I don’t do these often, but I am to stress the importance of getting routine blood work done and to listen to your body if something is off.
In May I decided to get routine blood work done. During this time I had migraine headaches, fatigue and sudden extreme high blood pressure readings that started in January. When I received my blood work back, most of everything was very high or very low, but specifically my Creatine levels were the main concern. Through June and July I did a number of rounds on Urinalysis, Labs, and one ultrasound. The ultrasound was normal while everything else was haywire. At this point, we know my kidneys were only functioning at 10-15%. On August 2nd, I had a biopsy on my left kidney. On August 8th, the biopsy confirmed a chronic kidney condition known as Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy or IGA. IGA is an antibody, that can cause inflammation and damage to the Glomeruli. Glomeruli filter waste and excess water through their structure. And mine are destroyed by 80%. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Failure. That same day I had another set of labs done to see if my Creatine levels increased. I was told that my kidneys would last a couple months to a year before needing to start dialysis and it was imperative to start looking for a living donor. The following day my results came back..my Creatine levels were at a 6.9, normal is at a 1 or less. My doctor recommended that I start dialysis as soon as possible to prevent anymore damage. Wednesday 8/14 I had my catheter installed, 2 days later I started dialysis. Today I have done a total of 5 treatments.
This was a sudden shock to not only myself, but to my family as well. Some days it still feels like a dream, other days I know it’s my new reality. I have full faith that I will make a full recovery. The next steps for me are to find an approved living donor. We are now in the footsteps of finding one and starting the transplant process. I’m so thankful for all my family and friends who have been there for Becca and I throughout this whole process.
To be diagnosed with Organ Failure at 30 was not in my bingo card…3 months into 30 has done me so dirty (LOL). If I don’t laugh or joke, I’ll probably cry. 
~ Layla