Positive Press

(this chapter is a little crude)

Sometimes I venture into the grotesque; it is not by design, but it occurred to me the other day that I can look to bloodwork results or doctor’s remarks to indicate the state of my kidneys, but I can also use some weird symptoms as well. Please avoid the next two paragraphs if you are squeamish or disdainful of graphic physical descriptions… 

When I was younger, on occasion I’d notice that my urine was a little bubbly. So I wouldn’t comment on this to anyone, but I thought it was cool. I thought it meant that I was virile. Today, I know that a lot of foam in the urine means my kidneys are no longer able to process protein well. I have only to look down in the bowl after relieving myself to see the heavy head of bubbles to know that I ate a significant amount of protein and that my kidneys, though I basically feel fine, are not functioning correctly. 

So this diagnostic is perhaps unmentionable, but to be frank, I’ll mention it so that people who know nothing about CKD, guys in particular, will know this can be a warning sign, and that if they repeatedly witness this type of symptom, they’d do well to visit a physician, and have their GFR tested. Doing so could give you more years of life.

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“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”— 3 John 1:2