About Me / My Story

In the Beginning

My kidney disease began when I was born and had to have the left one taken out due to being nonfunctional. This was okay because people can live a normal, full life with just one kidney! However, I was experiencing bladder reflux and had to have ureteral reimplantation surgery at 2 months old then part of my bladder closed off at 2 years old in order for my remaining kidney to be able to filter the way it should.

As a Kid

Growing up was full of doctor appointments to monitor my kidney function as well as a few other things that came up later in life such as endocrine and vision issues. I loved to play sports and wanted to do everything my older brothers did. I had to wear annoying protective gear that never fit right in order to do those things, but it kept my only kidney safe, so it was worth the inconvenience. Unfortunately, as I got old enough to move out and live on my own, I was so tired of doctors and just wanted to focus on my career. This caused time to get away from me... a lot of time.

Adult Life

Fast forward 29 years later.

In July of 2022 I was admitted to the ER after receiving alarming lab results and found out I was in End Stage Renal Failure.  

I am now on in-center hemodialysis treatments 3 times a week for 3 hours at a time. I cannot do half the things I used to love, including traveling long distances and eating chocolate! I have to check the phosphorous, sodium, potassium and calcium levels in everything before I consume it AND limit my fluid intake to just 32 oz a day. The simplest things I used to take for granted.