Last week I spoke with someone at my insurance about that $3500 bill I received. It’s frustrating because I called my insurance company but they couldn’t help me—they had to transfer me to someone in PA, even though my insurance originates here in NM. Whatever. It’s all too confusing. Prior to my calling them, I … Continue reading Paul and Babe (or “Lots of Updates”)
Author: Lori W
After a year of mysterious symptoms, I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. Little did I know that would only be half the battle.
The (Im)Practical Side of Disease
I think I have pretty good health insurance. I don’t know. Changes under the ACA several years ago allowed our agency to be eligible for federal health care insurance plans even though technically I’m not a federal employee. Of course every year there are changes to the plan but overall, it seems like most have … Continue reading The (Im)Practical Side of Disease
A Balancing Act
I got the first post-treatment lab and urinalysis results back… and everything went in the wrong direction. My creatinine increased, the protein in my urine practically doubled, and my eGFR dropped considerably. Suffice it to say this is not what I was hoping for. As a quick recap, in my layperson’s understanding, if the creatinine … Continue reading A Balancing Act
Whiner
Today’s just one of those days. Skip this entry if you don’t want to hear me do nothing but complain. Or maybe that's no different from all the other posts. Ha. The vast majority of the time I don’t dwell on all this crap, I just try to get through it. But today I’m just … Continue reading Whiner
The Friday Routine
Monday I had to go to the lab to have blood work done for the Pittsburgh nephrologist. I have to have the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) done once a month for the next year. This go-round she’s particularly interested in my potassium level because initially it was too high (“eat this low-potassium diet,” she said), … Continue reading The Friday Routine
No Particular Place To Go
Very quick update. It was a long, boring, but ultimately uneventful drive back from Pennsylvania. Just what I was hoping for. Since arriving back in Albuquerque, I’m just back to my COVID-normal routine of working from home, which really isn’t anything like normal. Per the requirements of the company I work for, I’ve had to … Continue reading No Particular Place To Go
Almost Human
Praise be to whomever! As of Monday, the swelling in my legs is markedly reduced. I have ankles again! The tops of my feet and my toes aren’t swollen! My bruises are fading. My knees are still pretty bad, which I notice mostly when trying to stand up or walk up the stairs (whose idea … Continue reading Almost Human
Dr. A
I was so looking forward to the in-person visit with Dr. A, and it didn’t disappoint. I found the hospital easily enough but man, it’s HUGE. Finding my way around once I got inside was challenging! Both times I’ve been at the hospitals (two different ones), some kind soul has seen that I was clearly … Continue reading Dr. A
Privilege
There is much unrest in the country right now and a lot of current discussion about privilege, but I’m going to leave that topic for people who are far brighter than I am.But I am privileged. It’s not lost on me that I am incredibly fortunate to have even been able to MAKE this trip … Continue reading Privilege
The End of the Road
I arrived in Pittsburgh today! It was a pretty drive through Kentucky, Ohio, even a wee bit of West Virginia. Very green and lots of water—always a plus for us desert rats. It was only about a six hour drive today but of course there was some drama. I mean why not. When I woke … Continue reading The End of the Road
