Almost there, just a few more hurdles

[mcclane]

To make a long story short, my mom was willing to donate her kidney to me last year.  So we did all the necessary tests (sept, 2010) and wrapped things up late dec, and then went in to see the transplant doctor jan, 2011.  At that time, during the testing, they found out my mom had high bp and was borderline diabetic.  The transplant doctor mixed the donation and told my mom if she lost 10 pounds her bp and blood sugar levels should return to normal levels.

So during late spring, I got my parents to start working out.  And boy, did they ever take it to heart.  They signed up for a gym close to their house and began working out 7 days a week.  It wasn't easy for my mom either as she was still working at the time (she is now retired).  But they've continued with their workouts and my mom lost about 8 kgs.  She saw her bp go down, her blood sugar levels returned to normal levels, and everyone commented on how well my mom looked.  My mom's family doctor recently reduced her bp meds from 2 to 1.  So sept. 2011, my mom redid all the transplant donation tests again.  Only one we didn't have to do again was the MRI.

This time, the results all came in good.  The 24 hour bp test was outstanding (that was the one that didn't pass the mustard last time). 

And today, we just met with the transplant doctor and he said he didn't see any reasons why the donation shouldn't go ahead 

There is 2 hurdles left, one more cross match blood work (just to make sure) and the TB (mantoux) test.  Once those are all negative, then it is a go.  Tentatively though, we're looking at late jan 2012 or feb 2012 as the surgery date.

[Poppylicious]

 

That's brilliant mcclane!  How exciting! 

And 'well done' to your mum too; she must be reaping the benefits of all that hard work.

[mcclane]

The meeting with the transplant doctor never really hit me until the day of.  It wasn't until 11:30 am, but my mind was practically pre occupied, at work i was just taking up space as I couldn't focus on work at all until the meeting was over.

[paris]

What a wonderful new year you will have.  Best wishes to you both.

[willowtreewren]

Woo hoo!

I know your mom must feel great about her accomplishment! What a gift. 

Aleta

[okarol]

I love that both parents started working out - that's wonderful support for you and each other! How did Dad do? I hope things progress forward and the final steps are a breeze. Tell your mom I think she's a goddess! 

[fearless]

I love reading things like this 

[mcclane]

In aug 2010, both my parents did a cross match test.  My dad turned out positive, so he was eliminated from donating.  That left my mom, whose results were negative    I am hoping that over a years time, that the cross match results are still negative.

I'm just having some difficulty in booking an appointment for the TB testing.  At this point, I don't even care if there is a fee, I'll gladly pay it.  I might have to ask the nurses at my home hemo unit to see if they can hook me up or something (worse case senario).

I really have to hand it to my mom, her continous efforts in working out has paid off, she looks great and her health has turned around big time.  I was hoping that her family doctor would eliminate all her bp meds, but hey, reducing it from 2 to 1 is still good. 

Thank you for your support here on IHD. 

I also told my wife that once everything is done, I'm either going to take my dialysis machine to the shooting range and use it for target practice or push it down a long flight of stairs  ; I don't think she'll agree to either though 

[msrosefromms]

My PD nurse gives me a TB test every year at the clinic.

[billybags]

I am wishing you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR Your mum and dad sound great, the best of luck to all of you.

[mcclane]

Update :

We met with the surgeon today, and discussed with the living donor transplant nurse, and a tentative date has been set : feb 7, 2012.

We won't get confirmation until next year, but the ball is rolling now.

[MooseMom]

That's wonderful news.  Your New Year's celebrations will be extra special.

[lou]

wow, so lovely to read! 

[willowtreewren]

 

February is a good month for transplants. That is when Carl got his! 

Aleta

[mcclane]

I'm still with cautious optimism (had my share of roadblocks on this adventure), until I receive confirmation of the surgery date I not going to celebrate just yet.