Hello! My name is Monica Vontobel, I'm 32 years old and have been on dialysis for 8 years. I'm creating this blog because I do believe that you CAN have a perfectly normal life even when on dialysis. My nurse always tells me something that is very true "You do dialysis to live, you shouldn't live to do dialysis". So I encourage all you kidney patients to at least try and do all kinds of things.
I know that sometimes you might not feel well enough to even do the basics, but I really believe that it is worth the effort.
When the doctors first told me that I had to get dialysis, I remember thinking "I have no idea what that is, but I DON'T WANT IT!!!" I cried and cried...I was terrified! Why was this happening to me?! I never drank alcohol, smoked or did any drugs!! But I decided that this was not going to stop me from living my life. And thank God a patient went to talk to me and explained what it was, because it's a lot different when another patient explains it to you.
A lot has happened since then, moved to the States, reconnected with my biological family (discovered I was not an only child but was the youngest of 8 sisters and I have a brother), met my husband (he's my rock!!!), adopted 3 dogs, discovered I'm amazing at raising children (I'm a Nanny).... Basically I kept the promise that I made to myself, I'm not letting kidney failure stopping me from doing the things that I like and love.
If there is any advise that I think will help you is LOVE YOURSELF!!! You are the most important person in your life and should always remember that.
