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.

Distrubing news....

Went for my monthly routine nephrologist appointment, which went fine as usual. The difference was a comment made while looking over my records. The comment was that due to my body mass PD is not a sustainable method of dialysis once my native kidney function decreases. Best guess is 6 months to 1 year for this occur.

So this means I either obtain a transplant, or face hemo dialysis. I recall having this conversation prior to PD placement, but now it seems even more urgent.

Death...

My mother died last week. She died waiting for a liver transplant. Without getting into much detail, I strongly feel she's in a better place. My mother suffered greatly, especially in later years from various sickness including cancer. Although, I miss her deeply and wish I had more time with her...I know she's free of pain and hopefully looking down on me in happiness. We had our struggles, but I hope she knew I loved her deeply despite our past issues.

Jane K. Lewis
9/24/50- 11/30/08

Mom, we miss you greatly. No words can express the empty void of a lost mother...it pains me think you are gone.

Love,

Your only son...

Thoughts...

While reading current events yesterday I came across an article about Eric Breed. Eric Breed was a rapper...his stage name was MC Breed. The thing that caught my attention was how he died and his age. Mr. Breed died of kidney failure at the age of 37.

Breed was rushed to the hospital in early September of kidney failure. The rapper was on life support for two days before slightly recovering. In late September, he conducted a phone interview with his publicist where he talked about his health crisis. Fast forward two months, he was found dead at a friend's house in Michigan.

This really made me think about the severity of this illness and how if left untreated it can, and most certainly will end you life. In retrospect I personally seem to doing ok on dialysis up to this point. The process of dialysis has grown to become my necessary beast of burden. I now reflect on this burden and wonder had it not been available, how long it would have taken to succumb to full blown kidney failure and it's associated complications. It seems a morbid thought at first glance, but I now truly realize I'm surviving on borrowed time. Had it not been for artificial means I would most certainly be dead or dying.

Well enough talk of death, life is for living. Which reminds me to call Emory to arrange for my final transplant exams. Once complete I should be fully cleared for transplant, whether it be from a living donor or otherwise.

So that's it for now...remember life is way to short to be unhappy any minute of any day!

Quick update...Turkey Day coming fast!

Well it's over the hump day, and here I sit at home working. I don't recall ever being thankful on here about the ability to continue working by means of remote access, but I truly am thankful. When this situation (kidney failure) first occurred I had concerns about how I would be able to continue to contribute to the family. Fortunately, I work in a role where it isn't necessary for me to physically occupy space at the office. This freedom has allowed me to continue working, along with the flexibility to attend various doctor appointments throughout the month (which can be numerous, especially with the transplant program).

So, it's been about five months since I went under the knife. It seems like it's been much longer. When I think back on the stress and anxiety leading up to the surgery, it seems sort of silly. I think this situation has really matured me in a way I never expected possible. I now have no problem getting my blood drawn, in the past I have my wife hold my hand during lab test. Now the idea of surgery does not bother me, I actually look forward to my next time on the table to receive a good kidney. This is absolutely amazing to me hear that come from me...before I was diagnosed the thought of surgery repulsed me. But, my PD placement experience was flawless without any complications. The test fill and drain in the hospital was textbook. From what I can remember post surgery pain was very limited, in fact I was up walking around 2-3 days out of the hospital ( with the use of some pretty good pain meds ).

Oh, I wanted to tell Suzann to hang in there and keep her husband in good spirits. I found the most difficult issue to manage is the mental component. The best advise I can provide is to not allow him to feel depressed for long periods of time. The longer I live with this condition, the better I am able to cope with the changes that have happened in my life. I still have bad days both mentally and sometimes physically, but I feel fortunate to still be here and able to look forward to better days.

Speaking of my health...I recently have experienced dips in my energy levels thought out the day. Could be my diet, or maybe I need to workout...whatever be the case I'm working on building more stamina.

I think that's all folks...until next time.