Tuesday, November 5, 2019

IWSG: Thankful To A Gracious Donor For A Healthy Kidney

                                                      



It's time for another edition of the  Insecure Writer's Support Group Be sure to visit Alex J. Cavanaugh  and the rest of the talented bloggers who are always willing to lend a helping hand.



                                                       
My faithful support team (husband center between boys; brother and trusted adviser on the right)

                        Thankful To A Gracious Donor For A Healthy Kidney


The life changing call came late in August while I was undergoing dialysis treatment. I usually don't answer my phone at dialysis, but I noticed the area code for Madison, Wisconsin, and had a feeling it was important. I tried very hard to keep my hand from shaking, as I tightly gripped the phone.

The woman introduced herself as a transplant coordinator from the University of Wisconsin Hospital. She began by asking me if I ever had a blood transfusion and I answered no.

She explained that I was a match with an anonymous living  donor through a paired kidney exchange program. Though my blood type is B, I qualified because I was A-2 blood sub-type compatible. I was also on the waiting list for three years at a prominent Chicago hospital which never even mentioned this option.

The transplant coordinator added that another patient was ahead of me on the list, but this person had too many antibodies that would likely reject this donor's kidney. I was next on the list and my numbers seemed to match well with the donor. She asked if I'd be interested in coming in for an evaluation in September and if all went well, I'd have the surgery on October 9th.

I was in complete shock, as I couldn't believe my good fortune. Surely someone younger than I deserved the kidney more.  The transplant coordinator tried to put my guilty feelings to rest by simply stating that I was next on the list.

I thanked her several times and tried to fight back the tears. In order to protect the donor's privacy, the transplant coordinator couldn't answer any of my questions other than that he or she  lives somewhere in the United States and the kidney would likely be shipped to the hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. She told me that I could send the donor a thank-you note through the hospital, but it would be up to the donor to contact me. 

After we said goodbye, I just sat in my dialysis chair and continued weeping quietly. I was astounded that after almost two years on dialysis, an exceptionally generous and selfless  humanitarian was willing to donate his or her kidney to save my life. 

Shortly after hearing the news, my brother and husband came to visit me at dialysis and we all were over the moon.

That night we called the boys, and I couldn't stop thanking my older son who convinced me to get on the transplant list at the University of Wisconsin/Madison. If I hadn't taken his advice, I'd probably be years away from a transplant in Chicago, and it was highly unlikely that I'd receive a kidney from a living donor.

The average wait for a kidney transplant in Chicago from a deceased donor is between five and seven years and the outcomes are generally not as good. I asked the boys to hold off on sharing the news with anyone else, as I was being cautiously optimistic and didn't want to jinx the opportunity to receive a healthy kidney.

Four donors and four recipients were involved in this paired kidney exchange. We were familiar with the concept, as about two years ago, my husband graciously offered to be part of a paired kidney exchange at a Chicago hospital.Because he wasn't a match for me, his hope was by donating a kidney to someone else, he would move me up the long transplant waiting list. But after a full day of extensive testing, the transplant doctor deemed him too old to donate a kidney. 

The next step was to go to Madison for a pre-surgical evaluation on September 16, the day after my mom's dedication. I couldn't help feeling that Mom was my guardian angel, as she always told me, "You will get a kidney."

At the evaluation, the transplant team told my husband and me that even though my numbers were excellent and I was a good match, there was always a chance that someone in this paired donor exchange could have a change of heart, or get sick which would postpone the surgery. But we tried our best to remain positive.

We decided to go to Madison the afternoon before the October 9th surgery which was the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest Jewish holiday of the year where people atone for their sins with prayer and fasting. This was also a good sign, as Yom Kippur follows Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) which symbolized a fresh start with a healthy new kidney.

I was thrilled to have a great support team accompany me to Madison, as my brother drove up with our boys. My brother also has Polycystic Kidney Disease, (PKD), and underwent a kidney transplant 14 years ago. I think the worst part of any surgery is the fear of the unknown, and thanks to him, I had a better understanding of what to expect, and how to proceed moving forward.

My brother also went to the University of Wisconsin/Madison, so he served as a tour guide. I asked my support team not to hang around the hospital during my surgery, as there's nothing worse than waiting around the hospital on a beautiful day. At first, my husband didn't want to leave, but I insisted and my brother helped convince him that it was the right thing to do. Somehow they still managed to observe the holiday, and didn't eat until after sundown. I also fasted that day.

Fortunately, the surgery was a success, and my new kidney started working right away. While I was waiting in recovery, one of the doctors asked if I wanted a shot in the stomach for pain. I happily accepted and I only needed Tylenol for the first two nights of my four and a half day hospital stay.

The night after the surgery, I was very uncomfortable and couldn't sleep. Finally, I asked the nurse if she'd mind going on a walk with me. We went on our first walk at 2 a.m. and followed up with a second walk at 4 a.m. The walking helped relieve some of my discomfort and it felt good to be productive. I will always be grateful to the caring and compassionate staff.

The hospital held classes each day for the transplant patients. My devoted husband was kind enough to attend each class with me. Classes covered nutrition, medications, how to clean your incision, and follow-up care. There were about six to eight patients in the class, but I was the only one fortunate enough to receive a kidney from a living donor.

It really cheered me up having all my boys including my brother with me at the hospital.  I'm so lucky to have such a supportive and loving family who continue to cheer me on every day. My younger son even taught me some gentle stretching exercises, as the binder I wear to protect my incision causes pressure on my back.

My surgery was on a Wednesday and my talented surgeon discharged me early Sunday evening. He asked me to stay at the hotel and come in as an outpatient for labs and follow-up testing on Monday and Tuesday.

One of the doctors told me what a good patient I was, as my numbers were good and I was getting stronger every day. I really think all the walking helped immensely in my recovery. My husband and I knew every inch of the 6th floor in the hospital, and he still continues to walk with me quite a bit.

He's also helped me organize my medications, and takes copious notes of my weight, temperature and blood pressure every day. When I told my husband how lucky I was to have him, he said he was the lucky one. He joked, "Who else can say my wife has three kidneys?"

Last week we went back to Madison to have my staples removed, and in three weeks we'll return to have my stent taken out. We also walk to the lab twice weekly at my primary care doctor's office, which is conveniently located one block away.

Though it's about a two and a half hour drive to Madison, I couldn't be happier with the sterling staff and quality care that I've received.

I still can't believe that I no longer have to go to dialysis three times a week. I promised the wonderful dialysis nurses, techs and some of the patients that I've grown close to, that I'd come back to visit. But the doctors cautioned me to wait, as my immune system has been compromised and I'm more susceptible to getting sick. I look forward to seeing everyone in the near future, and in the meantime, my incredible brother has been making rounds for me.

I still haven't heard from the gracious anonymous donor who gave me a new lease on life. I will always be grateful to him or her, and will try reaching out again soon. A few people wished me happy birthday on Facebook after they heard about my kidney transplant. Now October 9th is officially my second birthday, as the gift of a new kidney has forever changed my life.




45 comments:

  1. That is a miracle and I can feel your gratitude flowing over in this post. I personally am very happy for you. It is in times like these that we realize how great God is. Doors open that we don't expect and the impossible becomes possible.
    All the best and have a lovely November.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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  2. Such a wonderful, happy, blessed post to read. Offering up a prayer for your continued improvement.

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  3. I'm so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your happy news. It made my day! Hope your recovery continues to be so successful.

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  4. What a blessing! I am so happy for you. Prayers everything continues to go so well.

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  5. This is the best news. I had been thinking about you especially when the IWSG posts appeared on my dashboard. I am thrilled for you and your wonderful family. Your sons, husband, and brother are your earth, wind, and fire and nobody could have a better team of supporters. You and they are so blessed to have each other. Now, life must look so bright and hopeful and great things are ahead for you, dear Julie.

    Now I have to go and get a tissue to wipe the tears running down my face after reading this fantastic post.

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  6. What a wonderful post! I'm so happy for you -- congratulations! And blessings to your generous living donor. Enjoy your new lease on life!

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  7. I am so happy for you! I don't know how I missed you were going through this, but I am happy everything is okay. Your donor is an angel. :) Sending continued thoughts of healing. <3

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  8. Wow, that's quite a story! Congratulations to you and your new kidney. :)

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  9. Congratulations on this success. That dialysis must be such an ordeal. I've known a few people who've had to deal with it and it all seems such a hassle, but if it means more life then it's worth it. I wish you well going forward. You are fortunate to have the support that you have.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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  10. Pat - It really is a miracle that I received a healthy kidney from a generous and selfless anonymous donor. Thanks to a gifted surgeon and dedicated transplant team everything went smoothly. I am truly grateful. Thank you so much, Pat!

    Liza - Thank you for your kind words and prayers. It really means a lot to me, Liza!

    Natalie - Thank you for always being so supportive. I’m making progress every day and trying my best to take care of this incredible gift!

    Alex - Yes, this really has been a blessing! Thanks for always cheering me on and letting me share my stories with the IWSG, Alex!

    Julie

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  11. Arleen - Yes, my family really has been my rock. They all stepped up when I began dialysis by visiting me, researching the best transplant hospitals, or just making me laugh. I really should add my mom to my support team, as I believe she also moved heaven and earth to make the kidney transplant possible. Thanks for always lifting my spirits, Arleen!

    Debra - I really do have a new lease on life thanks to my gracious donor. My hope is that I’ll be able to write a future post about when we met and how we really hit it off. We share a bond that could never be broken, but I hope the donor feels the same way. Thanks Debra!

    Chrys - Yes, my donor is an angel! Thank you so much, Chrys!

    Julie

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  12. Diane - Thank you for the kind words and well wishes!

    Lee - Fortunately, ‘the dialysis staff was extremely caring and compassionate. They truly made the experience as pleasant as possible, and they couldn’t have been happier for me about getting a new kidney. We shared tears and hugs on my final days. Yes, I am fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family. Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Lee!

    Julie

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  13. What wonderful news! I'm so glad you were able to find a donor and that the transplant was successful. Huzzah!

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    Replies
    1. Sadira - I really appreciate your kind words and thanks for co-hosting the IWSG!

      Julie

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  14. It was so wonderful to read your news and to know such caring people exist.

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  15. Wow, congrats on this! Your gratitude truly flows from the page.

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  16. GEM JULIE ~

    This is such *FANTASTIC* news! I am so happy for you!! Hallelujah!

    God's blessings upon the donor! What a wonderful soul he/she is!

    I have another friend who is also on dialysis and needs both a kidney and a liver transplant. I hope he has as much good fortune as you did, m'dear!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS

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  17. Lost - It really does help restore one’s faith in humanity! I hope I’ll get to meet this incredible human being and we’ll be able to carry on a lifelong friendship. Thank you!

    Astrid - I never dreamed I’d receive a healthy kidney this quickly, let alone from a selfless living donor. This is the greatest gift I could’ve ever asked for and I’ll always try my best to be worthy of it. Thank you, Astrid!

    Dear Stephen, Thank you for always being one of my biggest cheerleaders! I agree that the donor is a wonderful soul. My hope is that your friend receives a healthy kidney and liver soon. A woman in my class at the hospital had a liver transplant and she seemed to be up and around in no time. It really helped that I took all my meds and never missed a dialysis treatment. It also helped that I was on a transplant waiting list at two hospitals. Best of luck to your friend! Please keep me posted.

    Julie

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  18. Beautifully story, beautifully written, by a beautiful lady. The very best of the best (Julie). Love, Your Favorite Cheerleader!

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    Replies
    1. World Traveler Sue - Thank you so much, my dear friend! What a fun surprise! You've made my day!

      Julie

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  19. It's great to hear about this. Congratulations on the new life.

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  20. I believe Aries and Libra are now your two astrological signs, right?: Here's what internet astrologers say: "Libra and Aries are a compatibility love match." Always knew you are so blessed. Your post was beautiful. Made me cry. -Thalia (and Demetria)




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  21. Bernadette - I do feel like this is the beginning of my new life. I hope that I make less mistakes in this one. Thank you, Bernadette!

    Thalia & Demetria - What another stroke of luck that both my astrological signs are a “compatibility love match!” It just gets better and better. Thank you for your extensive research and for always brightening my day. xoxo

    Julie

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  22. Such a happy, uplifting post. You are so fortunate, 1st to receive a new kidney; 2nd that your body accepted it and you're doing so well. Congratulations. Hugs and get well wishes.

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  23. Julie, this is absolutely wonderful news! I'm so happy for you and for your family. Wishing you continued healing. What a blessing.

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  24. “Friends in weird places” I met you as you know while I kept my hubby company at the “spa”. We spoke traded stories and competed as to who would have he most visitors. I was fortunate to meet your boys, Mark and Kirby who assisted me during the wheel chair era. Our friendship stared there and will continue on. I pray for your continued strength and recovery. Thank you for telling your story in your wonderful style. May your benefactor thrive and feel the warmth of his/her exceptional gift. Much love and hugs. Linda

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  25. Good things happen to good people. Obviously. :)

    I'm so happy for you and your family. Not having to do dialysis anymore must feel like you got sprung from prison! God bless that anonymous donor.

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  26. Diane - Yes, I have been fortunate for all those reasons and for having the support of my loving family. Thank you so much, Diane!

    Connie - I really appreciate your kinds words. Thank you, Connie!

    Linda & Buddy - You always kept me in stitches referring to dialysis as "the spa" and surprising me with your tech savvy ways! I look forward to your continued friendship. I feel the same way about my donor and love how you eloquently expressed those feelings. Sending love and hugs to you, Linda!

    Susan - You're good people too and I believe that good things will happen to you and your family soon. It is very freeing to no longer be on dialysis, and I'll always be grateful for my selfless and generous anonymous donor. Thank you, Susan!

    Julie

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  27. What a wonderful post and I am so glad that everything went well Julie. Long may it continue to do so.

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    1. Jo - It’s so nice to hear from you! Thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes.

      Julie

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  28. "Surely someone younger than I deserved the kidney more." Don't say that. And hooray for all the staff and your wonderful suport team. You haven't heard from the donor yet? That's weird.

    I'm so happy for you.

    Blue

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    1. Blue - There are so many people in need of kidneys and other organs. My heart goes out especially to young people in need. I’ve been told that many donors want to continue to remain anonymous. I hope that’s not the case with my gracious donor. Though I’ll reach out to him or her again, I’ll have to respect their wishes. Thank you so much, Blue!

      Julie

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  29. All the other comments above me say exactly what I could have said.

    Oh, oh, my! Thank you, God! Thank you, unknown donor!

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    1. Susan - I really appreciate your sentiments and I feel the same way. What started out as the worst year of my life with the loss of my mom, has turned in to nothing short of a miracle. That's why I believe Mom is my guardian angel, so please add her to your list, as I do every night. Thank you, Susan!

      Julie

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  30. Dear Julie - I'm so sorry to have taken so long to sit and write a decent comment on an amazing offer ... how brilliant - but even better that it all went so well ... and I'm sure continues to do so.

    Your mother was such fun to read about ... I can imagine her dancing a jig up there, and saying I told you 'all would be well' ... I'm so pleased for you and the family.

    They have really supported you through these times, and how helpful to have a brother who's been through the process at the same hospital.

    What a wonderful story ... and yes aren't you lucky to have a living donor - the pairing situation sounds just such a great idea - giving others a new lease of life ... as well as you.

    Congratulations and I'm so pleased to read your news and happiness - it shines through, and that love for your family and wonderful husband ... take care and I look forward to the next update - cheers Hilary

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  31. What an amazing story. I am so happy for you.

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  32. Hilary - Thank you so much for your kind words, and I especially appreciate your fond memories of my mom. Yes, I’ll always be grateful to my donor and my wonderful family. Happy & healthy holidays, dear Hilary!

    Jacqui - Thanks for being so thoughtful. Happy holidays, Jacqui!

    Julie

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  33. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

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  34. Wow. What a blessing, Julie!
    I'm so glad to read this wonderful news. It really touched my heart.
    Look after yourself and stay strong, my friend.
    Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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  35. Kelly - Thank you and happy holidays!

    Michelle - It’s great to hear from you! I really appreciate your kind words. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

    Julie

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