In late February, my life was turned upside down. I was suffering from unmanageable
headaches; the pain became so unbearable one night I ended up in the emergency room in a
state of hypertensive emergency and a labs indicative of kidney failure. Several tests and a kidney biopsy later, I was given a devastating diagnosis of Crescentic IgA
Nephropathy and told that I needed a kidney transplant immediately.
IgA Nephropathy varies in severity, some people catch it early and all they must do is modify
their diet and some simple lifestyle changes and they don’t really feel the effects of it.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case for me. I was diagnosed with stage 5, which is the most
severe form and the only chance for me to have any sort of normal kidney function is to have a
transplant.
After spending 8 days in the hospital, I was sent home with a plethora of medications to try to
salvage the 14% of kidney function that I had left. After nearly two month of daily medications,
weekly labs trends and frequent doctors’ visits, I am at a point where I must start dialysis. At this point in time my best chance for survival and returning to a normal life of a 30-year-old, is
to find a living donor. If you or someone you know would be interested in signing up to possibly be my donor, I have included the link below. I know that an organ is a big ask, so if you want to help in some other way, I have started a store where you can purchase trinkets to help support my medical bills. If you are unable to help in those ways, I would just appreciate prayers, good vibes and great manifestation for my future.
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I have always been incredibly independent and having my independence taken away so suddenly has been devastating. As difficult as this situation has been, my support system has been more incredible than I could have ever imagined. My friends and family have been by my side every step of the way and have lifted so much weight off my shoulders. I feel so loved.
I intend to use this blog to keep you all updated on this journey. It’s going to be a long and
emotional one, I’m sure but I intend to be very honest and vulnerable with you all. My life
changed in an instant but I’m here to roll with the punches, and I hope you’ll follow along with
me. Thank you all for the love and support you show me each day.
Now let’s get this kidney!
I have attached a helpful link for more information on my diagnosis.
https://igan.org/
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