Lil over three weeks

I'm doing great, nearly full range of motion with little to no pain. I still feel pain when doing certain things, but in general I feel improvement from day to day.

I drove myself to barbershop today...felt like I ran a marathon when I returned home. I just it takes time to regain stamina after laying around for three weeks.

Another side benefit is weight loss. MD's say it's excess water weight being stripped off by the new kidney. Not complaining in the least, I needed to loss a few pounds...I should be beach ready by summer!

I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this journey. This ordeal has changed my outlook on life and my understanding of the nature of good people. I hope to be able to pass on good deeds in the future.

I'll post some pictures from the hospital once I locate my transfer cable for the camera.

Two weeks out

It's been just over two weeks now since the transplant. Revocery seems to get better from week to week. Currently, I'm schuduled to visit the transplant clininc twice a week for the next month to check my progress and recieve my Belatecep infusion. Some days are hard to get out of bed, but I've been managing. All in all things are going well, just wish I could fast forward to the easier days.

Nexr major event is to have this stent removed from my bladder...not looking forward to that one!

Post Transplant Day 2

OMG I've got a great freaking new kidney! I feel like a million bucks and my mind is clear and unburden with my future. It's positivly amazing how miraculous the change in health over a period of 24 hours.

Aside from the usual pain of recent surgery my body feels amazing. I looks forward to resuming lost hobbies and being active with my family, espeically my daughter.

More to come!

Here we go...

It's the day before the transplant and I'm understandablity a little nervous, but excited about regaining my good health. Today, I plan to relax and get things in order for my next few days in the hospital.

Pre Op

Just got call from hospital to come in 11/11 @ noon for pre-op and consult with surgeons. The operation has been confirmed for 11/19.

Transplant Date nearing

Looks like I've got two possible dates for surgery. The dates are 11/17 and 11/19, which will be confirmed sometime early this week. It feels somewhat surreal now that the time is drawing near. Apryl has told me a few horror stories, but I'm still feeling good about the operation. I'm fortunate since I'm otherwise healthy and should not expect any complications.

Let's see, I'm being presented with a couple options regarding the surgery. First is the traditional transplant and the other is research based. The traditional relieves on 5-7 meds per day which can be harsh on the body and new organ, which could lead to shorter organ lifespan. The other is research based which uses new medications that are less harsh, which might man longer organ lifespan. Problem is research has only been done for a short number of years, whereas traditional has been monitored for the last 30+ years.

I hope to gain additional information on the positive and negatives of each within the next few days.

And, I believe that's it for now...

Best News Yet!

Just got word from my donor, all his renal evaluation test have been completed and it goes to the surgical board on September 2nd at 1PM. One step closer to good health!

I'm not the most sensative guy, but this news brought a tear to my eye. The fact this ordeal is nearly over, and that someone out there is generious enough to share the gift of life.

Donor Update

Brian, my donor continues to keep my updated on the evaluation process. He just got contacted yesterday indicating all test are good and things are proceeding. We can only hope this process is coming to an end soon and we can got on with the show!

Anyway, had yet another doctor appointment today. Sounds like this form of dialysis is failing. MD wants to perform more test next month and recommend changes. Pretty upsetting news for me since I'm only focused on transplant, not hemo as option. So, it's a race to see which happens first. Although, I've vowed not go the hemo route...no matter what!

Ohhh, wanted to say thanks to Charlene and Tracy for supporting my on here! I really appreciate the words of encouragement!

Transplant bound

Not sure if anyone still reads this stuff, but I wanted to give an update on the transplant process. my donor has moved to next phase of testing, which is a test of his kidney function. I'm told the next phase is clinical consult, then the clinical board meet to determine final transplant eligibility. Once this last step is complete, the surgery is scheduled.

Things are looking good....

Let's see...this past weekend we had my donor over to the house for Sunday diner. It was great having him join my family for diner and spend time talking.

So far so good, Brian has done everything required by Emory to complete donor evaluation to this point. At this point we're waiting for Emory to contact him for phase 2 testing. Once he passes the pre-eval testing then he will be brought back in for a two day evaluation. Barring any medical issues the next step is setting a date for transplant. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I will keep posting as the process continues...right up to the day of the transplant!

Angel named Ancel

Well, I suppose it's true...good things come to those who wait. Last week, I was in need of someone to move a heavy TV from the first floor to the second. After some thought, I turned to Craigslist where I posted an ad. Several people responded with various offers, from the insanely high to just desperate replies. As I reviewed the many offers, one caught my attention. An arrangement was made with "Brian" from Ancel Delivers.

It's always feels risky inviting strangers into your home, but I felt instantly comfortable with Brian when he arrived. I could tell right away I made the right choice in movers.

After the move was done, I proceed to write a check for payment. Brian offered his drivers license and business card to complete the check. I noticed Brian was listed as an organ donor. Just making conversation I mentioned that I was in need of a kidney transplant. Brian seemed interested in learning about the process so I explained in some detail. Still impressed and happy with the TV moves, we parted ways.

Later that afternoon, I received a text message from Brian indicating he was the same blood type and willing to donate. After reading the message three or four times to confirm what I was reading was correct, and collecting my thoughts I replied. We went back and forth exchanging information and my gratitude for this most charitable gift.

True to his word, Brian contacted my transplant coordinators and began the process. Once again it's out of hands at this point, although I feel extremely hopeful this was meant to be.

It never fails to amaze me how giving some people are in the world. Words can not express how blessed and fortunate I feel to have this man make this beautiful, life giving gift.

I look forward to updating this blog with more good news soon.

Been a little while so here goes...

Ok, my friend was tested but was unable to donate to due his own issues with blood pressure. I have however gained my full clearance (both financial and medical) for the transplant. I was listed as status 7 until recently. My kidney doctor pulled some strings to have my surgical BMI number increased a bit, along with my own weight loss cleared the way.

So here I sit cleared for take off without a good donor...

Otherwise, my health has been decent and dialysis is moving along without issues. The biggest draw back to this condition is fatigue. I look forward to the day when I can run all day long without getting tired.

Let's see what else...ohh we got a puppy recently. He's 12 weeks old at this point, black lab mixed with something else..not sure. Puppies name is "Othello". He is very mild mannered, good with kids, and seems to be quickly adjusting to our family. I think Othello is good for my blood pressure..at least when he not doing something he's not suppose to be doing.

O+ DONOR FOUND !!!

Happy days...a close friend has offered to donate a kidney. He will conduct the phone screen tomorrow and hopefully move forward with the actual physical exams. With any luck maybe have the transplant before March.

This gift has made me reflect on this whole ordeal...made me stronger and cherish life more than ever before.

I will post again once I know more.