In 2006, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, specifically, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a rare disease that attacks the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli) and causes serious scarring that leads to permanent kidney damage and even kidney failure. FSGS is one of the causes of a serious condition known as Nephrotic Syndrome.
Upon diagnosis, I was given a "10 year" number. My doctor at the time said, "Oh, it'll be about 10 years before you start to see any real problems". Well, exactly 10 years later, in 2016 my kidneys started failing. I was evaluated and placed on the Duke Transplant list in June 2016. As the year went on, my kidney's started to get worse. I was at 8% kidney function (in both kidneys) and my doctor told me it was time to start dialysis. On August 8th, 2017 I started peritoneal dialysis (PD). With peritoneal dialysis, there is a catheter placed in your abdomen to allow for an "exchange" (dialysis) to happen. Since starting dialysis I have had several hospital stays, a couple of bouts of peritonitis (infection in my abdomen), site infections, weight gain, and swelling in my body. I am on several medications to help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, calcium deficiency, and phosphorus. Kidney disease has also caused me to have anemia. I have had several rounds of prednisone which also causes weight gain. However, through it all, I remain hopeful. Hopeful, that one day I will receive the call for a kidney or I will find a living donor.
In 2009, I was blessed with my son...through which I would find out that I would not be able to have anymore because of this disease. I am currently a divorced, single mother raising my son, working full-time, in school full-time, and "hooking" up to my life support every night. I am currently raising money in preparation for "that call". I currently work full-time and have health insurance through my employer which will cover the cost of surgery; however, I need assistance with everyday living expenses. My job will be secure, however, I don't have enough sick leave to cover me for the duration of recovery. Recovery can be at least 3 months. I am looking for assistance to help with things that insurance won't cover...those daily bills (i.e., mortgage, lights, water, caretaker, etc..) for at least 3 months. Any amount will help. All I want to do during recovery is recover and not have the added stress of worrying about bills.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued prayers!
Upon diagnosis, I was given a "10 year" number. My doctor at the time said, "Oh, it'll be about 10 years before you start to see any real problems". Well, exactly 10 years later, in 2016 my kidneys started failing. I was evaluated and placed on the Duke Transplant list in June 2016. As the year went on, my kidney's started to get worse. I was at 8% kidney function (in both kidneys) and my doctor told me it was time to start dialysis. On August 8th, 2017 I started peritoneal dialysis (PD). With peritoneal dialysis, there is a catheter placed in your abdomen to allow for an "exchange" (dialysis) to happen. Since starting dialysis I have had several hospital stays, a couple of bouts of peritonitis (infection in my abdomen), site infections, weight gain, and swelling in my body. I am on several medications to help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, calcium deficiency, and phosphorus. Kidney disease has also caused me to have anemia. I have had several rounds of prednisone which also causes weight gain. However, through it all, I remain hopeful. Hopeful, that one day I will receive the call for a kidney or I will find a living donor.
In 2009, I was blessed with my son...through which I would find out that I would not be able to have anymore because of this disease. I am currently a divorced, single mother raising my son, working full-time, in school full-time, and "hooking" up to my life support every night. I am currently raising money in preparation for "that call". I currently work full-time and have health insurance through my employer which will cover the cost of surgery; however, I need assistance with everyday living expenses. My job will be secure, however, I don't have enough sick leave to cover me for the duration of recovery. Recovery can be at least 3 months. I am looking for assistance to help with things that insurance won't cover...those daily bills (i.e., mortgage, lights, water, caretaker, etc..) for at least 3 months. Any amount will help. All I want to do during recovery is recover and not have the added stress of worrying about bills.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued prayers!