Bad Beans

We have known that G’s kidneys have been freeloading for a while, which has resulted in her receiving nightly dialysis in recent months. However, these rebel beans have been increasingly causing insane chaos over the last few weeks- wreaking havoc over G’s blood pressure (try 230/128) and her blood chemistry. On Saturday, October 28, she had a critical medical event that resulted in her being life-flighted to CHOA where she received immediate and aggressive care to get her stabilized, despite her kidneys stubbornly fighting their efforts. As of today, these Bad Beans have received their eviction notice and will be removed tomorrow morning. 

I got to visit with G for a bit today. I asked her a few questions ahead of her surgery… I mean, it’s kind of a big deal. For context, G doesn’t remember much from 10/28, her memories pick up as she stabilized and woke up at CHOA.

January: I know you don’t remember much of anything until you woke up here… I imagine that had to feel very vulnerable- not having knowledge or control of what had happened or what was going on with your body. Can you give me a few describing words of how you felt when you woke up?

G: Confused. Very emotional. Angry. Tired. Disappointed.

January: What do you think about surgery tomorrow? Scared? Excited?

G: I am curious. I just don’t feel bad, even though everyone thinks I should. I guess I am curious about what “better” would feel like.

January: How about a few describing words about discharge after surgery?

G: 1- can’t wait to get back to school and normal, 2- Snuggles with Belle and Lucy (her dogs), 3- Visiting with my friends, 4- Privacy, and 5- Freedom.

She’s made of iron, it’s in her DNA. We will see you tomorrow G, minus a couple of bad beans.