I think TODAY is finally the day...

[brandywine]

As soon as I started dialysis, my brother stepped up to the plate to be a donor. We were a perfect 6/6 match, but his high blood pressure prevented him from donating. Thank God, he didn't. It's a year later, and he just had a stint put in a 100% blocked artery (which was only 30% blocked last year). He himself is now on disability from various autoimmune diseases (that we share).
So, I have gone a year, with no hope of a donor, and in December a complete stranger volunteered. This sweet 67 year old lady offered me one of her kidneys when she met my husband by chance, and he shared my story. Because of her age, I never thought Mayo would give her the time of day but they did. Her O- is compatible with my O+ and they scheduled her for the work-up in the middle of February. Three weeks later!!! my donor got so upset about not hearing anything that she pestered them until she got someone on the phone. It turns out, they hadn't heard my case yet, because they were waiting on mammogram, pap, and colonoscopy results for tests they never gave, nor did they tell her to get. That set us behind another 2-3 weeks, while she scrambled to get things done. So, finally, last Tuesday, the committee met. AND.....the 24 hour urine didn't match the blood work. She would have to redo it. Apparently, she peed in the middle of the night in the toilet (because she was sleepy) instead of the jug, and it threw off the numbers. Her function is at 84% according to the bloodwork, but it was in the 60s on the urine test. She drove up Thursday (an hour) to get her jug, immediately started the collection, and drove back up and hour to deliver the sample on Friday-all so that our case can be heard again TODAY!
So, prayers...that TODAY is the day that I find out that I have a new kidney.
As soon as I find out, I will share. 

[cassandra]

wow good luck brandywine. keep us informed

love Cas

[willowtreewren]

 

I understand about that 24 hour urine test....I failed it.... twice! 

I hope this is the one for you!

Aleta

[lainiepop]

Hi Im new here but just wanted to say i hope this works our and u get your transplant!! My dad is donating to me at the end of May (my function is 8.8% am hoping to hold off dialysis til transplant) but he is 66 and i originally thought my parents were too old to be donors but they said its their health not age that matters. Im not sure dad's function but we were told they work better than expected for someone his age as the function would indicate he's in his 40s not 60s, and they both work 50/50 so that's good for me! Just shows how someone older can be healthier than someone younger doesn't it! Tons of luck hope u get results soon xx

[MooseMom]

I'm hoping to hear good news from you.

[brandywine]

Willow...let's hope SHE doesn't fail twice.
LaniePop-welcome to the forum, it was a lifesaver for me my first year on dialysis
MM-So you're partying, eh?    MIA for a couple of days and everyone freaks out. LOL Glad you are back and off your bender. Tee hee.

[jeannea]

Crossing my fingers for you. She sounds like an amazing woman.

[Poppylicious]

Really hoping that you get the news you want!

*huggles*

[JustDee]

Obviously all Angel's don't live in heaven....we have some right here on earth.  I have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed that you get your new kidney!!!!!

[Lillupie]

wow that is really cool that they will allow for someone that age. THey told me at Universty of Michigan that the donor has to be between the ages of 18-65.


I guess every center is different

Lisa

[Mr. B 123]

Good luck, hope all works well for you!

[Traveller1947]

I'm praying for you, brand wine.  All the best to you and your angel.

[brandywine]

My angel just called. We had already decided, whether it was good news or bad, that we would meet face to face when she shared the news with me. We are meeting at 12:30 today, where I will get the news. Thanks for the prayers.

[brandywine]

  My donor was approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes. Yes. Yes.
The earliest date available for surgery is June 5th. I am so excited. I can't wait!!!

[MooseMom]

That's just such wonderful news!  Oh, you're going to have a brand new life, and it will be grand!  Best of luck to you both, and please give your donor a special hug from the rest of us who would love to have an angel of our own.  June is not that far away!  Congratulations!

[adairpete]

That's such good news!  I've been wishing you good thoughts all day and am so glad your donor was approved! You'll have to let us know when the date is set!
Congrats!
 

[lainiepop]

Yay thats wonderful news!!!  Your op is a few says after min

[jeannea]

That's amazing! I'm so glad it worked out.

[cassandra]

fantastic!

[bleija]

super mega excited for you!!!            my brother wants to donate to me, and hes o neg and im o pos, i have been callling them everyday waiting for my financial clearance to go throgh... i told my brother to do the same, eventually they will have to give us a date so we will quit bugging them. he hasnt even started his testing yet, what all does it entail for the donor? just curous, i know all the testing we have a as recipients but is it more extensive for the donor?



Edited : fixed smiley error - paris, Moderator

[jeannea]

There's some different testing for the donor. EKG, chest xray, blood work, 24 hr urine are similar. Donor also needs a renal arteriogram and maybe IVP. The arteriogram is a little sucky. I stayed with my mom after to keep her company.

[bleija]

ok i am working with shands in gainesville, and they told my brother that he would have all the testing in one, will tnhat include the renal arteriogram... is there any special things he needss to ddo to prepare, i told him take someone with him and have any question he has ready

[highway61]

Yeah! I am happy for you BrandyWine! Please keep us posted.

I just got a new kidney about a month ago. When you get yours lets talk and compare notes. :-)

[paris]

Best of luck. I am 19 months post ---- yes, I still count the months!!  And you will still be this excited when you are at this point.  Every day I wake up, I thank my donor for saving me.   

Happy for you     

[jeannea]

I don't know of anything he needs to do to prepare. They'll tell him if he needs to fast. I think he just has to get through it. Lots of deep breathing.