Second half of testing....

Whoa, just completed my second day of transplant evaluation testing. These test consisted of a Thyroid Ultrasound, TTE, and last but certainly not least an MRI. The first two test where non-evasive ultrasound type test. The last one...MRI turned out to be the most traumatic. The MRI began with the tech explaining the various dangers regarding the dye used to contrast the images. These dangers included: death, brain damage, seizure, lose of limb usage, NFS, etc. NFS seemed to be highlighted as the most common issue. NFS is an extremely disabling disease characterized by high blood pressure, burning, itching, swelling and hardening of the skin. NFS can progress to severe stiffness in joints, and can lead to death. At this time, there is no treatment or cure for NSF! This laundry list of potential side effects would make any sane person flinch.

I immediately objected to the use of dye given my degraded kidney function, but was then told Emory has since switched to a new type of dye which has yielded positive results. I must say I felt somewhat under the gun, since this was the final medical evaluation before the my records are reviewed for transplant clearance. After several minutes of question and answer with the techs, I begrudging signed the wavier and scum to the exam.

The tech was very skillful in the placement of the contrast IV, and the MRI itself was uneventful. I now see why this test would be an issue for people who are claustrophobic...it's like being shoved into a round casket.

So, at the end of the day all I can do is trust the professionals at Emory have my best interest at heart and proceed with the process. Speaking of Emory, I must say I've been impressed with the overall experience thus far. Most personnel I come in contact with are genuine and friendly, which helps put me at ease. Radiology seems highly concerned with patient concerns and really go above and beyond to exceed patient expectations. I look forward to many more positive experiences with other groups in the future.

I think that's it for now...have to go an inventory my dialysis shipment which arrived this morning. Couple more days of dialysis training at the clinic then I'll be on my own at home.

If all works out fine, I will begin working from home at the end of this week. One step closer to a normal routine!

Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention Emory now has a donor swap program. This is exciting news since it enables the relative or friend of a kidney-transplant patient who is not compatible as a donor to "swap" organs with another potential donor who also may be an incompatible match for his/her relative or friend. This greatly broadens the pool of organs available from living donors.

I read there are 63,000 patients waiting for kidney transplant...guess I'm now 63,001. That's a big number...but I have hope and I look forward to regaining a new lease on life soon!