It takes most of us a lifetime to gain the wisdom, and insight Jasmine has earned in her early 20’s. Despite a diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome at 18, she courageously pursues her passion for professionally performing in the arts. In this upbeat but transparent conversation she shares about being grateful, choosing acceptance, and pursuing a stress-free, happy lifestyle.
(1:46) An Instagram meeting…
(3:24) Was it an allergic reaction or something more?
(7:54) Misdiagnosis, swelling, and biopsy…
(11:06) “And I’m not going to lie. I was so scared. I remember having a panic attack at that time of my life. I was quite anxious anyway. And having the phobia of needles, oh just needles, needles, needles. I was so scared of them.”
(13:11) The intensity of a biopsy…
(15:42) Where transplanted kidneys go…
(18:34) Treatment after the diagnosis of Minimal Change Disease…
(22:00) Pursuing studies and trying to find a new normal with medications…
(23:38) “I quickly learned to get over myself…” Balancing performing and the new reality of steroids…
(28:09) “I think the main takeaway I have from thinking about that time in my life is actually the only person judging you is you. No one else cares, apart from you, like really no one else cares. The agents don't care, your teachers don't care, your friends don't care, you care. And that's it.”
(32:10) “I just think your appearance never changes your personality. It really doesn't adjust if your appearance changes.”
(34:21) The impact of stress…
(36:27) Remission early on… and protein in the urine…
(40:40) Looking back is sometimes a blur…
(42:57) A longer sense of freedom…
(45:10) “So actually until I get past that point, we don't know if this treatment has worked and that scares the living daylights out of me. But I try not to let it come to the forefront of my mind because it hasn't happened yet. I just think we'll just cross that bridge when we get to it.”
(48:06) “Hopefully, every once in a while, we are just a little bit better at reminding ourselves a little sooner than we used to that anxiety can make the situation harder.”—Jeremy
(49:54) Another relapse…
(53:28) How acceptance helps mental health… And what motivates you?
(57:23) The impact of a support system…
(59:56) A piece of advice… “It's tough, but it does get better, and there will be bumps along the way, but it does get better, and you will learn to grow.”