AnnJeanette Mendoza

On Dec 31st, 2024, I couldn't breathe. My left foot was swollen, and I couldn't sleep. I rushed to the E.R. at St. Joseph Hospital at 5 am. Tests, ultrasound, blood tests, CAT scans, high BP 230/130. My nephrologist came in to tell me my kidneys were failing. I was in total shock to hear that, to take in everything. I was ESRD Stage 5 Kidney Disease, just heartbreaking . A million things in mind: my job, my kids, my husband, my life, finances, bills. Getting an emergency hemo catheter placement in my chest was all new to me. I was worried, so concerned. I didn't know what to do. Once discharged, I knew my life was about to change. I've been in dialysis since January 2025; today makes 7 months. I've been through tough roads, tough times, and my faith and strength come from Our Lord & Savior. What kept me sane was never giving up, continuing to trust God , praying ✝️ for healing every day I get up. Dialysis is 3x a week for 4 hours. In January, I was very weak, very tired, very quiet. I managed to do research on my diets, food I need to eat and not eat. Balanced my blood work on specific things I made sure I worked on. Through the grace of God, I have learned to give it to God, knowing that He continues to walk with me because in the end, there is a purpose why He saved me on Dec 31, 2024. There is a greater purpose, a plan that God has for me. There was a time when I wanted to give up, but in my mind, I prayed that day, and I said, 'Lord, it's gonna be a long hard walk with you.' He spoke to me and said, 'Don't worry, don't be scared or sad, I am with you always. I will carry you through your ups and downs, your trials & testings. I will never forsake you.' I decided to choose life, my family, my kids, my husband of 19 years. I was then told that dialysis first (which is not a cure, but a treatment), then kidney transplant would be next while on dialysis. Here I am today, referred to 2 hospitals in O.C., self-referral to Transplant Hospital in San Diego. All my tests are done, waiting for clearance from the surgeon to be placed on the waiting list. That's my goal, next work up on hubby plus eval. It's basically a waiting game. I'm hoping in 3 months they will be giving me the important phone call. Praying that all goes well with me. I can finally move forward. Keep praying for me and hubby and kidney transplant.