A little christmas miracle

At 08:00 I show up at the emergency room to be admitted for a kidney biopsy. A gentle nurse greets me and shows me to a hospitalbed and puts what looks like a "tap" on my hand. Veneflon she calls it and gives me a cup to pee in. They take som more blood tests and measure my blood pressure. A printout of my journal is lying on the bed and I sneak a peak at it while I wait. I don't really understand much of what is written, but I manage to google that alopecia means hair loss. Eventually a nephrologist shows up and talks to me about what's going to happen. Although the rheumatalogist was pretty certain I have lupus, I'm thinking it doesn't hurt to ask this doctor as well. Unfortunately, he also seems pretty sure that it is the right diagnosis.

A part from the increasing morning pain in my joints and the stinging in my chest, I actually feel pretty good. As they take me up to the ward I'm feeling a little too healthy to be pushed in a hospital bed. The whole thing is a bit confusing and surreal, and mentally I feel out of place. Even though I have an iPad, a book and my knitting to keep me entertained, for the most part I'm just looking out the window. There is a foggy haze and snowsprinkle in the air. My thoughts are drawn to the skiing season. Will I have to sell my randonee skis now? The hiking and climbing equipment too? What about knitting and sewing? Will I be able to pursue any of my activities and hobbies? The train of thought is interrupted by a new round of blood tests. I keep slumbering and waiting. A few texts pops in. Mom is wondering if I've had anything to eat yet. A fun video clip from a friend. Some encouraging snaps from a group of friends.

​Eventually, it turns out there is some good news. A new nephrologist drops by. He asks how I feel and how if I'm holding up ok. I admit that I'm a bit shocked by it all and ask him if they are sure it's Lupus. He confirms with a nod, but actually has some good news for me. My kidney function has normalized since yesterday, and by the looks of it there is no need to perform a kidney biopsy at this point.  They might need to do one later, but as of now there is no need to stick a needle in mye kidney. After conferring with the rheumatalogist, they want to send me home and start me up on medication. Shortly after I am merrily skipping into the hospital pharmacy with my prescription and a big smile to buy medicine and pill box. I actually pay more for the pill box than the medicine and feel incredible grateful for being born in Norway. I'm excited for what feels like a little Christmas miracle. The worst is over - it's all upwards and onwards from here!