Hello, my name is Meshia and I am a kidney patient. I was diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) at the early age of seventeen. I was placed on dialysis for a short period of time and was blessed to have received the gift of a kidney transplant in March of 1995. My transplanted kidney changed my life and my quality of life was back again. Although my life changed drastically, I was able to graduate from high school and continue on with my life.
My transplanted kidney began to fail in July of 2010. I am happy to be able to say that my kidney lasted for fifteen years! The average life of a cadaver (from a deceased body) is 8-10 years. During that 15-year span I completed my Bachelor’s degree, got married and traveled to many places.
I was placed back on peritoneal dialysis in August of 2010 and later transitioned to hemodialysis. Despite the many challenges I have faced; almost losing my life to pneumonia, months of rehabilitation, two total hip replacements and two fractured feet, I have always remained positive and with a smile on my face. It is my strong faith; support circle and outlook on life that has helped me overcome these challenges.
I received my second kidney transplant, this time from a living donor, my husband in July of 2012. So far, I am doing well and living each day to the fullest. Before my transplant I wanted to help others living with this disease. I have a strong desire to give back and plan to use my talents to do so.
I would not trade my experiences as a kidney patient because it has shaped me to be who I am today. I have been fortunate to have people placed in my life that have taken excellent care of me and have given me a lot of support. What better way to thank those people by using my experiences and passion to help others? I hope to heal and empower people living with this disease and by sharing my story to offer hope.
I am starting my organization; Meshia’s Hope to help empower pre-dialysis, dialysis, and transplant patients. I am very compassionate about speaking up for patients who need a voice. I have the pleasure of being a patient ambassador on behalf of Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC). I enjoy advocating about issues that affect kidney/dialysis patients. I look forward to partnering with like- minded individuals to raise awareness and be part of the movement to prevent kidney disease.
I started this group as a means to educate and reach out to others. I am here to offer guidance, support, and to be an advocate for those who are suffering from an illness--not just renal failure because there are other illnesses associated with kidney failure.
Life is truly a precious gift and I am living proof of it. God bless!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have.
https://www.facebook.com/aihsem.adams?fref=tshttps://www.facebook.com/KidneyStories?ref=hl
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