So I last wrote in October 2021 and I’m happy to report that everything is still pretty stable in regards to my kidney function. It’s definitely been a weird few years and now five COVID vaccinations in, my life has pretty much returned to normal. I know many patients who are still fearful, and I understand that, but my physical and mental well-being meant I had to start living my life again. Despite the risks.

Writing my food blog has opened up new opportunities to me and I’ve leapt at most with great enthusiasm. (I say leapt, perhaps more like trundled slowly 🤣) but it has meant eating out alot which to be honest, is my favourite past time. No I don’t wear my mask anymore but I still actively avoid people where I can. I went to a nightclub opening and brought home a cold. So I still have to be careful.
My baking also brings me great joy, as well at great weight gain haha. I bake something new every week and often feed it to my neighbours. Another hobby based around food I know but what can ya do hey.
I’ve also got a new nephew who is (incredibly) nearly a year old. So I was never going to miss him growing up. Though watching him is utterly exhausting despite being really enjoyable. I’ve never really been so close to a little human 🥰

Health wise, the renal dietician has again discharged me. My dialysis graft is being left to fail naturally and I’ve had scans to see if there’s room for another transplant in there. I’ve had quite a few gout flares, usually to do with my home cooking (who knew asparagus was on the bad list, not me!), and have been hobbling around with a walking stick more frequently. So, I plod on. As does Betty.
The only other thing that’s happened recently is that I lost a great friend. We dialysed for many years together and he often helped me at charity events. I went to his funeral last week, and met many of my old dialysis nurses there. It was a very sad day, and a poignant reminder of how hard kidney disease is on the human body. He was 44. I hope the same nurses aren’t at my funeral anytime soon. This one’s for you Matt 💜💜💜