By Elizabeth Olagoke Abai
A 35-year-old chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient, Adewole Ibrahim Abiola, has shared the painful story of his deteriorating health condition, describing how dialysis marked the beginning of what he called “my nightmare.”
Speaking with our correspondent, Abiola recounted how his health crisis began in early 2024 and gradually worsened until he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, forcing him into a life of frequent dialysis sessions and mounting medical expenses, “It all started in 2024 when I suddenly felt very ill,” Abiola said. “I went to get medications but I wasn’t getting better.”
According to him, the illness was initially treated as common ailments, “In February 2024, I called my nurse to treat me for malaria and thyroid, but there was no difference,” he explained. “By March 2024, the treatment was increased with more drips and injections, yet my condition was not improving.”
At the time, Abiola was in Lagos, but his worsening condition raised concerns among his family members, “My sister said it didn’t look like malaria or fever,” he recalled. “That was when my family decided I should return to Ibadan, my hometown, for proper medical care.”
Upon arriving in Ibadan, Abiola said he was taken to Life Shield Hospital, where he consulted a doctor identified as Mr. Mobolaji, “I used my sister’s hospital card to see the doctor at Life Shield Hospital,” he said. “The doctor then prescribed several medical tests to be carried out at Total Health Care Diagnostic Center.”
Abiola said the test results revealed a serious medical problem, “On June 20, 2024, the results showed that my urea and creatinine levels were excessively high, and my blood pressure was about 200,” he explained. “There were other indications pointing to severe hypertension.”
Following the results, he was referred to Mercy Hospital, where he spent several weeks under medical supervision, “At Mercy Hospital, a medical personnel identified as Mr. Durojaiye kept monitoring my condition,” he said. “But at that time, I felt like a body without a soul.”
He added that his condition soon worsened, “The situation became very tough. I started having severe crises and later became unconscious,” Abiola said. “That was when I was referred to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.”
Abiola said he regained consciousness on July 17, 2024, at UCH, “When I realized where I was, I saw that my family and friends had been running helter-skelter trying to bring me back to consciousness,” he said.
However, he alleged that it took time before treatment began, “For two days, several tests were carried out but no treatment or drugs were given until the results confirmed that I had chronic kidney disease (CKD),” he said.
According to Abiola, dialysis was recommended immediately after the diagnosis, “Dialysis was recommended and that was the beginning of my nightmare,” he said.
He explained that despite the recommendation, he could not begin dialysis immediately due to challenges at the hospital.
“We spent about two weeks without dialysis because the dialysis section at UCH was not stable,” he said. “There were power issues, faulty machines and other problems.”
He added that after waiting for weeks without improvement in the situation, he was discharged and advised to continue dialysis elsewhere.
“On August 9, 2024, I went to Purplemed Specialist Medical and Kidney Center in Bodija, Ibadan to begin dialysis,” he said.
Medical reports later showed that his treatment had already begun intensively, “As of August 14, 2024, according to a report by the medical officer, Mr. Ukoha Chidiebere, I had already undergone five sessions of haemodialysis,” he explained. “I was advised to continue dialysis at least three times weekly and to begin preparations for a kidney transplant as soon as possible.”
Abiola said he subsequently registered at St. Nicholas Hospital and Zenith Medical and Kidney Center in preparation for a possible kidney transplant, “Currently, I undergo dialysis at Rencare Dialysis Center in Lagos and Zenith Medical and Kidney Center in Maryland, Lagos,” he said.
He added that a medical report supporting his transplant request was later issued, “On September 20, 2024, St. Nicholas Hospital wrote a medical report on my behalf to the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs requesting financial support for my kidney transplant,” he said. “At that time, the transplant was estimated to cost about ₦15 million.” The report, he noted, was signed by Consultant Transplant Nephrologist Dr. E. L. Bamgboye. However, the financial burden of treatment has continued to rise, “Since 2025 till now, I have been undergoing dialysis two or three times every week depending on what I can afford,” he said.
Abiola also listed the medications he takes regularly, including Nifedipine Retard, Alpha Methyldopa, Torsemide, Labetalol, Telmisartan, Calcium Carbonate, Alpha Meditriol, Astyfer, Vitamin C, Iron Sucrose injections and Erythropoietin.
He said each dialysis session comes at a high cost.
“If I use Zenith Hospital, it costs about ₦65,000 per session and I am required to do dialysis three times weekly,” he explained.
He further broke down the expenses:
“Recomore injection costs about ₦10,000.”
“Iron Sucrose costs around ₦2,000.”
“Dialysis session costs about ₦55,000.”
According to him, the cost is slightly lower at another centre.
“At Rencare Dialysis Center, I spend about ₦57,000 per session including injections and iron sucrose,” he said.
He added that complications during dialysis sometimes increase the cost.
“While on the machine, I sometimes experience severe headaches, low or high blood sugar and other complications, which may attract extra charges,” he said.
Abiola revealed that the financial burden of treatment has already reached millions.
“From September 2024 till March 2026, I have spent about ₦15.9 million on dialysis,” he said.
He also described the emotional toll the illness has taken on him, “Sometimes I cannot afford the recommended three sessions per week,” he said. “Sometimes the cheaper center is not available. At times I feel like I am already dead.”
He disclosed that his most recent dialysis session took place on April 14, 2026, “My next appointment will cost about ₦70,000 depending on complications,” he said. “This situation is beginning to push me into depression.”
According to Abiola, the cost of a kidney transplant has also risen significantly.
“The kidney transplant now costs about ₦50 million,” he said. “I honestly don’t know how I can raise that amount when dialysis alone is draining all the resources.”
Abiola, who is also battling hepatitis B and hypertension, is appealing for financial assistance and public support to enable him undergo a life-saving kidney transplant.
“This is my story,” he said. “I just want help to stay alive.”