Helen, your friend sounds amazing and so do you. I really admire your positivity in spite of experiencing such problems since such a young age.
By coincidence, my problems started in babyhood but at the age of 13 it was finally discovered that my left kidney was causing the problems - it was removed and I never looked back until about 8 years ago. I found myself bedbound with a painful and immobilising illness that no-one could diagnose, until a linked condition came along which threatened my eyesight. I was then diagnosed with both PMR and GCA, linked autoimmune illnesses which required very high dose steroids to protect my eyesight and reduce/control the inflammation in the muscles and arteries of my body. It took 6+ years for it to go into remission but in the meantime CKD3 was diagnosed.
I have also tried Candesartan, among many other BP lowering drugs but they have all had unwanted side effects that badly affected my quality of life including walking, and yes the diuretic, Indapamide, was prescribed partly to offset the inflamed and swollen legs from firstly Amlodipine and then Diltiazem, and partly to reduce high BP. I doubt it is coincidence that my kidney function has dropped 8 points in the 3 weeks since starting Indapamide - now withdrawn 3 days ago due to low sodium, high creatinine and high urea, thus reducing the eGFR from 47 to 39. The fatigue that hit on the 2nd-3rd week of this pill was soooo debilitating. Previously, although low, it was mostly stable with a very very slight drop each year or so.
I haven't asked the renal consultant if my function i "naturally dropping" - he just appears to believe the pills are the problem, or rather my body is the problem because it is so sensitive to the pills. Anyway, I doubt whether in this case it would be possible to confirm whether my function was "naturally dropping" whilst taking so many drugs known to aggravate kidney function. However, I have to bear in mind that Anno Domini might be coming into play - I am a 'young' 72-year-old!!!
As to how I feel at the moment, I was feeling fine before BP treatment started 18 months ago and have had bouts of feeling great inbetween, particularly whilst on Losartan only but unfortunately that isn't sufficient to control my BP.
As you mention being at end stage kidney failure, do you follow a special diet. I remember once reading that it was helpful to avoid too much protein and overcook the veggies - can't remember why.
You haven't mentioned your age, but my heart goes out to you especially if you are much younger than me. I'm so glad you are passed ok for a possible transplant in the future. On a recent holiday, by coincidence, I met an American lady in her early 50's who has a transplanted kidney. My local Vet is quite young and also has a transplanted kidney courtesy of her lovely hubby. She is very well and holding down a very demanding job with all the poorly animals. Lots of good luck wishes, Helen.