25 January 2017

I realize that I haven't updated my blog as I had promised, but I have some exciting news today...

While I was sleeping yesterday from my post-D nap, I received a phone call from Transplant!

Yep! You read that correctly...I received a call from transplant!  :o) 

They did NOT officially offer me a kidney, but asked the following questions as a screening process for a possible donation:

-Are you, or have you been sick at any time in the last week?  (No)

-When was your last dialysis session?  (Today)

-Have you received any blood transfusions recently?  (No)

-Have you had any recent hospitalizations?  (No)

The Transplant Rep then explained that while a kidney was becoming available, the likelihood that I would be offered this kidney was somewhat low, but that I should stand by my phone should I be the right fit. Also, my latest monthly lab draw for the transplant committee was being cross-matched for antigens (antibodies), which I know to be zero--a very good thing. Further, I would be called again within four to five hours with the lab results and a possible offer.

So, I could no longer sleep--quite understandably!--but spent my afternoon trying to keep my excitement in check. I notified a few people of the possibility, then waited until just after 800p, when the Transplant Rep called once again.

She stated that while my antigens were indeed at zero, I was not being offered the kidney. However, I was to still keep my phone on and charged should the situation change over the following 10-12 hours. as of now, another twelve hours has passed with no further contact from transplant.

The exciting part here is that, after almost seven and a half years that has passed since this all began, and after four and a half years on dialysis, I am finally getting calls about possible transplant offers! I am soooooooo close to getting my kidney! When I say that it could be at any time, I mean that in the most literal sense!

I am NOT disappointed that I wasn't offered the kidney. Not at all! I am just excited that my turn is finally close! I already knew that once you start receiving calls, a kidney is not far behind, so why would I be anything but excited?!

Stay tuned!  :o)

ScottW

05 January 2017

 It has been way too long since my last post (30 Nov), and I have much to catch up everyone on.
However, I have dialysis in a few hours, so I will only say a few brief things for today, and write again on Friday; my next 'off day.'

December came and went without my call for transplant. I was hoping it would be otherwise, but always knew there was a possibility for the year to close out before I received my kidney. I am not so much disappointed as I am anxious to begin the next chapter in this great adventure called life. Ahh well...soon!

December whizzed by me before I knew where it went! With Christmas shopping, present wrapping, tree decorating, treat making...my time every day was just gone. I did my dialysis treatments, slept, and worked on the aforementioned list whenever I wasn't sleeping.

All in all, my Christmas was a terrific success! We enjoyed the season more than in several years past!

I am scheduled for a new walking endurance test next week. I have these about every two years, and mine is past due. The Transplant Committee likes to assure compliance, which I am only too happy to meet. IF I get my call beforehand, I can always do the test after my recovery, if it is still needed.

The weather here in my area is VERY snowy...which is potentially good for me--and any other transplant recipients, no matter the required organ. Again, it's a sad, morbid reality that bad weather is great news for any transplant patient. It means they get to move up the list. So, in that spirit...

"GO SNOWFALL, GO!" 

That's all I have time for tonight.

I WILL catch up on Friday!

Good Health to All!

ScottW