• Home
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • My account
  • Blog
    • Honest Motherhood
    • Self-Care
    • Maternal Health Issues
    • Living with FSGS Kidney Disease
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Astin’s Mama

Mama to a warrior . The Unexpected when Expecting. Maternal Health Awareness . Single Mom Life. Self Care Pusher .

March 10, 2022

How I found out I had Kidney Failure

World Kidney Day is March 10th.

A day where we pause to educate and celebrate kidney health and kidney warriors.

My journey started in 2009.

It was a routine check-up at the doctor’s office on campus, (shout out to Spelman )and the doctor checked my urine and noticed I had a large amount of protein spilling into my urine. She brought me into the office and asked me a few questions about my protein and if I had ever had this happen before. She then informed me she wanted to follow up with a 24-hour urine sample to get a better measurement of how much protein I was spilling.

The doctor recommended I see a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in Kidney research and health. I was able to get an appointment with a doctor right away at home back in Baltimore. I flew home to see the doctor and was informed I needed to get a kidney biopsy.

I scheduled it for the day after my 20th birthday. And after the biopsy, my life changed forever.

I found out that had been suffering from kidney failure for 5 years with a disease called FSGS, and my kidneys were only functioning at only 50%. When I found this out I was packing for my internship in Sacramento, California, and prepping financially for a fall semester in Beijing, China. I’ll be sharing more about my life in college with my diagnosis but you better believe I didn’t let it stop me.

I am forever grateful that a simple routine at my hospital on my beautiful college campus of Spelman was able to detect something that was silently threatening my health. And I was able to take immediate action to begin to center my life around how to fit my new disease with my big plans.

Filed in: Kidney Warrior, Living with FSGS Kidney Disease |

February 27, 2022

I love my transplant, but I hate how I look

Whenever I used to tell people that I have kidney failure, they always say “oh you don’t look like it”, ” I would kill to be your size”, “you look amazing”.

The sicker I became, the more weight I lost. When I was on dialysis, I lost so much weight because I had to watch my water intake and lots of other dietary restrictions.

I hated it because although I loved being a size 6, I was losing my shape, my “slim thick”, was just slim and I literally had zero energy for physical activity. Well after I received my transplant,  I lost even more weight being on 13 medications a day and having an upset stomach for almost a month.

But baby, STEROIDS TOOK OVER and my appetite grew insanely fast.

Before I knew it, I was eating half a dozen of donuts a week thanks to prednisone. Prednisone is a steroid that is normally given to transplant patients to help with your immune system. Prednisone, depending on the dosage, can cause rapid weight gain amongst so many other side effects (MEH).

I love my new kidney, but I hate my new body.

Between February and August, I gained 60 very stubborn pounds. I went from a size 6 to a size 10/12.  To be fair to me, I also had a fractured patella, so I wasn’t mobile for like 2 months. But, listen, I want to love my new body so badly, I love the extra curves, and I love that my body is literally the site of two miracles, a transplant, and 1 pound baby.

I think my least favorite thing about my new body image, is just the rolls and fupa.I mean the rolls get me every day. And I just want to be as transparent as possible because I know other people who struggle with this so much that sometimes they refuse a transplant for this same reason.

I have never ever had a fupa. I get that it’s sexy. And I even cheer on other women for showcasing all their beautiful bodies no matter shape or size. So why I can not give myself that same grace and body love, I am not sure. * screams in frustration*.

 

My body is the site of two miracles that many could only wish for.

I pray that I will learn and grow with the beauty of my new body as I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

 

Filed in: Kidney Warrior |

Adrianna Ebron is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. She is the mama to tiny warrior and miracle 2-year old. After surviving a tough pregnancy, a 165 day NICU stay, and being dialysis for nearly two years; Adrianna uses her social media platforms to educate and share stories about Maternal Health Issues in hopes of decreasing the maternal mortality rate in the United States.

About me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

Pinterest

Popular Posts

Mother’s Day Blues

4 Easy Steps to Make Your Perfect Summer Drink

FOLLOW @astinsmama

GRWM : Refill my lashes with me at @poplashbeautyl GRWM : Refill my lashes with me at @poplashbeautylounge 

I absolutely love my experience at @poplashbeautylounge ! I always feel right at home and relaxed . Super stylish chic decor , sweet and salty snacks and a mini spa environment 💜💜💜💜
January Photo Dump My new year started this week January Photo Dump

My new year started this week ...
this month was full of traveling , working hard , spending time with family , friends and fun . 

The first time in a long time when I did realize how long it was because I was having so much fun.

Now time to reset and get ready for February 💞🙋🏾‍♀️
Sorry not Sorry I am no longer accepting the bare Sorry not Sorry 
I am no longer accepting the bare minimum .
I am no longer apologizing for choosing myself or saying no . 

It feels like me season and I love it . 

#selfcaresis #momblogger #dmvmoms #dmvbloggers #baltimoreblogger
I swear there is a monster that eats the socks in I swear there is a monster that eats the socks in the house 😩😩 

Am I the only one confused about socks every damn laundry day ? 

#laundry #laundryday #sundayvibes #sundayreset #momblogger
My idea of wine down Wednesdays Making space for My idea of wine down Wednesdays 

Making space for me time in the middle of week . 

#selfcareday #winedownwednesday #winedownwednesdays #winedown #hairtakedown #baltimoremoms #baltimoreblogger
Choosing to sacrifice everything I had to be your Choosing to sacrifice everything I had to be your mommy was the right choice, my mini bestie .

#boymom #toddlersofinsta #toddlersofig #toddlerboystyle #toddlerboymom #mommyandme #nicugrad #autismacceptance
Zara Toddler Boy Sale Haul I went in Zara and we Zara Toddler Boy Sale Haul 

I went in Zara and went a little crazy after the holidays , but also my son had a growth spurt and jumped to a 3/4 , 9 shoe in a matter of a month 😩😩😩.

Boy moms there are super cute clothes out there , if you need ideas or stores let me know 💙🤞🏽
I received my kidney transplant on January 17th, 2 I received my kidney transplant on January 17th, 2021.

I had my last treatment after 20 months , on January 15th , 2021 . 
My friends always remind me to share more of my kidney transplant journey so I thought I would share a bit more in the new year . 

A few things that I wish I knew before dialysis:
1. Never forget your headphones or your blanket 
2: Keep a journal and pen handy for thoughts and ideas 
3. Apply for disability and medicare as soon as you began treatments . No matter your age , ESRD diagnosis qualifies you . 
4. Talk to your therapist and social worker weekly bi-weekly .
5. Numbing your site of fistula does NOTHING , but it might help you a little . 
6. Keep your site of your catheter or fistula or graft Clean and dry and at all times .

Copyright © 2023 Astins Mama · Theme by Blog Pixie

 

Loading Comments...