My name is Mary Graumenz. I’ve had a lot of medical problems that started when I was pregnant. I had preeclampsia and had to stay in the hospital for a month. They were doing labs on me and found decreased function in my kidneys. I thought it would get better after my daughter’s birth but I was wrong. My daughter, thankfully, didn’t have any issues, although she was born 6.5 weeks early.
Two weeks after having Carlie, my dad came over to tell me he couldn’t get a hold of me by phone. I had to start seeing a kidney doctor. The doctor said I was a sick girl. I was told I had to start dialysis and get surgery for an access right away. The doctor suspected from the biopsy that I had Alport Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disease that can cause kidney failure and hearing loss.
I had to do dialysis for just short of a year. I continued to work because I didn’t want to lose my good hospital insurance. It was very difficult. I didn’t feel the best after dialysis treatments. Eventually, my oldest brother was about to donate a kidney to me. He is my blessing and thank God for him.
I had a transplant 17-18 years ago. During this time, I started working again and felt fine. After some time, I started getting c-diff several times due to the immunosuppressant which caused me to be hospitalized several times. There were times the pain was excruciating and I had severe nausea. This made work very difficult. I had gallbladder surgery, which they had to open me up a little more than usual to keep away from my kidney. I also had surgery for twisted intestines. The surgery fixed the issue but caused horrible pain when I ate.
Thankfully my husband, Shane, was by my side to help me. I am blessed for him too.
Eventually, my transplant gave out. It worked for 17-18 years, which is a long time to have a kidney transplant function. I had to go on disability. That was very scary because of the financial impact it would have on our family. I also had to use my retirement due to all the overwhelming medical bills.
I started back on dialysis. I am currently doing at home treatment. I have also been getting reoccurring pneumonia. I had respiratory failure from fluid buildup and pneumonia. Because of the respiratory failure, I was flown to Carle hospital. I had to be intubated. This was a very scary time in my life. I was in the hospital for about 5 days. I was determined to get that tube out of my throat and go home. Hospital stays have not gotten any easier.
I should be getting back on the waiting list for a kidney after a few more things get done. I am so very thankful for the Lord, first of all. I know he has a plan for me. My friends and family for all their support and help in so many ways!
I am running out of my retirement funds quickly. I won’t be able to pay my bills. It’s bad enough to have to go through all these medical issues but also have financial problems. My husband works his butt off to make ends meet but it just isn’t enough. My daughter is starting college and that is going to cost a pretty penny as well.
