And So It Begins ...
I saw my doctor on Wednesday. And he called me at home on Thursday night. Do doctors ever call you at home with good news?
So, this kidney — this borrowed, grafted-in kidney — that I’ve been living with for the past 24 years is giving out. My creatinine on Wednesday was up to 3.8 (the normal range is 1 or below). Creatinine clearance is dropping, and I’m somewhat anemic. It’s time, the doctor said. Which seems weird, because I’ve really been feeling good.
The doctor gave me a phone number, and I made my two appointments to start being evaluated by the transplant team at William Beaumont Hospital. If they decide I’m a good candidate (and I think they will), I’ll be put on the waiting list for a new kidney. Meanwhile, I’m going to have to do something to increase my hemoglobin, drink lots of water, eat low-sodium, low-potassium and low-phosphorus foods. Oh, and pray.
I told my nearest and dearest, the people who will need to love me through this little journey. So pray for them most of all. And I will keep you posted.
Indeed I will pray for strength for you and your family, wisdom and swiftness for your medical team, and for a gift of life.
Posted by: Bene Diction | January 15, 2005 at 11:05 AM
definitely praying. what is your blood type? Do you still know your tissue types? I'm hoping you're an O pos with a really common type!
22 years ago was when my dad got his new kidney - we are watching him start to go through the same process of slow decrease in function. However, at age 70, I doubt they will even begin to consider another transplant in a brittle diabetic.
Any chance of a living donor?
BTW - my dad stretched a 6 month sentence (as in you have 6 months before you will need dialysis or a transplant) into two years by following the very strict Pritikin diet. It was enough time for cyclosporin to become the anti-rejection drug of choice, even in diabetics.
Posted by: alicia | January 15, 2005 at 12:29 PM
Thank you for the prayers, all. Alicia, my blood type is O negative. I have no idea what my tissue type is. I have no living brothers or sisters -- I guess my daughter would be a possibility for a living donor. But no, I don't even want to think about that ... about her having to go through something like that. I'll have to look into the Pritikin diet ... not sure I could handle it!! Yes, cyclosporin came into use right after my transplant ... my doctor tells me they're so much easier now ...
I feel so much more positive now than I did the first time. My faith is stronger, so I know that God will be faithful to me. And I have this whole network of support in my church family and my blogging family now too.
Posted by: Lee Anne | January 15, 2005 at 01:14 PM
Praying for peace and wisdom and energy.
Posted by: TulipGirl | January 15, 2005 at 03:10 PM
Praying for you, my friend.
Posted by: Bryan | January 15, 2005 at 08:07 PM
Will definitely be praying for you. May the God of all peace keep you in his ever faithful grasp.
Posted by: sozo | January 15, 2005 at 10:12 PM
I will pray for you and also for your loved ones. May God bless you and grant you peace and a healthy life
Posted by: Carmel | January 16, 2005 at 02:31 PM
Lee Anne,
I will be praying for you and your family.
Posted by: susan b. | January 17, 2005 at 10:02 AM
You are in my prayers.
Posted by: David Heddle | January 17, 2005 at 01:51 PM
Oh, my. My sincerest wishes.
Posted by: Paul | January 17, 2005 at 04:25 PM
Praying for you and yours.
Posted by: MamaT | January 18, 2005 at 09:30 AM
I've had doctors call me at home with good news. Not lately, but it's happened. When they call and tell you they've got you scheduled for the surgery that will be "good" news, too, scary as it is. We'll be praying for you now and until that good news comes along.
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Wilson | January 19, 2005 at 08:37 PM
Father, in Jesus' name, show your power and grace in Lee Anne's life this very day.
Posted by: Randy McRoberts | January 20, 2005 at 08:02 AM
May Christ carry you through this tough hour, Lee Anne.
If I can offer some semi-ignorant encouragement: from people I know who have suffered through kidney failure, the medications and technologies have greatly improved since 1981. In fact, I know of a fellow who got a kidney back in 1980, and had to have it replaced with another transplant in 2000. At last check, he's doing well.
Posted by: Dale Price | January 20, 2005 at 10:44 AM
Best wishes Lee Anne, you're in my prayers too.
Posted by: Joel Fuhrmann | January 21, 2005 at 06:30 PM
Be assured of prayer from here.
All the best,
-John-
Posted by: John Cahill | January 27, 2005 at 09:22 AM
Praying that you'll have a short wait and a successful match soon. A close friend of mine had a kidney transplant a few years back, so I know some of what you're facing. Waiting is tough, isn't it? Sounds like you have a wonderful support team--what a blessing.
Posted by: Bonnie | January 30, 2005 at 02:36 PM