Just gor my 3rd call!!!

[Pam]

I just got a call from Henry Ford. They have a kidney. They have to do a biopsy to nake sure it is viable. If it is I am first in line and could be on my way tonight.
I'm running around like crazy  and for sure not thinking straight. What do I take etc etc.
I know I'm not much of a poster but this site has saved my sanity many times .
Pam

[MooseMom]

Got my fingers and toes crossed for you!!

[jbeany]

Hurray, Pam!!!!!

Okay - deep breath here.  You need loose clothes, comfy slippers, some light reading.  A strapless bra or a halter bikini style top that ties behind your neck is the only kind of bra you can put on with an IV on.  If you aren't comfy walking up and down halls without support, these are better than no bra at all. 

A white noise machine or a small fan.  Cell phone/laptop/camera - and don't forget the chargers/batteries.  Bring a small extension cord.  The plugs are never in a good place for keeping chargers in easy reach. Leave the laptop in the car until you are truly awake!  Pack a pen and a small notepad and/or post its. 

Pack a nail file and clippers - these seem to be impossible to find in a hospital.  Tweezers are good too (at least if you have Greek ancestors and annoying chin hairs like I do.)  A small magnifying mirror is a great idea.  Chapstick is a must.

About 15 dollars in small bills to leave with your stuff in your room - some hospitals have a "courtesy cart" with candy and mags that comes directly to the patients.
Take off all your jewelry and leave it home.  Bring a case for your eyeglasses.  Bring sunglasses as well - you may be lucky enough to walk outside.  Pack a small tube of sunblock for this as well.  The meds will make you burn easily.

 Write out a list of everyone who will need to be updated and their contact info, and make sure who ever is going with you has it.  If the list is long, designate phone chains - so your support crew can call 10 people and dozens get the message.
Transfer all your id, insurance cards, some extra cash and a credit card to a small wallet that can be easily transported by your family.  Don't leave this in the room.  I have a little one that holds that as well as my cell and keys - much easier for my sister than dragging my entire purse.  My contact list went in it as well.

Good Luck!

[boswife]

        hope your already on your way and please do get back with us      

[Brightsky69]

So exciting!

[Jelena]

Really really REALLY hope this is The ONE!!! Fingers and toes crossed!

[rsudock]

Good Luck!!!  Jbeany gave some excellent advice!!!

xo,
R

[willowtreewren]

 

Hoping hoping hoping that this is you BIG call and we next here that you are producing the golden liquid! 

 

Aleta

[Sax-O-Trix]

Good luck!!!  Keep us informed:)

[Pam]

I just got another call from Hospital, The kidney was a perfect match, but after they did a biopsy and looked at all the pictures they decided it was not viable for transplant.
This was my 3rd call in 3 mos. How does any one handle the up and down of this? I think all of my hair has finally turned gray. I haven't ate since 4 so I'm going to eat and don't care if it's allowed or not, then going to bed, Tomorrow is a new day.
Thank you every one for all of your good wishes.
Pam

[galvo]

Bummer!

[MooseMom]

I think eating whatever you damn well please would be a great pick-me-up after another disappointment.  Perhaps the best way to handle the ups and downs is to recognize that you are at the top of the list, that it's better to get three calls in three months than no calls in three years.  There's every reason to be hopeful and optimistic, so just hang on, get some sleep and yes, tomorrow is another day.   I hope your next call will be the lucky one.  I know it's disappointing, but you'd be even more disappointed if you got a duff kidney.  Wait for a really good one!  You deserve the best!

[jbeany]

 

Hang in there - the right call will be coming.

[okarol]

  It is a rollercoaster of emotions. Hoping your gift comes soon. 

[natnnnat]

Hope you slept some of the nonsense away and things look better day Pam.  There is nothing like a good sleep to fix the drabs.  You have good cause to be "over it" after three let downs.
JBeany, that's a cracking list.  I must write it down or bookmark it. 

[Pam]

Thanks again everyone. I had a good cry, ate some amazing lasagna and had a good nights sleep. the sun is shining and its another day!
Next time I will do something different though. I will not tell anyone about the call. If it happens I will let them know at the last min. not much sense in putting friends and family through all that stress.
Pam

[Jelena]

The way my husband and I dealt with situations like yours is that we were actually glad the transplant didn't happen because the kidney was not a good one and we decided it was much better in the long run to wait for a good and healthy one that will last for a long time and make recovery easy and with as few bumps in the road as possible. Our three calls were 6 months apart each, but it was well worth it! Hang in there, a real good kidney is out there and you will get it, you are so close! 
PS It's a good idea to tell as few people as possible next time. We did that this last time and called only the people whose support we felt we needed. It may sound selfish, but in these situations you just have to do what is going to make you feel better. You don't need extra stress. At least that was our experience. Hope your next call comes soon and that it will be worth the wait!!! 

[willowtreewren]

Pam, I'm so sorry,

BUT

you know that your time is coming soon! 

 

Aleta

[Jie]

Three calls in three months! It will not take long for the forth call, and you are probably on the top of the list.

[carol1987]

I know it is so hard... but you want the kidney you get to be a good one!!!  Hang in there!!!   

[Pam]

Ok at 6:30 I got my 4th call. I am standby for this kidney. I haven't told any family members. They've already been through this 3 times. I knew everyone here would understand though. I probably won't know anything until midnight. Nothing to eat or drink and I'm starved!!

I have a bag packed but for all who have been through this do I take my own meds and insulin or not. I always forget to ast my coordinator. Will update when know something.
Pam

[okarol]

Wow! Will be keeping good thoughts for you. 
I would bring insulin/meds. You may end up waiting even if called in so it would be a good idea. Be careful not to let you BS get too low. 

[jbeany]

Yes, take the meds.  Better safe than sorry, even if they always say you don't them when checking into the hospital.  For those of us with long drives there and home, they forget you might need them when you check out.

Good luck!   

[Ang]

unfortunately this one was'nt for you, gives you a chance for a pretend dummy run in relation to 

what to pack,who to call , what needs doing etc etc etc, when the right kidney comes your way.

[jbeany]

Ang!  Back up and read Pam's last post, right above Karol's.  She's on call #4 right now! 

Everybody cross your fingers for her!!!!!