Cyrena's interview
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How did all start?
It started when I was a child. I know from my mother she explained that i was born with a small, not the right shap kidney and also was born with a right pelvic kidney. Around age 1 or 2 they thought I was having bladder infections and was giving me adult medication. Which eventually killed my kidney. They did not know my kidney was Re flexing and it was not bladder infections but kidney infections. The left kidney was not really doing much when I was born. Actually my right pelvic kidney worked the hardest and lasted until age 8 when I was diagnosed stage 5 kidney disease. I'm very proud of my right kidney it worked hard for a long time. My left kidney I still have as of today but it keeps shrinking and eventually will disappear. In January 28 2000 I was blessed with a kidney transplant from my mother. As of today I am still stage 5 with a transplant and doing very well with 18 wonderful years.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes I was diagnosed I think age 1 or 2 but it could be 3 years old. It took them a few years to figure it out
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Nephology and urology
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
My powerport has helped a lot with dialysis and hydration therapy.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Biggest challenge is energy and trying to work and maintain a normal life.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have been blessed in this category. My family and friends and church gives me hope when I'm battling.
What things have you stopped doing?
I never really had stop something completely. I had to make life changes and there are strict things I have follow diet, activities, and traveling. I just have be careful and make sure I have a good communication with my doctors.
What do you think about the future?
I look forward to the future and the biggest thing for me is hope and my dreams of traveling the world and meet New wonderful people.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
2008; I got a opportunity to study abroad Australia and New Zealand for 3 months.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I honestly don't know how to answer this question. I have this disease and I've accepted it and it's apart of me.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Life is a journey that you just keep driving.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Never give up and take one day at a time.
