I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: sisterdonor on October 26, 2007, 05:38:37 PM

Title: New and in Testing Process
Post by: sisterdonor on October 26, 2007, 05:38:37 PM
Hi Everyone,

My story:  sibling diagnosed with kidney disease about 16 years ago and now needs a kidney.  We always expected I'd be the one to be tested first when the time came and now I'm in that process. 

So far I've done:

Pap test
Mammography
Visited Dentist to ensure gum and dental health
1st 24 Hr Urine collection followed by fresh urine collection and a one vial blood test
Sonogram of both kidneys
Chest X-ray
EKG

Next week I have scheduled:

2nd 24 Hr Urine collection followed by more extensive blood testing
visit to Cardiologist

and then sibling and I both have blood drawn for HLA testing and express that to the transplant center.

My problems so far is that the EKG showed a "possible" abnormality which my family physician strongly disagrees with.  That is why I have the consult with a cardiologist.  I'm really, really worried about this because if true I would be ruled out as a candidate not to mention the worry about my own cardio health.  My physician was pretty adament regarding his disagreement with the notation on the EKG of "possible" problem.  I'm still SO nervous!!!!

Also, when I had the sonogram of my kidneys the technician informed me that I have a small gallstone.  I have absolutely no idea if this will become a problem with clearing me as a candidate or not.  I have had absolutely no symptoms so this was a total surprise.

Have any of you had the weave your way thru issues coming up when you went for all the testing? 


Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: kitkatz on October 26, 2007, 09:45:44 PM
The hoops for transplant seem endless.  Welcome to the site.



kitkatz,moderator
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Joe Paul on October 26, 2007, 10:16:26 PM
Welcome sisterdonor, good to have you aboard.
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Rerun on October 26, 2007, 10:20:47 PM
What a wonderful sister you are.  I wonder why they go to all that expense and THEN check to see if you match?  Seems to me that should be the first thing.  Best of luck and I look forward to your posts.

                 :bestwishes;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: angellady07 on October 26, 2007, 11:35:50 PM
Sisterdonor, wishing you and your sister all the best and welcome.   :waving;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Wattle on October 27, 2007, 12:38:52 AM
 :waving;  Welcome
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Aldente on October 27, 2007, 04:08:24 AM
Welcome.
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Sluff on October 27, 2007, 04:43:46 AM
Welcome to IHD sisterdonor,

Hope the testing is done soon and you can move forward. Good Luck.

Hope you enjoy the site while you are here.

Sluff/ Admin
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: bolta72 on October 27, 2007, 05:05:09 AM
Welcome and the best to you.
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: boxman55 on October 27, 2007, 07:27:08 AM
Welcome to IHD hang in there your sister must be awful proud of you...Boxman
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: lola on October 27, 2007, 11:49:14 AM
 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: oswald on October 27, 2007, 11:54:23 AM
 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Romona on October 27, 2007, 12:37:34 PM
 :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: okarol on October 27, 2007, 01:11:41 PM
 :waving; Hi sisterdonor,
It's so great you want to donate to your sister. I hope all the tests turn out well.
You can meet other living donors and even sign up to get a "buddy" who has already donated, and can mentor you through the process. Go to http://www.livingdonorsonline.org and go to the Message Forum.
Bless you and good luck!


okarol/moderator
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: paddbear0000 on October 29, 2007, 01:22:02 PM
 :welcomesign; I can't even visit or meet with anyone at my transplant center until I jump through all of those hoops--and I'm the one who needs the kidney!
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: KR Cincy on October 29, 2007, 03:20:24 PM
Welcome and hang in there...lots of peaks and valleys on this journey!!
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Hawkeye on October 30, 2007, 07:04:19 AM
Hello and  :welcomesign;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: pinkrose on October 30, 2007, 01:46:45 PM
Welcome and good luck with your tests!

 :thumbup;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: Bajanne on October 31, 2007, 06:16:46 AM
Welcome to our community!  We are glad you decided to join us.  I hope that everything goes well for the transplant.  Please continue to post and let us know how everything is going.  Our caring thoughts and prayers are with you both.  :grouphug;



Bajanne, Moderator
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: keefer51 on November 06, 2007, 02:14:30 AM
Yes my brother was a donor for me. We had to face allot of red tape. We had a sit down with docs and coordinators and finally got things done.
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: tamara on November 07, 2007, 02:13:24 AM
Hey Sisterdonor

 :welcomesign;

Great to see you here !

See you around

Tamara xxx ooo  :waving;  :cuddle;  :beer1;  :grouphug;
Title: GREAT NEWS!!!
Post by: sisterdonor on November 13, 2007, 03:12:50 PM
Hi Everybody and thank you all for your kind welcome and good wishes!!!

Well, I have GREAT .NEWS!!!

I passed all of the pre-evaluation tests.  It took me a total of three weeks.  There were several added tests that weren't in the original packet but I checked out fine in the end.  It is an anxiety provoking process but boy does it ever feel wonderful when you get news like this!  I was so scared that something wouldn't check out right and had that happened I would have probably been inconsolable. 

SO...today I am feeling the euphoria of knowing that in January I will be able to give my much loved younger brother one of my kidneys.  It feels so good!
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: goofynina on November 13, 2007, 03:24:30 PM
That is fantastic news sisterdonor  :2thumbsup;, thank you for sharing that  :yahoo;  Please make sure you keep a diary of your journey, and take lots of pics, its great to be able to look back and see what you went through.  Please keep us posted as well,  thank you  :cuddle;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: paris on November 13, 2007, 05:13:26 PM
What wonderful news!  You are a hero to all of us waiting for a kidney.  :bow;   I am excited for both of you. :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: kitkatz on November 13, 2007, 08:01:33 PM
Superb news! Now you both stay healthy!
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: orphans_mom on November 13, 2007, 08:15:39 PM
God Bless you for helping your sister.

I'm new to this site but after all I have read I know you are in the correct place.

I hope all goes well for the both of you!
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: MyRenalRomance on November 30, 2007, 11:48:36 PM
 :waving; Hello & Welcome Sisiterdonor!  :welcomesign;

Congratulations on your FANTASTIC NEWS! (Sorry this greeting is belated.)

My younger brother is being evaluated as a donor for me.  He told me he had completed the first round of testing the night before my birthday. Honestly, the best b'day gift I've ever received.  I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high, just in case, but your story makes me feel sooo happy for you and your brother!!! Thank you for sharing your story.

Wishing all the best for you and your brother!  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: orphans_mom on December 01, 2007, 04:44:39 PM
Welcome Sisterdonor. I so happy the first round of tests went your way. My prayers are with you. :grouphug;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: tamara on December 01, 2007, 06:08:19 PM
Very Cool News Congratulations  :clap;  :yahoo;  :clap;
Title: Re: GREAT NEWS!!!
Post by: frankieb on December 01, 2007, 09:53:49 PM
Hi Everybody and thank you all for your kind welcome and good wishes!!!

Well, I have GREAT .NEWS!!!

I passed all of the pre-evaluation tests.  It took me a total of three weeks.  There were several added tests that weren't in the original packet but I checked out fine in the end.  It is an anxiety provoking process but boy does it ever feel wonderful when you get news like this!  I was so scared that something wouldn't check out right and had that happened I would have probably been inconsolable. 

SO...today I am feeling the euphoria of knowing that in January I will be able to give my much loved younger brother one of my kidneys.  It feels so good!
Congrats  sisterdonor and  :welcomesign;  My wonderful sister also donated to me, we have  :pics; posted in the tranplant stories section. Do check them out.   :2thumbsup;    :bandance;
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: kellyt on December 24, 2007, 06:41:23 AM
That is so wonderful!  Congratulations - both to you and your brother!  :)

I'm hoping that one of my brothers is a good match for me!
Title: Re: New and in Testing Process
Post by: MyssAnne on December 24, 2007, 06:52:21 AM
Congratulations, I have a couple  of people who want to be tested as donors, so I am very interested in the process of how they determine them!

Keep us posted on your journey!!!!   :2thumbsup;