People confronting serious illness or disease need to know -- perhaps more than anything else -- that they are not alone. Help comes in many ways: through the counsel and care of a doctor, access to innovative new medicines and procedures, the support of loved ones, and the inspiration provided by others who have faced or are facing similar challenges.
Sharing Miracles is a forum for people to relate their own personal stories of hope and survival. Every patient's battle is unique, but the collective power of shared experiences can offer great help and courage to others who are fighting for their lives. Please join us -- and share your own story of hope and triumph.
I knew from the start I didn’t want to spend my days hooked up to a machine, watching my blood being filtered in and out of my body. But in 2005 when I found out that my kidneys were no longer functioning adequately, I was afraid the dialysis machine would be my only option. (more…)
Posted in Kidney Disease | No Comments »
I was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 15. I began dialysis treatments at age 17 and had my first kidney transplant a year later. Throughout this difficult time, I continued my education without interruption, graduated from high school, college. I worked for a short time before returning to college to earn an MS degree. I also received two more kidney transplants in that period of time. Due to my underlying condition, all 3 transplants rejected. I am now part of a self-care nocturnal home dialysis program (treatments while I sleep)and work full-time, while I remain on 3 waiting lists for a fourth kidney transplant. I now have end-stage renal failure. There is no cure. Without treatment, I would not be alive today. The two treatment options, dialysis and transplantation, each have their own set of risks and discomfort. (more…)
Posted in Kidney Disease | No Comments »