Studies show a connection between DV and Chronic Illness

When the doctor told me I was in 4th stage CKD (chronic kidney disease), I couldn't believe it. It had been 11 years since I was diagnosed at stage 2. From 2010 until 2017, my condition fluctuated between stages 2 and 3. Then, suddenly, in July 2018, I found myself at stage 3 and had to undergo a series of blood tests to evaluate my kidney function. The doctor expressed significant concern about my creatinine level, which is normally between 0.6 and 1.2 milligrams. Mine? A staggering 8.6. This result led to the doctor recommending that I go to the hospital on the eve of Christmas 2018. 

I was en route to work at a church to finalize the bulletins for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when I received a call from my nephrologist's office instructing me to "go directly to the closest emergency room." There was no going to work that day. I spent Christmas 2018 in Chestnut Hill Hospital. 

Initially, the plan was to start emergency dialysis because my creatinine had spiked to 8.9. However, the next day it fell to 6.2. My nephrologist advised that I wait and come to his hospital for the procedure so he could oversee it personally. 

I had to face the harsh reality: I was in renal failure. Although I was still grappling with the situation and didn't fully grasp what I was facing, it was explained to me, yet I struggled to comprehend the implications of my condition. 

Throughout my five years of dialysis at Davita and Fresenius, I noticed a significant lack of patient advocacy, particularly for older patients from nursing homes. This experience raised my awareness about the importance of kidney transplants and organ donation, which can be lifesaving for individuals like me.