In late August, I was preparing to visit St. Louis to attend my father’s wedding when I became sick with covid. I immediately cancelled my flight plans for myself and my daughters, then settled in to rest and recover. In 2011, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. I had a flare up in 2012 that severely damaged my kidneys. My treatment for the disease makes me immunosuppressed. I knew having covid was going to be a challenge with my medical history. This proved to be true. About a week after getting covid, I had become so sick I couldn’t get up and walk without struggling to breathe. My husband was in St. Louis at the time to care for his parents, so my two young adult daughters cared for me. They saw my condition and took me to the hospital. By the time I got to the hospital, I had to use a wheelchair. After the labs and Xray were done, I was relieved to learn that I didn’t have pneumonia, but the bad news was that my kidneys were failing. My kidney function was low before I got covid. They were 21% but stable. I have lived with low kidney function since 2012. Now, covid caused damage to my kidneys and they were functioning at 6%. Because my kidneys were so damaged, fluid started building up in and around my lungs. This caused a shortness of breath. Although I had chronic kidney disease since 2012, covid caused acute kidney failure.
I started emergency dialysis a couple of days into my hospital stay.

Right before going to the hospital

I received dialysis 3 times per week for 3/1/2 hours per session. I was hospitalized for a little over 3 weeks before they determined I was strong enough to go home. I had oxygen therapy and physical therapy at home for 4 weeks. I got significantly stronger in the first month. It was hard work, but God was with me. My nephrologist (kidney doctor) gave me a kidney functions test around 5 weeks after I was discharged from the hospital. At this time, my kidneys were still not strong enough to discontinue dialysis. Thus, I continued receiving dialysis treatments 3 times per week for 3 ½ hours each. My nephrologist decided to give me more time to heal before testing again and she motioned to me to pray. I received my next functions test on December 18th. I saw my nephrologist on December 21st, and she gave me the good news that I was well enough to discontinue dialysis. She was thrilled! I was speechless.

I got off dialysis for since December 21, 2023.  I’m remaining prayerful and hopeful that I will remain stable enough to stay off dialysis. The last test showed my kidney function had improved to 16%. I’m praying it has improved even more this past month. I’m currently beginning the application process for a kidney transplant. My nephrologist is working to keep me off dialysis and go straight to transplant surgery. I’m trusting God throughout this process. God is near and faithful. I can see God moving in my life during my sickness, my recovery, and as I continue to go through this journey.

Mom detangling my hair in the hospital

It is rare to go off dialysis. The doctors at the hospital said there was no hope for me to get off dialysis. I didn’t give up hope. My nephrologist didn’t either. I’m blessed to have so many praying for me and showing their love and support during this time.

I’m thankful to God for carrying me each day and giving me peace and joy that never wavers. I know it all comes from Him. Glory to God!

I also want to thank everyone who provided prayers and meals to us, came to visit me in the hospital and just loved on us. Your support made such a difference.