It's UK Kidney Week #UKKW2021 which really means there happens to be a big virtual conference happening in the renal community this week. I'm thrilled to be part of the conversation in self care with a brilliant human chairing, Dr Kate Bramham, on Friday. Kate was the on ward consultant last September, during the first week of a two week stint as an inpatient, when I was in hospital in 2020, with a pretty heavy viral load of CMV, that asked me to dive ever deeper into my experience. It happened in the first 12 months of my second kidney transplant, which really is a pivotal time. We never know how those deeper connections might be made. Often, in our most vulnerable states, isn't it?
I'm excited about being IN the conversation to shine a holistic light on renal medicine. In the meantime though, take a sweet moment to appreciate your wonderful kidneys. They do so much, on so many levels. It is also a joy for me to share the new series of my Wholly Aligned podcast. My first guest is another brilliant human and dear friend, Anoushica. We are both dragons in Chinese Horoscope. Strong women! I met Anoushica a few years ago at King's renal unit, a time when we were both on peritoneal dialysis We are now firm friends. It is such a gift to be in deep and intimate conversation with people on this level. 'Integrating a holistic approach to kidneys.' Anoushica came over for supper this weekend. So we had some fun doing some soundbites for you! Keep shining!! And tune into our very candid conversation on the podcast (link below), where we speak about the healing power of receptivity - especially as women, and for her, the willingness (which was a huge process) to accept the gift of a kidney from her brother. We also talk about the intense rollercoaster this year has been for her, including ending up in intensive care and a period of psychosis, and what she continues to learn from these challenging experiences. Holistic is the whole. Healing. Whole healing. That we are all dancing in the complexities of being human. And in the tenacity and vulnerability to meet the challenges along the way. Comedy and tragedy are two sides of the same coin. So much love. Tune into the podcast here: buzzsprout.com/246643/9247934
#kidney transplants #peritoneal dialysis