Well, um, sort of.
Let me back up a bit…
Five years ago this month I discovered I have a form of kidney disease called IgA Nephropathy.
I discovered it by mistake really; through a compulsory physical for my then-new job at the hospital.
I ignored the indicators that they implored me to seek counsel with my primary care physician about; high protein and blood in my urine.
I didn’t see anything. I felt my same awesome self. I ignored them with vigor.
NBD I figured. I was a young, active mom putting in work to make baby #3. What could be wrong with me?
Turns out plenty!
After 2 more abnormal test results I finally thought to mention it in passing to my doctor when I was there for yet another wicked sinus infection.
We’ll run some tests, she said. Probably nothing, she assured.
Days later I was armed with a referral to a specialist who I booked an appointment with immediately.
After a number of sonograms, blood tests, and X-rays I was scheduled for a kidney biopsy to determine the extent of my “issue”.
One ridiculously painful biopsy later (I don’t care what they say, that junk hurt! Bee sting my big butt!) and we discovered that yes, I do have IgA Nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys, and no, I’m probably not going to die soon, at least not from this.
I went on to get the okay to enjoy a high risk pregnancy with #3 (thank goodness because as it turns out I was already pregnant when I received word that everything checked out enough for them to say a monitored pregnancy would be a-ok), and by enjoy I really do mean enjoy. It was relatively uneventful in the world of high risk pregnancies, the most difficult part of it was having to cart my 2 year old into ultrasounds every month where I foolishly expected him to behave, not try to put the vaginal-wand-thingy-in-his-mouth, or ask questions about my partially exposed girly bits.
#3 was born healthy via c-section (shout out to Dr. Lee for doing a bang up job on my scar), I nursed him for a strong 11 months (we had to give it up thanks to a 17 day food allergy related illness), and went on to obtain a pretty awesome kidney doctor who has since gotten my disease under control so much I’m considered to be in remission.
I still have it; it will never go away. But, I’m grateful to say that it simply requires that I take medication daily, suffer through occasional back pain, and meet-up with the evil phlebotomists from needle wielding hell every 3 months or so to give my MD peace of mind.
Finding out I had this disease at age 29 (the first time) was a life changing experience. It was one of those that-will-never-happen-to-me-until-it-does type experiences that no matter how okay you get with it in your mind, you forever wish someone would take it back.
One day this disease could kill me. Right now, it doesn’t seem super likely that it will any time soon, but it’s that in your face uncertainty that makes you hate stuff like this.
And it’s the one thing in this world that I will exercise with a smile for.
Every year I participate in a Kidney Walk with the National Kidney Foundation. It’s not hard, it’s not far, it’s just for principle.
I do it to raise money, for people like me. For people worse off than me. For people who have already lost their fight against this thing (or other kidney related illnesses, because there are a butt load of them).
This year I’ve gained myself an awesome sponsor: Moments In Frames.
Paula Foster, Moments in Frames owner, creates personalized frames to pretty up all of those special moments you capture in your lifetime.
As someone who has a number of charities that are close to her heart, she wanted to help one that was close to mine, but I need YOU to help me too!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post; for every comment I get she will donate a dollar to my Kidney Walk efforts (up to $250)!
That’s an easy $250, no?!
Don’t you want to help save Dumb Mom’s kidneys (okay not really, but just think, the money raised today could really go directly to research that could one day play a role in just that!)?
How about if I also tell you how you can help a charity you love too?
Moments in Frames is also willing to donate to 2 of you too!
All you have to do is write a post, on your blog, telling us why your charity could use the money.
Can be anything close to your heart: breast cancer, education, heart disease, ANYTHING (as long as the organization is an official charity). Know of a foodbank that could use some cash? Or a school in need of some books? Or a church that wants to put on a really fun VBS this summer, but needs some extra funding to do so?!
Any of that, all of that, fair game.
And you can help!
Just throw up a post about the organization you love and how the money can help them make awesomeness happen, include the sponsor language disclosurey stuff, and then come back and add your post to the linky here by April 30,2012!
The two blog posts receiving the most comments will win (up to $250)!
Best part, Moments in Frames and I will be promoting your posts on FB, because not only do we want you to win, but we also want more people to know about all of you and the amazing causes you support, including the ones that don’t win.
Now get to commenting!
And then get to posting!
It really is THAT easy to make a difference!
Be sure to read the official rules before linking up your post don’t want to have to DQ you, yo!
Follow Moments in Frames on Facebook and Twitter @momentsinframes to keep up to date on the contest and other information!
I have worked with many children with kidney disease such as yours. So glad you were able to get through your third pregnancy with no complications. Good luck on your fundraising efforts for your walk!
Hi Amanda! Thought I had commented before but I thank you for blogging about your kidney issues, and hope the funds raised help raise awareness. I just added my linky – as you know from Twitter I am seeking 250 people with a pulse and a willingness to comment. Fingers crossed — I want so much to help one of my favorite causes – Autism Speaks. Thank you and Paula Foster for doing this!!
GooDD luck Amanda. What an awesome gesture from Moments in Frames, too. They must know that you are a superstar! *** <— Make that super super superstar. Go forth & conquer. Mark
Great cause, Mandy! I hope to see you maximize this opportunity and get to 250 comments. Love u cousin!
Have a great walk, and kudos to you for raising such needed money for such an important cause. Thank you for sharing your story!
$1 for you!
Ms. Self, it’s been a long time. Glad you’re healthy and strong. Keep up the good work.
Good luck Amanda!!
Thanks for sharing your story Amanda! I am sorry that you have to deal with this trial but impressed that you decided to turn it into a positive. May God bless your efforts to raise money and bring awareness. Stay strong chica!
I just linked up. Thanks for a great opp to help our favorite cause too!
Good luck, I hope you reach your goal and I hope you remain as healthy as possible!
Hey the least I can do is comment, yo. That is *some* story about those kidneys, and I’m glad to hear that you’re doing so well (both physically and emotionally). Good luck with this!
So glad your health is good now, best wishes with the walk!
Wow. Never would have imagined. My father suffered from kidney disease and had a kidney removed. Thanks for sharing your story!
When I made my comments earlier, I forgot to mention my Uncle who has had a kidney transplant. We call him Barney Fife, but we are glad he is still with us. He is a devoted dad, stepdad, and grandpa. And a quirky, but very present helper to my aunt, whom I love.
Best of luck for the walk. I have hyper filtrating kidneys so I know a wee bit (no pun intended) about kidney stuff
Auto immune disorders suck. I have lichen planopilaris, which will cause me to go bald if left unchecked…I call it my vanity illness. I wish you continued success with your treatment and thanks for raising awareness!
what an inspiration :) I really love your sense of humor in this mixed in with your determination. As an active girl and photographer with Cystic Fibrosis, man I can totally relate. And I will be posting a blog soon for you about CF. I hope your organization gets TONS of money for a donation!
You’re amazing!! Good luck, dear, and let me know how your walk goes!
I read your blog all the time thought my blog reader. I think the you and your family are gorgeous and #3′s antics in particular have me in stitches.
Good luck, health and happiness of all of you, Zxx
all for a great cause!
Oh crap I’m an idiot. I was going on autopilot and accidently put my WW linky in here (it is wednesday, after all.) would you be so kind as to delete it? Good luck with your event
Thank you for sharing your story and for this amazing opportunity to raise money for other organizations!
My uncle has a kidney disease, so this is a cause near to my heart.
What a great cause! Good luck!
So glad you are in remission.
:) Sounds like a great cause!
Have fun on your walk!
Well this certainly grabbed my attention. Way to go raising awareness and giving to a great cause! I love that. I would love to raise awareness for RA but I highly doubt I could get that many comments right now. Instead, I’m gonna go hit up all these other linked posts and see what I can do to help. I hope you raise lots of money and keep your kidneys as happy as they can be! Love to you!
Comment for a dollar! Your guilt trip worked. ;)
What a great cause! I certainly hope that more awareness is spread.
Shhh! I’m supposed to be on a blogging break while I recover from breast lump surgery. Don’t tell my mother that I visited your blog! :P
Thanks for sharing your story. It takes strong women like you to inspired others to follow up with their doctors and get all recommended tests. We for one are glad you did.
thank you so much for sharing your story
That’s a compelling story with a lesson to pay attention to your body.