KidneyLuv Interview with BLIND CHICK LIVING on dialysis

In KidneyLuv's first video interview, Larry Hales, KidneyLuv's Chief Marketing Officer, interviews BLIND CHICK LIVING on dialysis Podcast couple Michael and Christina Gilchrist as they recount their journey with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and how they are living their best life despite being on dialysis.

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Video Transcript Highlights

Christina Gilchrist

Okay, I was originally diagnosed when I was 12. I went in for a sports physical and they found too much protein in my urine so they sent me to a nephrologist and I was diagnosed with the strain of nephritis; but we're not sure to this day what the strain is.  At the time it was super mild and it probably my doctor said it would probably affect me when I was like in my senior years; and I didn't really have to worry about it so I went on with my life.  I went and saw my doctor once a year and when I was 22 I got pregnant so I went and saw him and told them I was pregnant and he sent me to a specialist. 

Well, during the pregnancy, I started gaining weight and it was like massive amounts. There was one month where I gained 50 pounds and I was like there's something wrong and the doctor was like no,  you're just retaining fluid. So I listened to him and I went home and then I kind of told them again I think something's wrong. I think something's wrong. 

Well, on September 20th I woke up in my bed at home and I couldn't see anything I was completely blind; and so I went into the office and they decided I was dehydrated so they were going to send me over to get some fluids to the hospital so I went over to the hospital and before they gave me fluids, which is a good thing, we didn't give fluids but while they were wheeling me to my hospital room I ended up having seizures in the hallway. So they did an emergency C-section and fortunately my beautiful three pound 12 ounce baby girl was born and she she had her health problems but she did she was really strong and so she made it through it.  So truly makes all of this worth it because she's amazing. 

But, hypertension went crazy during the seizures and so we couldn't get my blood pressure down for anything and that ended up ramping up my kidney disease which ended up taking my kidneys.  So we knew I was going into full-blown kidney failure and so I went in and got a fistula and I have I have eight siblings because I live in Utah; and so, I always joke about how I have eight sets of kidneys walking around. I could pick any of them but I have three of my brothers tested and one was not a match and the other two were identical matches; and so they end up deciding between the two of them who was going to give the kidney and on December 9th 2008 my big brother, Brian, gave me a kidney. 

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Michael Gilchrist

I had a handicap sister growing up and I would watch my mom interact with doctors all the time; and my mom gave us some amazing advice and it was always ask you a question three times. The first time will be the impulse answer. The second time will be the safe answer; and then the third time will be the last .

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About LIVING on Dialysis

Michael and Christina Gilchrist produce the popular podcast (available on all platforms) BLIND CHICK LIVING on Dialysis which is about dialysis and current events. It's sarcastic but has serious conversations about the trials of dialysis and how the warriors and caretakers handle it. Their Facebook Group has over four thousand members.

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‍About Larry Hales

Larry Hales is a seasoned and multi-faceted technology professional. His passion all-things tech began with his first computer in 1984 and it has stayed with him ever since. Currently, Larry serves as the Marketing Technology Director at West, Williston Financial Group Company, where he coaches and guides Real Estate Agents on how to better leverage technology in their business.His 25 years of photography, design and printing, combined with his knowledge of digital advertising and brand building, gives him a unique perspective of marketing from different angles.When he isn’t busy being a proud computer geek, Larry enjoys trail running, hiking, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and anything else that gets him outside.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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