Now, don’t let me mislead you, kidney infections were no stranger to me. They’d kind of stepped up in severity/frequency in my early 30’s. I’d wait too long to go to a doctor because, well, that’s how tough I thought I was.
One day I was working construction and it was HOT outside. That afternoon I was wrapped in ice and came very close to heat stroke…turned out to be heat exhaustion. The next day, I felt like I’d been in an accident from the soreness I felt all over, which is what happens when you dehydrate rapidly. Lesson learned… stay hydrated and watch for symptoms now that you’re more susceptible to heat stroke. The diagnosis was a severe kidney infection (on the verge of blood poisoning) due to dehydration and lack of follow up. That was all on me.
Back at the job site a few days later, I jumped off the crew bus, took a step or two, spun around and landed all balled up in the sand. I only thought I knew what dizzy was until that moment. Looking back, I’m pretty sure God reached down and grabbed my head and gave me a quick spin to wake my ass up! I’d been ignoring bad headaches and a searing pain going up my back into my neck for days. Off to a doctor I go, company order.
Six weeks later, not able to work yet and still fighting the kidney infection, I was sent to a urologist in another town. Sweet, compassionate man who, after many tests and visits, had the job of explaining I had a genetic disorder called Polycystic Kidney Disease. PKD. He took his time with me, gave me a pamphlet, said if it flared up, it would be in my mid forties or so. He told me to be extra mindful of infections and treat them promptly.
The thing with PKD is, many people have certain forms but they never experience issues. Normally, if it’s going to show its evil-self, it will be during your forties. This pertains to the type I have.
I took the pamphlet and sat my Dad down. For some reason, we had this conversation on the floor, cross legged like Indians! We talked straight forward and to the point. No tears, no fear. That was years down the road and no use worrying because it might never happen. As far as I was concerned, it wasn’t even a threat. Looking back as a parent myself, he worried but showed absolutely no cause for alarm. I followed his strong lead fearlessly.
I backed off the hot work of construction that I did for the time being because I was always acutely aware things were not quite right, and I didn’t really care for that feeling. But, c’est la vie. Yes … and on with the process of living!
Side Note: So much research has been dedicated to PKD since I was diagnosed that there is definitely more than ONE pamphlet now and also a hotline. HOPE Line 844-PKD-HOPE or www.connect.pkd.cure Take advantage of this resource if you have been recently diagnosed or know someone afflicted.
Early Layer Reveal.
💚
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT Kidney Interrupted POST!