Category: Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

On By SCLMRoseIn #Inspirational, #PositiveThinking, #ThursdayThoughts, Blogging, Chronic Kidney Disease3 Comments

 

Dialysis Machine
Photo Credit – Fresenius Medical Care

 

 

Two years ago to the day, Feb. 1, 2016, my husband was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. He was not feeling well for months and his doctors could not figure out why. He was so sick that day, that I insisted I take him to emergency.

Within half an hour after he was wheeled to emergency, I was told he had to go to ICU. All his numbers at all tests were out of whack. That’s how bad he was. Long story short, he has been on dialysis ever since. I opted for home dialysis because I could not take it going to the clinic three times a week. This way, I can hook him up to his machine at night for 12 hours straight and I can still have my day free.

There are five stages of chronic kidney disease and unfortunately, he has Stage 5 End Stage Renal Disease. It sounds terrible but it’s the fact. He has no kidney function whatsoever. Death is such a morbid topic but I’m realistic. I told him he cannot go yet. I’m not ready. I stay positive. We used to joke about it. He said he did not think this was part of the deal when we got married. Well, for better, or for worst, in sickness and in health. .  .

Here are some facts about Chronic Kidney Disease per the National Kidney Foundation:

  • 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
  • Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
  • Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
  • Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
  • Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
  • High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
  • African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
  • Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

 

When we go to the clinic for his monthly check up, I’m amazed at how many people are undergoing treatment. Help us battle kidney disease. Many Americans know nothing about kidney disease until it is too late.

Stay healthy, eat the right food (stay away from salty food), exercise and have a positive mental attitude.

Until next time. Stop and Smell the Roses.

Rosalinda

 

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Charleston Kidney Walk for National Kidney Foundation

On By SCLMRoseIn #amwriting, #Author's Life, #CharlestonSC, #KidneyWalk, Blogging, Chronic Kidney Disease, National Kidney Foundation, Renal Disease2 Comments

team-kidney

Help us battle kidney disease. Many Americans know nothing about kidney disease until it is too late.

My husband was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) just over a year ago, Feb. 1, 2016 to be exact. He was not feeling good since July the year before but his doctor could not find anything wrong with him so I insisted on taking him to emergency because he said he was dying. Within the hour after he was wheeled to emergency room, the attending physician said he was going to ICU because he had kidney failure. His kidney completely stopped. If I did not take him to emergency, he could be dead in two weeks. Shock, disbelief and anger were my reactions. Five days in ICU, five days in private room and then my ordeal began at home.

He is now on peritoneal dialysis everyday at home and will be everyday for the rest of his life and on a very strict diet which I watch like a hawk. Our life has changed drastically since that day. Because of his advanced age, (he just turned 90 on Jan. 5), we don’t go out anymore. Our social life is going to see his doctors. I am his caregiver and it is a full-time job because he also has arthritis on his feet and is in constant pain. He feels weak and gets tired easily. He cannot do much and needs help constantly. It’s very discouraging but I try to stay positive.

On Sunday, March 12, there is a Charleston Kidney Walk at James Island County Park, SC sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation. I cannot join the walk because I can’t leave him alone and he can barely walk. I just thought of an idea to help out. I have written a book, “The Wentworth Legacy” last year which my husband edited and is dedicated to him. It received great review from Kirkus Review. I would like to donate all my royalty on the book sale starting today, right now till March 12 at 11.59 pm to the National Kidney Foundation. You can buy my book at Amazon.com. Here is the link to “The Wentworth Legacy” on Amazon – www.amazon.com/author/rosalindarmorgan. Please help me on this fundraising event and help National Kidney Foundation on its mission.

I appreciate your support.

The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as stated in National Kidney Foundation website.

  • 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
  • Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
  • Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
  • Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
  • Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
  • High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
  • African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
  • Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

Thank you very much.

Until next time. Stop and Smell the Roses.

Rosalinda Morgan

www.rosalindarmorgan.com