Mark's Parents...Emily & Chris
Why do I blog?
It all started for me when we received news that Mark's kidneys had failed. This was a shock to my husband, myself and family. I brought Mark into Children's a couple days before Christmas for a leg injury. We thought he had a bad sprain or maybe hairline fracture. After stocking our Orthopedic doctor she had agreed to see us the Wednesday before Christmas. She is a very hard lady to contact...she is an amazing doctor who typically books out 1 year in advance. I was lucky to be able to track her down.
I remember a couple days before the appointment it was Sunday Funday....I remember our friends asking me about the "limp" I just thought it was nothing. Having a child that is a "medical" kid you learn to become alarmed only after certain signs. When your child is still eating, drinking, voiding and having movements as normal you don't worry! That is just how Mark was presenting...so I wasn't too worried. When Wednesday rolled around, I got Mark into the car and headed to Boston. When I looked back in the mirror his face looked a little puffy and droopy to me on the same side he was limping. That was the first moment I thought something maybe wrong. I started to drive a little faster feeling a little nervous. All I kept thinking in my mind was...Is it possible could Mark have had a stroke? When we arrived at Children's we were seen right away. After a couple xray and some labs things changed quick. Before I knew it we were in the ER and Mark's Renal team was immediately down there to give me the news. This is what was said.." Well this is it...Mark's kidneys have failed. He will go in for surgery tomorrow morning first thing for a catheter placement. He then then start dialysis right after surgery. You will not go home for Christmas...I don't know when you will leave." Just like that the team was gone....I was in shock. We knew eventually some day his kidneys will fail..but not this soon. I don't think this is something you can ever be ready for.
This is why I blog...For our friends and family so they can always be informed and up to date on Mark's care. I blog to educate and inform everyone on this journey to transplant. I blog as a form of therapy too!
I try to blog on a daily basis it doesn't always work out...but I do my best! My husband does not blog...I don't even think he reads my blog!
