Gitelman And Me

I'm sorry about your daughter. :( it really does suck. But over the years since I first wrote this post I have found exercises and sports that can be enjoyed as long as I'm hydrated. Swimming, walking, and 15 minute biking seem to be possible once potassium levels are stable. I just always carry a big water bottle with me whereever I go. I also use jump rope, yoga, and kettle bells to stay in shape.

The social aspect of the condition was easier to deal with once I established a close group of tight knit friends. It helps that they have experienced their own share of up and downs and already have an understanding about the curveballs that life throws at us. But GS being as rare as it is, there will always be a few people who will not understand it.

I have problems with ER too. Even if I am in unbearable pain or barely coucious or can't talk, I have always had to explain GS to the ER responders and doctors. I usually just tell them to check my electrolytes, which get affected by every illness it seems. The worst though are stomach flus. Those will put me down in the hospital for a day. I am considering getting a medical bracelet or necklace in case of emergencies.

If she is staying healthy and getting some good old vitamin c, the stomach flus will be rare. I really only started getting a bunch of contagious illness once I went to a university. Stress+thousands of students sharing same dining hall, classrooms, and living areas will do that. But college is fun. Also, I have found more people who are understanding of GS at my college. And for big campuses in the US, they should have disability shuttle services that will accept GS patients. My school is huge and built on a mountain so the shuttles are awesome!

I have learned a lot over the years. The longer she has had diagnosed GS thee more she will understand and I hope be able to lead a full and long life. It took me a while to accept my condition, but once I did I felt much better about myself. I think of GS almost as a super power now. I can eat as much salt as I want and never have a heart attack. My chemist friends are awed at my ability to consume huge quantities of potassium and magnesium and have claimed this ability to be a super power. GS patients never suffer from osteoporosis, or so my kidney doctor who diagnosed me claimed. GS appearently causes a super absorption of calcium, so strong bones and teeth for life. No high blood pressure issues too, if I remember correctly.

So, there can be a lot of good with GS. I have found that by counting my blessings and keeping the phrase, "all grey clouds have silver linings" helpful in getting over the harder parts in life.

I wish you both the best in life.