I Live By the Bottle

For about a week I had the Norovirus. The Norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Most people get over it within three days. It is troublesome for the elderly and young children, as well as people with medical conditions. I, myself, have a rare medical condition called Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus.

For context, it is not the typical type 1 or type 2 diabetes. That diabetes is classified under he name-Mellitus-a word meaning passing through honey. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is classified as when the kidneys are not sensitive to the hormone Vasopressin-also known as Antidiuretic Hormone. In short, one must drink fluids often and every one to two hours those fluids will be excreted via urine.

I have had this condition since 2005. I have always caved under stress and not to do them disservice, my parents were overstressing me to do more with my life. After a few weeks my mind and body gave out and I fell into a coma. For a bit I was put on life support and the doctors said the outlook was grim. However, God as we see him, knew my time was not yet done and I recovered with the infraction that I had scarred nephrons-the functioning unit of the kidneys.

At first, they tried medications to help see if the kidneys would recover. As they did not and the medication had drastic side effects, they stopped them. In the intensive care unit of the hospital, they were scared to remove my catheter stating that I would struggle to run to the bathroom every hour or so. After three weeks with the catheter I asked if they would let me try without. I proved to be good enough to go on my own without assistance.

Everyday, I drink roughly 16 liters to stay afloat. I am never seen without a drink in hand. If I am without fluids for an hour I start to cough and gag and get pain in my sides. I had one incidence at work where my water was blocked off and I coughed and heaved. Onlookers commented they thought I was going to die. I got my water and chugged roughly a liter or so of water and sat down while I waited for my body to get better.

Back to the Norovirus. I got it particularly bad. I had vomiting for a few hours coupled with diarrhea. Anyone who has had Norovirus would know, your body does not want to drink. I forced myself too and endured the stomach pains. The virus started attacking me at 7 P.M. At around 11 P.M. I was able to keep most fluids down so I evaded a visit to the emergency room.

Probably something that is tough on me is getting a proper sleep. I hve to wake up every hour to drink and relieve myself. It is especially trying when I am fatigued from many nights of poor sleep. I have had to adapt and fend for myself. Like any disease it has progressed too. I suffer from Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease and due to insufficient kidneys, I also have gout.

Kidney Disease is classified by proteinuria-which is protein in the urine. It actually strips protein from the muscles and instead of reabsorbing, it excretes it. You can imagine I struggle to keep muscle mass. Gout is another demon I don't wish on anyone. It is caused by uric acid crystals building up which in turn get into the joints. For me, it is mostly in the big toe. The best cure for this is to eat citrus fruits and drink tons to dissolve the crystals.

I understand the title is clickbait and makes you think I have an alcohol problem. I have tasted alcohol ang oh my gofd is it nasty. I do not drink it and due to gout, probably never will again.