I went to the doctor today to get the much anticipated results from my kidney biopsy. This is what I found out...drum roll please...
I have Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis, Type 1 (MPGN). If you are still trying to figure out how to pronounce this, don't worry, so am I. I tried to find a website that would explain this in layman's terms for everyone, but all the articles have so much medical jargon they are hard to understand.
So what does this mean for me?
Well, my kidney's aren't failing, not yet anyways. I have to do tests every 6 months to make sure things aren't getting worse. It's possible that I could live a long healthy life without needing a transplant or dialysis, but there is just no way to know.
The bad news is that Pregnancy and MPGN don't mix to well. Jason and I would like to add to our family, but the doctor says that's a really bad idea. Pregnancy causes a lot of extra stress on kidney's because they have to work for two people instead of just one. The extra stress could possibly cause my kidney's to "check out" sooner than I would like (not to infer that I would like them to "check out" at all!). It would also put me at a much higher risk for toxemia/preeclampsia.
Anyways, we have some big decisions to make. I've always said that I wanted at least 4 kids. Four is my favorite number and I've always had a strange preference for even numbers. The thought of not having any more kids is hard to bear. I would also love to give Cannon a brother, but I know that the Lord is over all. I do believe in faith, prayer, and miracles.
I am so grateful for my wonderful husband and my 3 beautiful children. I just pray that I can live life to it's fullest and take advantage of every moment I get to spend with my family and friends. I feel so truly blessed.
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7 comments:
I'm so glad that your not in kidney failure, and I'm sad to hear about pregnancy. I agree with you, that it is in the Lord's hands!
I'm sorry you guys! I love what the Jason/Debbie combo has produced so far, so #4 would be icing on the cake! But I'm also glad that you're taking care of yourself and that your kidneys are okay for now. I'm optimistic for a long life sans transplant or dialysis.
It's so good that they were able to diagnose the problem and hopefully with careful monitoring everything will be ok. I hear your pain about baby #4. "My" ideal family would have had four kids too, but we need to rely on our faith that our Heavenly Father knows best. I know through prayer you wil be able to receive the answer. You have enough cuteness at your house to count for at least 10 kids though! Remember that I'm just a phone call and a few blocks away.
Love you,
Leslie
I'm glad to hear that they will be able to keep a good watch on you. Just the fact that you know there's something to monitor is a blessing - this way you can keep on top of it. Like you said - its in the Lord's hands and we know lots of miracles happen in our neighborhood!
Not much more to say than what's been said. You guys are amazing and I know the Lord will take care of my Debbie! So have faith, know we all love you to pieces, and it will all work out. And of course, I'm always here for you for anything.
Hey Debbie. glad to here that things aren't too bad. My sister is diabetic and has kidney issues as well. I don't know if it is the same one as yours, but she has 2 kids and the dr. told her that Another pregnancy would probably not work with her kidneys either. I always tell her that at least she got 2.. I have many friends and family without any! Do you have a history of kidney problems in your family? did the dr. tell you why this happened? Hope things continue to go well. We miss you guys.
Tam
Hey Tammy,
To answer your question:
No one in my family has had kidney problems. Doctors aren't sure what causes this. People who get this usually have HIV or Hep C, which I do NOT have. The Doctor said to think of it as an auto-immune disorder. It's not genetic, meaning I can't pass it to my kids. The type I have is actually pretty rare.
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