Why I Walk

[okarol]

Why I Walk 

By Mark Breidenbach
NKFWI Connections - Spring 2009
 
Hi, my name is Mark Breidenbach. I am 53 years old and I live in Fox Point, Wisconsin. I started hemodialysis in August 2006 because I contracted kidney disease as a result of high blood pressure and diabetes. I also struggle with being an amputee of my lower right leg. I go to dialysis at the Kidney Institute of Wisconsin Northeast in Glendale three days a week for three and a half hours each time. The nurses and techs are very caring and even though it is no fun coming for the treatments, once I am there I know I am in good hands. Of course I miss the freedom of a normal life without kidney disease and the truth is that to exist from week-to-week on dialysis is exhausting.

I found out about NKF through a Web site I help monitor called Ihatedialysis.com.

One of the members had talked about her experience on a Kidney Walk in her state and it sounded to me like an interesting and worthwhile thing to do as well as a good reason to get out of the house. So when I found out that our state was having a Walk, I felt strongly that I had to participate so I could represent myself and others who live and struggle with this disease. Raising money to help make more people aware of kidney disease is very important to me and here was an opportunity for me to make a personal contribution to this very good cause. The Walk was well-organized and great fun. There were more than 550 people in attendance, showing their support and their awareness of kidney disease. I already look forward to participating and fundraising for the next Walk. NKF does a superb job of making the general public aware of the need for kidney donation along with educating people about this disease and that is my goal also. I want to thank everyone who helped me achieve my fundraising target. God bless you all.

http://www.newsletternet.com/newsletter.asp?clientcode=MGJGNPYSPL&review=2

PHOTO: Mark Breidenbach at the 2008 Kidney Walk.

[paris]

This is wonderful.      Mark, you wrote a beautiful article.  We are all missing you and send you our love 

[Sluff]

Awesome Mark.  Thanks for the mention of our great site.

[boxman55]

Well now everyone knows where I have been. I was kidnapped by a bunch of clowns. Seriously, the past month or so have been pretty difficult. My Father past away in April on the 13th and I have spent a lot of time getting his affairs in order. Truly very time consuming. During that time I was also fighting an infected right hand ring finger and wound up having to have it removed above the knuckle. Then I started getting the hand shakes so bad I could not type. After many split cups of coffee we figured out which med was causing it and the problem has slowly reversed itself know that I am no longer taking it (neurontin). Then just the other day I was at dialysis and I started to get the most incredible pain in my groin that I had to stop early. I went to a urologist that afternoon and he said I had Epididimytis which is a cyst caused by bacteria in the scrotum. (to much info hey!) he gave me an antibiotic and sent me home. That night and Tuesday night I could not sleep at all and Wednesday I could only go 2 hours of treatment before I could not stand the pain. The dialysis nurse said I should go to the ER for an ultrasound to make sure it wasn't something more serious. so I went and when the tech started the test I could not stand the pain. She said she was barely touching me but got the Doc to give me a shot of morphine, when the test started again the pain was still very intense so they gave me a second shot, which finally worked the conclusion was the same, a cyst. I am now on two anti biotics and dealing with it with the help of some pain pills.

I hope this all will be coming to a halt so I will have the time and energy to get back to my duties. Thank you all for your concerns and support...Boxman

[okarol]

Well now everyone knows where I have been. I was kidnapped by a bunch of clowns.

Goofynina would shiver at the thought!!

  Hope you are feeling good soon!

[Chris]

Sorry to hear Boxman, I hope that clears up quick. Seems there should be something else they could do for that, but I'm not educated enough in that area or have dealt with cyst.

Get Well Soon.

[rose1999]

Oh Mark you don't deserve all of this, I hope things will look up for you very soon.  We have all been missing you

[Maxridex]

wow really awesome   about mentioning the site

Edit: sorry to hear about the news hope you get well soon 

[monrein]

Sorry to hear about what a rough time you've been having on so many levels, Mark.  Sure hope that everything gets sorted out and those antibiotics do the trick.
 

[willieandwinnie]

  Mark, I am so sorry you are going through all this. I'd rather of had the clowns kidnap you, we could of hunted you down, or paid a ransom. I pray you start feeling better soon and we see more of you.