Because of the organ donation rules, Kathryn can’t make a personal ‘ask’ for a living kidney donation. However, as most of us may not know what life on dialysis is like, we’ve asked Kathryn to share some of her thoughts and emotions as she adapts to dialysis.
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Yes, there are bad days, good days, and all the shades of grey that now colour her life. But Kathryn’s indomitable spirit is her constant companion.
March 2023
Went with Mom and (sister) Karen to Mexico. Not only did we go south, so did my health.... Read More
April 2023
My kidney function had been stable for so long that I just presumed ... Read More
May 2023
Despite worsening kidney function, determined to go to France in June to visit good friends and then travel to Greece for a yoga retreat. I was in denial.
June 2023
Cancelled my trip to France and Greece... Read More
July 2023
Since I was a kid, I’ve spent time at a cottage on Lake Huron. Its my happy place... Read More
August 2023
Barely functional. There’s no avoiding the inevitable. I must start dialysis.
Sept 2023
My life on dialysis begins. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For roughly five hours. Each day... Read More
Oct 2023
I’d hoped that once my body got used to dialysis, the exhaustion and headaches on treatment days would gradually lessen. That hasn’t been the case. Read More
Nov 2023
I’m still not tolerating the dialysis, and the exhaustion and headaches on treatment days continue... Read More
Dec 2023
Put on my party dress and co-hosted the annual Holiday Open House... Read More
October 2023
I’d hoped that once my body got used to dialysis, the exhaustion and headaches on treatment days would gradually lessen. That hasn’t been the case. However, on the bright side, non-treatment days are good. I have loads of energy which given the long list of ‘to dos’ I try and get through when I’m feeling well, is a good thing. On these days, I try and spend time with my Mom who has a few health issues of her own. I’m forever grateful for my sister, Karen, who has had to solely support Mom as I’m just not able to do so.
June 2023
Cancelled my trip to France and Greece. I’m devastated but knew if I had kidney failure on a small Greek island with limited medical facilities, it could very well be a life and death situation.
May 2023
Despite worsening kidney function, determined to go to France in June to visit good friends and then travel to Greece for a yoga retreat. I was in denial.
November 2023
I’m still not tolerating the dialysis, and the exhaustion and headaches on treatment days continue. There’s talk of reducing the length of daily treatment time, but this would require a fourth treatment day. Unfortunately, my other health issues are still very much part of my life and medical appointments take up many of my non-treatment days. This leaves little time for family time, connecting with friends who offer unwavering support, and taking the time I need to refocus and recharge. I have a wonderful medical team and together we’re looking at options that won’t include a fourth treatment day.
April 2023
My kidney function had been stable for so long that I just presumed that it could stay that way. I was so wrong. Kidney function started to drop dramatically.
March 2023
Went with Mom and (sister) Karen to Mexico. Not only did we go south, so did my health. No appetite, gastric issues, losing weight. Then pain and inflammation in my feet (not the ‘usual’ arthritic kind), and soon thereafter couldn’t walk. Didn’t know it at the time, but all this was related to my failing kidneys.
September 2023
My life on dialysis begins. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For roughly five hours. Each day. At the end of treatment, I’m wiped out and invariably have a headache that sends me straight to bed once I get home. It’s difficult because I know it may very well be my new reality for the rest of my life. I try and stay focussed on the positive…dialysis, while a figurative and literal tether, will make me feel better.
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One of the first things I had to deal with was the irritation caused by the adhesive on the dressing that secures my dialysis port to my upper chest. Drives me crazy. The only relief I get is when the dressing is changed and the area is dabbed with saline.
August 2023
Barely functional. There’s no avoiding the inevitable. I must start dialysis.
July 2023
Since I was a kid, I’ve spent time at a cottage on Lake Huron. Its my happy place. Unfortunately, the cottage was due to be torn down. It took all I had to gather my strength to get to the cottage…but I did it! Once there, I didn’t do much…because I couldn’t. But I was determined to go there to say thanks for all the memories. A very bittersweet time.