I've survived another National Kidney Foundation walk! This was the 4th annual Los Angeles area walk, once again held at the world famous Rose Bowl. The route was the same for the 3-mile option (click to enlarge):
I was happy with my participation this year...I raised $450. THANK YOU to those of you who supported, I truly appreciate it. As I told the local division president, we all support charities but when we support a charity that affects us personally then we become even more passionate about it. That's how I am with the NKF walk. I've not done a very good job of showing that passion because I'm afraid of taking advantage of friendships...but this is a serious disease that affects millions, many of whom do not know they have it.
She was a bit surprised when I mentioned that I've participated in all four walks to date.
Here's the best part: I walked the 3 miles in 48 minutes! That's a personal best. Considering I weigh over 300 pounds, have gout, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and oh yeah kidney disease, I'm rather proud of myself. My mom walked the 1 mile option and trust me....that's a lot for her.
Now I'm sitting at home, watching movies and napping and gritting my teeth from my ankles hurting!
Oh and a word about the dorky sunglasses...while on vacation I went to the eye doctor and ordered new glasses and new lenses for my sunglasses. Unfortunately the sunglasses had to be shipped off to have the new lenses inserted. So I bought a pair of those "over sight" glasses that fit over my regular glasses. I didn't realize how Atom Ant I looked! But they're doing the job until the real ones come back (hopefully this week).
That's how I ended my weekend...and am starting my week. Hope everyone has a wonderful week, wherever you are and whatever you do.
BEHR HUGS
Once again I will be participating in the Los Angeles Area Kidney Walk. Last year I blogged as to why I participate: I have kidney disease. Thankfully, with an excellent nephrologist, diet, and medication it is somewhat under control. I am somewhat prepared for what very well could be the inevitable choice: dialysis or kidney transplant.
Like many diseases and conditions, many people are unaware that they have a kidney condition. I encourage everyone to read this article. It could just save your life.
I'm not good at asking people for help. It's the stubborn Taurus in me. But this last year has shown me that I do indeed have a serious condition. I know so many of my followers are also struggling with health issues. Once again I'm reaching out to this blogger community. If you feel so inclined and can help, all donations are greatly appreciated. No donation is too small. Or too large!
Here's the link to my page:
Mark's Kidney Walk Donation Page
Thank you.
BEHR HUGS
Off to the world famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the National Kidney Foundation 2012 Kidney walk...here's hoping the rain waits until I get home!
BEHR HUGS
For the third year in a row, I will be participating in the local National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk on Sunday October 21. Like other events of this nature, the focus is to raise funds for research, awareness, and to bring sufferers of kidney disease and those who support them together for "the cause."
So why does the Behr participate?
In 2003, when I joined a gym with a friend, my pre-workout screening revealed that my blood pressure was incredibly high. My friend made me swear to see the doctor...and so I did. My doctor ran some tests, prescribed high blood pressure medication, and - thanks to the blood test - had me do a 24-hour urinalysis. The end result was proteinuria, which means there was too much protein in my urine. My doctor referred me to a nephrologist (Dr. M), who confirmed the diagnosis.
By this time I'd been going to the gym 6 days a week, ingesting protein drinks, and dropping fat and gaining muscle. I thought it was my diet and honestly scoffed at what seemed to be a knee-jerk reaction. It wasn't until Dr. M ordered a kidney biopsy that I started thinking maybe this was something I should pay attention to. The results of that biopsy were inconclusive; the only thing my doctor said was that he thought it was congenital, meaning it is a condition I was born with. In discussing the various symptoms, I realized I have had those symptoms all of my life. Who knew something was off if you don't know anything else?
So for the past 9 years I've been seeing Dr. M fairly exclusively. He's seen my blood pressure be brought under control, a gain in my weight, and a step closer to diabetes. He's not always happy with my weight but honestly that's a whole other Oprah.
Last year Dr. M ordered a second kidney biopsy. Some of my numbers had changed and not for the good. He wanted to see if perhaps this time there would be something more conclusive. Sad to say, there was.
He officially diagnosed me with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Basically it means that I have scarring in my kidneys and that is what is causing the high amounts of protein to pass through my urine. As you may know, our kidneys filter the bad stuff in our blood and what passes out of the kidney eventually becomes our urine.
I was prescribed an immunosuppressant, one that is generally given to patients who have had an organ transplant. It's a relatively new treatment idea and the hopes is it will reduce the rate at which the scarring occurs. There is no known cure.
We all have something called GFR, or glomerular filtration rate. The higher the number the better. Depending on one's number determines the "stage" of kidney disease. I'm at stage 2, one point from stage 3. Stage 5 represents kidney failure; that means either dialysis or organ transplant. So I'm not doing too badly.
Three years ago I saw the advertisement for the first Los Angeles area walk. I attended alone. Last year my mom joined me despite her own health issues (including arthritis, another 'cause' we support). She plans on attending this year with me unless her health doesn't permit it. While I do the arthritis walk for my mom, this one is for me.
I'm not good at asking people for help. It's the stubborn Taurus in me. But this last year has shown me that I do indeed have a serious condition. I know so many of my followers are also struggling with health issues. Many people live with kidney disease and don't know it. Ironically, I don't fit the usual demographics. But that aside...I'm reaching out to this blogger community. If you feel so inclined and can help, all donations are greatly appreciated. Here's the link to my page:
Mark's Kidney Walk Page
If you cannot give monetarily, then I ask that you have yourself checked. It's a simple blood test and pee in a cup. That simple. It could save your life.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this story. It's been one I've hinted at but not shared. I felt it was time.
Just so you don't feel cheated, here's a pic of a hot daddy:
BEHR HUGS
