned. Her comeback to competitive gymnastics, while managing an incurable kidney disease, is a testament to her strength and perseverance. As she prepares for the Team USA trials, Suni continues to inspire with her unwavering commitment to her sport and her courage in facing health challenges.
Bottomline
In summary, Suni Lee's journey is one that speaks volume about the issue of awareness and understanding of kidney diseases. The diseases, despite their seriousness and changing life, are surmountable with proper management and treatment, enabling an individual to live a fulfilling life. Her story stands as a poignant testament to the human spirit's indomitable will, which rises above all hardships and achieves greatness.