CKD Real Talk shares Regina’s true CKD journey, which began on December 5, 2003 – how it started, what it has entailed, nd why this site exists.
Hi, I’m Regina, and Welcome to CKD Real Talk.
I created this site because I’ve learned something the hard way: when you’re dealing with chronic kidney disease, a lot of people only understand the medical side. They understand appointments, lab work, and new words you didn’t ask to learn.
But the real impact shows up in everyday life. It shows up in energy, emotions, schedules, relationships, and the way you think about the future. It shows up when you’re trying to keep things normal for your family while your body is doing something that doesn’t feel normal at all.
How my story started
My story has a specific date on it.
On December 5, 2003, I got up like it was a normal morning – and all of a sudden, I hit the floor. I couldn’t stand or walk.
My oldest daughter was only three months old at the time. My then-boyfriend (my husband now) had to move fast. We lived on the third floor of an apartment building, so he carried our baby down to the car, then came back upstairs for me.
He got our daughter to my dad’s so she could be watched, and then he rushed me to the emergency room.
At the ER, before the doctor even drew my blood, he kept asking me if I’d done drugs. I told him no – over and over. Finally, he said, “Well, the blood test will show it.” I told him, “Go ahead and draw it.” When the results came back, he looked surprised for two reasons: first, I was telling the truth, and there were no drugs. Second, my potassium was 2.0.
By that evening, I was admitted into the hospital, and they rechecked my bloodwork. My potassium had fallen from 2.0 to 1.0. I ended up with two IVs with potassium running in, plus I was taking potassium supplements by mouth. That was a very scary time for me. The potassium in the IV burned like crazy, and on top of that, I was lying there worried sick about my daughter.
I stayed in the hospital for five days. I had to have help learning to walk again. When I was released, I followed up with the doctor who was assigned to me. He became my primary doctor and has been with me through this whole CKD journey. After that, my primary doctor sent me to a kidney specialist – and that’s when the long road really started.
What CKD Real Talk is (and what it isn’t)
This website is where I share my real-life experience living with CKD – what I’ve been through, what I’ve learned, and what it has entailed in my personal life with family and friends.
You’ll find posts here about:
- My CKD story and timeline
- How it has affected my day-to-day life over the years
- The emotional side people don’t always see
- What helps me cope and stay grounded
- The hobbies and routines that bring comfort and peace
This site is not medical advice. I’m not a doctor, and I’m not here to diagnose, treat, or tell anyone what to do. I’m simply sharing my lived experience and encouraging people to talk with their healthcare team and advocate for themselves.
The other parts of me
Even with CKD, I’m still me. I love crocheting, reading, making shirts and ornaments with my Cricut machine, and researching. Those things help me stay steady and keep my mind from living in fear – right along with the love of my family.
Why I’m writing this publicly
Because people dealing with CKD deserve honesty.
Some folks are newly diagnosed and scared.
Some folks have been living with it for years and are tired of feeling alone.
Some family members are trying to support someone they love and don’t know what to say.
If this site helps even one person feel less alone or feel understood, it’s worth it.
Thanks for being here
If you want to reach me, head over to my Contact Us page.