“Have you ever seen people with frosted foreheads?” Abi asked Mats. They were hanging out at her place for the first time.
“What are frosted foreheads?” he asked, looking confused.
“What looks like frost on a person’s forehead are actually urea crystals which appear on the skin surface of patients with severe Uremia.”
“What is Uremia?”
“Uremia or Uremic syndrome is a serious complication of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. It used to be known as acute renal failure. It happens when urea and other waste products build up in the body because the kidneys are unable to eliminate them.”
“Can it be cured?”
“Uremia is reversible if it’s treated quickly, however, permanent damage to the kidneys can occur.”
“How did you learn about Uremia?”
“From my friend, Monika. She has an uncle who has Uremia. She said that he had to be hospitalized in order to be treated. She said that Uremia is life-threatening because too much nitrogen in the blood is toxic to the body. The symptoms are confusion, loss of consciousness, low urine production, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness, pale skin or pallor, bleeding problems, rapid heart rate, swelling and excessive thirst. Uremia can also be painful.”
“How awful. Poor man. I hope they were able to help him.”
“He’s out of the hospital but is having undergoing long-term treatment.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” he replied and then, his mind wandered.
He still hadn’t worked up the courage to ask her to go steady with him. He had planned to do it on Sunday when they went for a walk but he chickened out. Maybe now, would be a good time. They were at her place, relaxing after having dinner. She was such a great cook. He was lying on the sofa, feeling very much at home. Actually, this felt like his second home. He liked being there. It felt lonely on the sofa, though. Should he ask her to join him? And when she did, what would he do? Take her in his arms and…?
“What’s the matter?” her question startled him.
“Why do you ask?”
“You didn’t hear a word I just said and you’re knitting your brow. So, what’s the matter?”
He sat up and swung around so that his feet were on the floor. “There’s something I have been meaning to ask you.”
She moved away from the window and went over to him, curious. “What do you want to ask me?”
He looked up at her, swallowing hard. His heart was racing. He was so nervous. “Would you like to go steady with me?”
She looked at him. He looked so adorable. She smiled and said, “Of course, I do.”
He reached up and pulled her down onto his lap. “I’m so relieved to hear that ,” he muttered before his mouth found hers.
Source: Health Link BC; Health Grades;
Notes to Women 