rivers2cross

This time last year I was struck down by a nasty kidney infection. Living on my own and with it being late at night I had no idea what was happening to me and I was on the point of calling 999. I managed to get through the night and fortunately got an emergency doctor’s appointment in the morning and was diagnosed with the infection and prescribed antibiotics. As a teenager I was in hospital with Nephrotic System (leaking kidneys), so I have always felt a little vulnerable when it comes to the kidneys. It also makes me appreciate anyone, especially those with cancer, who are prone to kidney infections, as they really are awful.

A year is a long time. At the time one of my best friends was very annoyed with me that I hadn’t sought help during the night and that I should have called them. They would have driven the 20 miles to make sure I was alright. Sadly, this friendship has become very distanced now, and I think if I was to ring now with a kidney infection the call would probably go unanswered. However, the last year has also taught me to value myself a lot more and face up to my own mental health struggles. Something that I had never been able to do previously. So, although I am sad that the friendship is now estranged, I can look back over the last 12 months and see some really big and positive changes in me. I am enjoying life, the fundraising and the people that are in my life x