The beginning–> From Nurse to Patient L. Myers MSN RNC CSN

They call kidney disease/hypertension the silent killer. It’s important to pay attention to changes in your body and go to your doctor, not Dr. Google.

My symptoms were edema, my urine looked like there was soap in it and hypertension. My diagnosis was in 1994. The edema was the most pronounced symptom. I thought it was from walking but after resting and elevating my legs, the edema was displaced and once I was back on my feet it came back. I went to work and spoke with my attending physician, she asked that I get a straight cath (collection of urine using a catheter. One of my friends did it and they tested it for protein, and as suspected it was high. I was referred to a medical doctor, and she referred me to a nephrologist, and a kidney biopsy revealed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. 

It is overwhelming, I went from taking no medication at all to about 12 different medications. I needed blood pressure control, and to preserve kidney function. Your medications may be changed if you develop major side effects. The doctors are depending on you to tell them if something is wrong. Some medications may mimic asthma with symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing (Ace inhibitors). It can be an emotional rollercoaster for you watching your kidney function decline, but remember the only control that you have is keeping a tight medication regimen and being accountable for your health. Learn your medications and their names, put them in your notes if you have a smartphone or ask your doctors or nurse to print them out. I time my medication with an iPhone. If you’re going to go through this life-altering diagnosis, be the best at managing it. Own it. Kidney disease can cause confusion because your blood is not being properly filtered with advanced renal disease. 

“You either get bitter or you get better. It’s that simple. You either take what has been dealt to you and allow it to make you a better person or you allow it to tear you down. The choice does not belong to fate, it belongs to you.” – Josh Shipp. 

“If you stumble, make it part of the dance.” — Unknown

Feel free to ask me any questions about my journey. Although I’m a nurse I can only speak from a patient’s perspective. Give yourself grace.

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