My first introduction to catheters was as a teenager. I was in a car accident with my boyfriend. He broke his hip; I had a concussion and we both ended up in hospital. Although we were on different floors, on different wards, we couldn’t have been any closer. At night, we’d sneak phone calls on the hospital landline and fall …
My stand-in lover forced me to take responsibility for my own peace of mind
I was a mess one night, a few days after I found out I needed surgery. I was feeling that kinda way when you just want a warm body to cuddle up next to. Slight problem: I am a member of the single ladies crew. But the universe so had it that I was driving home in the area of a …
When the thought of living is just as bad as dying
For a split second my mother and I maintained the strong face: That defiant, fear no evil, I can do anything look you try to muster when facing the possibility of dying in three months. That moment passed quickly., and what came next was the puddle of tears. I mean, really, what do you say when the choice you are …
Finally, I’m ready to share: My traumatic year dealing with kidney disease
I have end stage kidney disease. If it sounds scary to you that is completely appropriate because it is scary as hell. End stage kidney disease is a chronic condition and it’s turned my world upside down. I was sitting in a conference room with a group of clients and one of them said: “Noelle, you need some rest. You look …