Every other day, for the past ten years, my father endures four hours of dialysis treatment as a result of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). When he was diagnosed, in 1993, the family had the opportunity to see if they were a carrier of this disease. I was the lucky one. I was a carrier -- my brother and sister were not. My father maintains the strength of a horse, as he still continues dialysis to this day. For him, the disease was a challenge. For me, the disease was a wake up call.

At time of diagnosis, my kidneys were showing no signs of weakness. My body, mind, career, and life all shifted. I began to embrace awareness of spirit and creative self -- a natural method of thought and existence as a foreground. I took an interest in music administration in Toronto through Trebas Institute of Music. I embraced a natural life-style of vegetarian eating and looking to nature as my life force. Drawing into the self, I experienced a deeper connection between my body and the earth. As my awareness grew, I began to seek alternative ways of healing. Reiki became a part of me. In simple terms, Reiki is similar to hands-on healing. It was discovered in Japan, by Dr. Usui, from the study of Buddhism and deep meditation. I am truly grateful for my lessons learned and can say that the past is behind me, the beauty of healing energy is in front of me, and the future is full.

As for my PKD, I plugged along steadily until 2004, when I was down to 20% kidney function. The doctor wanted to prep me for either dialysis or kidney donation. I felt fine -- no symptoms at all – and thanked my spirit for it, but prayed for a donor. Both my brother and sister were tested. My my sister, Sandra, was a match. That year Sandra and I did our tests and at year end, my father had a heart valve replacement – a complication from calcium buildup. Was it a direct link to talking calcium tablets from dialysis? ?? He came out of the operation only to go into a state of semi coma for 3 weeks. So I really took care of driving my mom back and forth from the hospital during that time.

During my father’s ordeal, my kidney function declined to approximately 13% and the nephrologist gave me two choices: prep for dialysis or proceed with transplant. I did not wish for the transplant, more for my sister than myself, so I looked into dialysis. I found that I would have to have a major operation to move my arteries from under my arm to the side, as my wrist vein circumference was too small for the needles. With my sister by my side as my donor, I opted for transplant, and scheduled April 26, 2005 for the operation.

The day came as quickly as it went. I survived the surgery, and gave a little bit of a stubborn push not to receive as many meds. Sandra also came out of it well, and was released after 3 days. To this day Sandra is doing well. The donor does have a little bit more of a struggle, since the body has to learn to function with one kidney, while the recipient gets more energy than accustomed too. As I did not like many drugs and understood the side effects -- a blood thinner then a stool softener – I was stubborn when l left the hospital not to take them. The only pills I am on to this day are Myfortic and Cyclosporine, as immune suppressants.

At the beginning, Cellcept was causing much pain and gas build-up; somehow they believed it was the post-operation system of my lower abdominal, as my bowels were slow in waking-up after surgery, that bloated my stomach. Once released from the hospital, I decided to call my naturopathic doctor (ND). She said to take Peppermint and Vegetable Charcoal tablets for the gas. Over night, my pain vanished and stomach and bowels moved well after that. It took three weeks after the operation before the medical doctor agreed with me to change the Cellcept. They changed it to the coated version of Cellcept called Myfortic but it works fine. I take my meds with food so that if any gas or other symptoms can be absorbed by my digestion as well.

Every time I go for my check up, the doctor congratulates me in maintaining the lowest meds out of all the patients in similar medical situations. I do believe the medical profession does not realize how the power of your spirit and the awareness of your soul contribute to the healing process. I am not a master by all means. Diane from the PK Diet group has great insight as to what is beneficial for the body and organs. The book Coping with Kidney Disease was helpful along with Eat Right 4 your Blood Type. But I must admit, above all, it was my belief in spirit and God that has given way to a greater understanding of life and self.

Today, I continue a regular work routine. The working world is a different place than it was some years ago, and it seems that I have become what is known as “highly sensitive” to my surroundings and the people I interact with. Sometimes, it feels like going to a crowded mall and everything seems to bug you. The difference is, at the mall, you can escape the annoyance and walk out. When you work in an office and need the income, walking out is not an option. I am working at how to move forward in life once again with another leap of faith as a social worker for the transplant team mentioned to me at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. It is difficult living alone and maintaining a “normal” life style but then I am very grateful to have been blessed with an opportunity to live life full of joy, and just maybe one day, be able to say that I helped someone as well.

I am a Usui Reiki Master. I am available to discuss the process more with you by email. Reiki does not have to be done in person. There is a technique called long distance healing as well as person-to-person face-to-face Reiki sessions. I have sent reiki energy to Diane in Hawaii as well as Michael in France from my home in Canada. I am a certified Usiu Reiki Master through the Reiki Blessings Academy and am available for Reikan therapy long distance sessions. Any money received from sessions, I will donate $15 to the kidney foundation of Canada or St. Michael's Hospital where I received my transplant. If anyone wishes to contribute less or more, I will gladly accommodate these requests. For more detailed questions, I can be reached with a friendly email. Hoping to hear from you.

                                                                                                               
 These are a few books I have enjoyed.