Bob Churchill's Kidney and Renal Disease Treatment

Stage 5 kidney failure with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is not a diagnosis anyone wants to hear, but that is the hardship that Bob Churchill is suffering from.

My name is Robert Churchill. I am 58 years old and have been married to Mary for 31 years. We have two grown sons, Hunter and Noah.

My health started failing in July 2024. I had been feeling really tired and weak but ignored my symptoms until December 10, 2024, when my health got so much worse. I went to the doctor, and through the initial blood work, it was determined that my creatinine level was in excess of 16. I was sent immediately to the emergency room and admitted to the hospital. My diagnosis was Acute Kidney Injury. I had a port put in to start dialysis immediately. I also had to start plasmapheresis, which is a procedure where blood is removed, the plasma is separated from the blood cells, and then the blood cells are returned to the body with a replacement fluid. This is used to remove harmful substances that are attacking healthy tissues in autoimmune diseases. I had to remain in the hospital for treatment for 11 days. Finally, I was released but required additional outpatient dialysis three times a week. I was put on Cyclophosphamide for kidney disease and autoimmune disorder. I’m also on a steroid called Prednisone (60mg daily) for autoimmune disorder. Since beginning this in December, the Prednisone has had horrific side effects, which include severe psychiatric symptoms, mania, mood swings, personality changes, aggression, agitation, blurred vision, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headache, irritability, mood changes, numbness in limbs, pounding in the ears, shortness of breath, trouble thinking, speaking, and walking.

My personality had changed so much I was like a totally different person. My manic state was so bad that I was in and out of the hospital and ended up in the Psychiatric/Medical ward in Iowa City. The Prednisone dosage was lowered to 10mg, and I was able to go home after two weeks as the most severe symptoms had improved.

Between the doctor bills and hospital stays, which are thousands of dollars and climbing, medication expenses in excess of $365 per month after insurance, and me not being able to work at a job, we are having a financial hardship. Surviving on one paycheck is impossible. Our savings is now gone after being used to purchase medications, pay insurance deductibles, and cover monthly bills.

The only thing keeping our spirits up is the knowledge that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ hears our prayers as we put our trust in Him. He has blessed us with a wonderful family and our Church family who have been so supportive. We thank God for all His blessings throughout this journey. God is good!! I continue to praise God even on my most difficult days.