The Beginning and Update

Well, I guess the cat is pretty much out of the bag at this point, but apparently there are still a few people who are in the dark. So here's the story:

September 5th: I went to the ER with a severe headache and blurry vision. After triage, I'm told that my blood pressure was 246/157. Everyone starts freaking out! After an EKG, CT scan, several blood test and an ultrasound, I'm told that my kidneys are struggling. I am officially admitted into the hospital. After a few inpatient days, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. I was released on September 8th with two prescriptions for high blood pressure and was told to follow up with a kidney specialist. 

September 15th: I go back to the ER with severe abdominal pain and an overall feeling of “something is very wrong”. My blood pressure is still high, but not as dangerous as last time. However, my kidney numbers look worst and I’ve developed a very small infection around my liver. Again, I am admitted into the hospital. After meeting with my nephrologist (kidney doctor), I am setup with a kidney biopsy and informed that I will need dialysis. Over the next 10 days I meet many doctors, get new prescriptions, and have a perma-cath installed for inpatient dialysis. Eventually, I’m informed that I’ve been downgraded to Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease and I will need to continue dialysis until I am able to have a kidney transplant. Once an outpatient program was setup for me, I was released and sent home with a total of 6 prescriptions told up follow up with my kidney specialist, primary care physician, and my vascular surgeon. 

I am home now. I have dialysis 3 times a week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 3-7pm. My energy level varies day to day, but overall has been on the upswing. This is a huge, drastic change in my life, but I am processing and adapting as best I can. I AM STILL ME! I still laugh. I still make jokes. I just turn into a pumpkin around 9pm depending on how much energy I have that day. Some days I may just stay in bed. It all depends on how I feel. THIS IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE. THIS IS A LIFESTYLE CHANGE. THAT IS ALL!!!