One Year Down

[Laurie]

One year ago today, I received my kidney transplant. I still can't believe it actually happened.
Things have been going good. My creatnine tends to stay between 1.3 and 1.6. I've gained a lot of weight but am trying to work on losing it.

A couple of weeks ago I received a letter from my donors son. My donor was a single father with 2 sons (19 and 26). He passed away due to complications from a motorcycle accident. He was 48 about to turn 49. After reading his letter I immediatley knew who my donor was. While in the hospital I was reading the obituaries in the local paper. I came across a man and I had a very strong feeling that he was my donor, but his age was listed as 48 and the hospital told me my donor was 49. I went online and found the obituary and sure enough it was him. This week has been very emotional for me. I'm feeling very guilty.
I wrote a reply letter and am hoping I will get a response and maybe get to meet the family. I'm hoping if I can see that they are doing ok, it will help me.

Another thing I think is ironic is that a month after my transplant I let my husband buy a motorcycle. He had been wanting one for a couple of years. Now people refer to my kidney as the biker kidney. 

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well. 

[willowtreewren]

I'm feeling very guilty.

Laurie,
You shouldn't feel guilty. In a way you have kept part of your donor alive. His family was carrying out his wishes and theirs. I'm sure they would want you to live each day to its fullest.

Take care.
Aleta

[paris]

Laurie,  Congratulations on your one year anniversary.   How wonderful that your donor's son wrote to you.  It must help all of his family to know that he lives on through you.  Don't feel any guilt -- just enjoy and appreciate this incredible gift he gave you.    

[monrein]

Congratulations on the one year milestone.  Now you fall into the "successful transplant" category for statistical purposes.
Forget the guilt!  You did not cause your donor's death you merely provided the opportunity for some good to come from such a tragic loss and that must be some small comfort to his family.   

[G-Ma]

 

[Sunny]

How very touching to receive a letter from the deceased donor's son. I think it's wonderful they want to know about you and I hope you don't feel guilty because it's obviously what that family wanted. I'm sure they feel very good about the fact someone like you was able to have a successful transplant. I hope it lasts a long time.

[Romona]

  Happy Anniversary!

[MandaMe1986]

I am happy for you.  This is great news.