I thought I’d write a little something about my journey so far, as a divorced working man with stage 5 CKD.

I think this post is for me mostly, just to try and keep up with everything I am having to do to combat this disease.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 in October 2022.  Immediately after that all of my meds were changed, with the nephrologist telling me that those older medications which I had been taking for many years were actually very harmful to my kidneys.  Fast forward through several doctor appointments to June 2023, when told I was stage 5.  Time to prepare for dialysis.  

I have been a chef for 35 years and I have been hard on my body, I can admit that.  I’ve cooked and eaten many good meals, and I’m a happy fluffy chef!  Now to find out that so much of what gave me enjoyment and a good living is now the enemy is hard to swallow, literally.

So my nephrologist recommended bariatric surgery to help me lose more weight, even though I have lost a lot of weight over the years.  The transplant surgeon won’t even consider me for transplant until I have a BMI of 35.  I haven’t been at that weight since the 8th grade.  Mom (God rest her soul) was an awesome cook and fed me well 🙂.  Thus the recommendation.

Now I have to see every doctor I’ve ever seen for the last 10 years, PCP, nephrologist, cardiologist, bariatric surgeon.

Fast forward again, after countless trips to doctors, on the phone with insurance, managing my career, and trying to keep some sense of sanity.  Bariatric surgery is finally approved.  This is the first major step in fighting for my life.  Yes I have taken many other steps, quit smoking, slowly losing weight, eating very differently, but this will give me a fighting chance to meet the transplant qualification.  Yes I know there are many other things required for transplant, but this is a big one.

December 2022 I had bariatric surgery.  Since then I have lost over 100 pounds and am now listed for transplant at bot Presbyterian St. Lukes and UC Health!

i Have a potential donor and she was so kind and generous!  She quit her job to move here to help me as I began dialysis, many other surgeries, and to offer a kidney to me!  We still don’t know if we’re a match, but regardless I feel very blessed because people like her are hard to find.  

So for everyone who is fighting this terrible disease, keep on fighting.  This is for you, knowing that you made life better just by being alive.

  Thank you for allowing me to document this part of my journey.  My thoughts and prayers to those of you fighting, and to those who help them with their fight.  You deserve prayers too.