My name is Jody Gardener-Jones and I have chronic kidney disease (CKD). I was diagnosed in August, 2007 at the age of 27 and since then I have been undergoing dialysis treatment. Denial, anger and depression are just a few emotional issues I had to face when I was first diagnosed. Once I had learned to deal with my illness by acknowledging and accepting that I have an illness and also knowing that it is not a death sentence, with proper treatment and diet, I was able to begin to have a productive life, and not forgetting my faith, supporting team of doctors, dialysis medical staff and my family and friends, my emotions have changed to happiness, satisfaction, hope, joy, as well as countless other positive emotions.
As you learn to live and cope with kidney disease, remember- you do not have to go through the difficult times alone. Be willing to seek the support of your friends, family, healthcare team, and patient organizations, such as a support group. Be open to the idea that difficult emotions are a normal part of life and cannot be avoided. These emotions can provide an opportunity to learn new ways of coping and help you grow as a person.
With this blog, I want to provide a forum for discussions, advice, education, words of inspiration, healthy and delicious recipes, and lots of humor and fun. I will be featuring articles and stories from doctors and other medical staff, patients and their family/friends and anyone else interested in contributing. I want to emphasize to everyone that in no way is CKD a death sentence and that in spite of their condition, they can and must maintain a full and fun-filled healthy lifestyle.
It is my hope that all visitors to this blog will be educated, entertained, and inspired by what they read, see, and hear. I invite you all to become members and to contribute by way of your articles/essays, poems/prose, words of advice/inspiration, humor, and questions. You can even contribute photos, videos, and artwork. I only ask that all contributions be, in some way, in the spirit of this blog- which is health and happiness. You may contribute what you may, by sending your material to me at behealthyhappy@gmail.com . I ask, that along with your material, that you send me your name as you would like it to appear and any professional titles that you may hold so that I can properly credit you along with your submissions. I also welcome any questions that you may have.
by Jody Gardener-Jones
2 comments:
Congratulations Jody- I wish you much success with all the positve things that you are doing.
This is just awesome and girl I got your back all the way. You are gret and will continue sore in your endeavors as you educate other about CKD. LOve Ya Loads. I am always here for you
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