Give A Kidney & Part Of A Liver
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I received an email from Audrey today. She wanted to update me on their
Team meeting and choosing a recipient. We are still looking at June 6.

I had told her that if the person wanted to meet me, that would be fine. If not now, but in a year or so, that would also be fine. I would like to meet the recipient sometime, but I also understand how overwhelming that could be for them.

I also finally got in touch with a friend of mine whom gave a kidney to his teenage daughter two years ago. He was blown away by this. One thing he told me was to take more time than I think I need to recover. He went back to work too soon and had a tough time.

He also said he lost over 15 pounds due to lack of energy and desire to eat. When I told Katlyn this she said: “People are still going to cook for us, right?”

Today is Tuesday and I had my pre-op physical. The transplant team wanted me to bring my primary care giver for instructions. When Katlyn found out, she wanted to go, so she came home from college to attend. I don’t remember them giving her any instructions, so it wasn’t very eventful for her to just sit there. Once again they poked around to make sure once more that everything is still good to go. It’s good that a different doctor examines each time in case something was missed by another before.

Both kidneys are of equal health and functionality, so they will take the left one. Here is how the procedure was explained to me:

They will cut a few inches above the naval, down to the naval, around it and a few more inches below the naval. This incision will be for a hand to enter and take out the kidney. Two small incisions will be made below the kidney for a scope and instruments.

I hope I don’t wake up in the middle of this! Oh, I wouldn’t mind watching if I didn’t feel anything.

The surgical date is now Wednesday, June 6. I should be home in 5 – 6 days with bed rest for another two weeks.

Next step, another check-up Monday, June 4 to make sure I’m still good to go.

Today was the MRA! It’s just an MRI with a twist. I believe the ‘A’ is for arteries. They gave me an IV and injected me with something to make my arteries and kidneys visible (will this make me ‘glow’ all night?). This way they can make sure I do have two functioning kidneys. Not having had an MRI before, I had no idea what to expect. I’m not at all claustrophobic, so it was an adventure. I think the procedure lasted fifty minutes or so with periods of short to long breath holdings. The first time the technician had me hold my breath, she forgot to tell me exhale and breathe. Of course she quickly realized it and told me to breathe.

I was comfortable the whole time and even went on a few short ‘trips’. It’s always good to have a visit with Denise. This great feeling just consumes your whole being. In real time, it might last less than a second, but in ‘inner time’, it’s much longer but yet, much too short. I also take it as a confirmation that I am doing the right thing. Just remember, no matter what happens the overall results will be good.

Tuesday, I meet the surgical team.

Just got the call from Hartford Hospital for my long awaited MRA. I am scheduled for next week and can’t wait. I’ve never had an MRI or MRA. I believe they are going to inject a dye in my arteries and check my kidneys for functionality. This sounds exciting! I’m not claustrophobic in the least, so this should be an adventure.

Then, the following week, I get to meet the surgical team and prepare for the big day.

Thanks to all and don’t worry!