NKF Mentoring : FSGS Sucks

I've recently volunteered to be a peer mentor with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).  You can go here to read more about the program.  Anyway, I've had phone training for the last 2 nights, and it's been very interesting.  The stories of the other volunteers blow me away...seriously, these people have been through A LOT, so it's awesome that they're so positive and willing to help people through this.

I guess that's kind of why I volunteered.  When I was FIRST diagnosed with MCD and took prednisone, I was a wreck.  I mean a complete and utter mess in my head.  What a difference it would've made had I had someone to talk to about it.  How do I know?  Because THIS time around (and now that my diagnosis has changed and become more severe) I've reached out, and created this AMAZING network of kidney peeps.  Sadly, not everyone is as "internet savvy" as I might be, or they just don't have the amount of time.  Maybe they're sicker than I am, or are REALLY struggling..that's what will make this program great...knowing that people have people to talk to...for validation of their feelings, for justification of their feelings...for a shoulder to cry on or an ear to yell into.  Whatever it takes, I'll be there.

Delinquent. : FSGS Sucks

I've been a bit delinquent lately...about my diet, about being a mentor on Nephspace...about blogging.  There's just SO much going on right now that I feel like, sometimes, I'm just fighting to make it through the day so I can go back to bed.

Joacim is traveling for the next 2 weeks, which means it's not going to get too much easier.  I totally overdid it this weekend, trying to cram 2 weeks worth of projects into 2 days, but it's DONE!  WOOOOOHOOOO!  I'd like to say, "Now I can relax", but anyone that knows me KNOWS that I'm only fooling myself :)

We still have no offers on the house, and I asked our realtor to not schedule any showings while he's gone.  We should be getting our buyout offer this week, so keep your fingers crossed for us that it's decent!  We're still trying to figure out when the heck we're actually physically moving (still not sure), but I DO think that I've solidified my plans for starting my new job, so that's one thing off the list.  I don't think any progress has been made on our new house, which is scaring the bejezus outta me.  Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, in this whole process has been easy.

The swelling is back...it's just a part of life now.  I'm just guessing that I become tolerant to diuretics very fast, and that there isn't anything (medically) that can help me anymore.  I'm back on track with watching my salt, and I'm getting ready to order some thigh-high support stockings (hmmm..wonder if they come in fishnets?  No?  well they should! ;)

My life is awesome.