SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 10, 2024 – Two-year-old Nicklaus is a typical toddler by day, full of energy and curiosity. But by night, he transforms into a kidney care superhero, bravely battling a chronic condition he's faced since birth.
Born prematurely with only 5% kidney function, Nicklaus's journey has been filled with challenges. A blockage in his urethra and an enlarged bladder led to a 72-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
A Devastating Diagnosis and a Family's Strength
"His diagnosis was devastating. It was very hard on our family," says his mother, Kayla. "We went through a lot, and we came out stronger."
Despite the initial shock and uncertainty, Nicklaus's family has found strength and resilience in navigating his kidney care journey.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Enabling a Normal Childhood
While in the NICU, Nicklaus's care team presented two options for treating his kidney disease: hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). HD typically requires visits to a dialysis center, while PD allows for home-based treatment.
Kayla chose PD for Nicklaus, enabling him to receive his treatments at night while he sleeps. "With PD, I'm able to give Nicklaus a normal childhood... I'm incredibly grateful for it," Kayla shares.
PD works by filtering and cleaning toxins from the blood using the body's peritoneal cavity. A remote patient management platform automatically sends Nicklaus's treatment data to his care team, allowing for close monitoring and adjustments as needed.
Support and Guidance from Healthcare Professionals
Kayla credits Nicklaus's healthcare team for their unwavering support and guidance. "Our healthcare team has been amazing," she says. "Seeing him with a tube in his abdomen was scary. They were very patient and understanding, and they helped me feel at ease."
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
Kayla's advice to other families facing similar challenges is to stay strong and rely on their healthcare team. "It's a lot to take in. The doctors and nurses will help you. Listen to them," she adds.
Looking Ahead
Nicklaus's family recently celebrated his addition to the national kidney transplant waitlist. While they await a transplant, Nicklaus continues to live his life to the fullest, playing with his older brother, exploring the world around him, and inspiring those who know him.
Nicklaus's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of home-based therapies like PD to enable children with kidney disease to live full and active lives.