Beginning on a journey to the dialysis clinic three times a week, each session lasting 3.5 hours, punctuates my life. Despite the breaks, being a dialysis patient shapes my daily existence, filled with medical appointments, household chores, and moments of rest.
Lessons from the Blood-Cleaning Machine
Over a year and a half into my dialysis journey, the blood-cleaning machine has been an unexpected teacher, imparting invaluable lessons that echo beyond the clinic walls.
The Value of Energy
Once drained to the point of needing assistance with a cane or walker, I faced a stark reality. A trip to Walmart with a cane became a humbling experience at the tender age of 22, where even the preacher sensed the severity of my condition. Drained and frail, I had to rethink my approach to daily life, especially meals.
Support from Adoptive Parents
In Michigan, my adoptive parents became pillars of support, playfully teasing me about my eating habits while ensuring my preferences were integrated into our meals. Their unwavering care extended to doctor appointments, where they would push me in a wheelchair for longer walks, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to my well-being.
The Duality of Pain and Fatigue
Pain becomes a constant companion in the life of a dialysis patient, making coherent thinking challenging. Yet, the true challenge lies in managing the relentless beast of fatigue. Days when even a walk to the bathroom demands every ounce of energy become a stark reality.
Living for the "Good" Days
Despite the challenges, a silver lining emerges on dialysis – the presence of more "good" days. As a patient, these moments bring a renewed sense of hope and the opportunity to reclaim a semblance of a normal, healthy life.