Introduction

[bjkuds]

My husband is diabetic and on home dialysis.  He was diagnosed in kidney failure almost 2 years ago. He worked in law enforcement for 29 years until yesterday when he finally had to retire at 51 because of the danger factor of taking a hit along with just being tired all the time.  I found out that I am a match to donate a kidney, but on the final CT scan last year they found that I only have one kidney that can transplant because of an odd extra vein and the one I have to keep had kidney stones, thus they wouldn't take the good kidney for my husband and leave me with 1 that made stones. So I have been eating grass and cardboard for a year hoping that I can be kidney stone free and soon eligible to re test as a donor.  This has been a long process, yet as I read through the forum I find so many people that were much younger and have endured a lot more than we have. Hardest part for us is that our son is in his second year at a military college that is not a free ride.  He definitely needs our financial support to remain there. We don't know what the future holds for our financial future, although getting disability income now will be relatively easy.. it is not what we planned for our retirement, but then I don't know many people who can retire the way they planned to these days anyway.

[Poppylicious]

  bjkuds!  You'll find us a supportive and lovely bunch here (hopefully!)

[chinksnicky]

Welcome,If he's diagnosed ESRD disability is guaranteed ,it takes 6 monthes minimum though,you can get SSI if you are really hurting almost right away.Good Luck           Nick

[bjkuds]

Welcome,If he's diagnosed ESRD disability is guaranteed ,it takes 6 monthes minimum though,you can get SSI if you are really hurting almost right away.Good Luck           Nick

Unfortunately for us ESRD was the original diagnosis..stage 5 off the bat.   He is paying for BC/BS insurance on himself, myself and our son and will continue to do so on through retirement. When I retire I don't have any insurance options so he is keeping us on his. The crappy thing is.. It doesn't cover all of the expenses and we are debating whether applying for medicare would be wise for him .  I have a lot to search through and learn so I appreciate your input Nick.

[Sydnee]

Hello,
My hubby started dialysis in Jan of this year. He turned 51 this July we also has BC/BS for insurance. We were required to apply for medicare to get help through our state renal program. 

On the up side your son is already in college on his way in the world. I'm really hoping that our kids will not postpone life to take care of mom or dad. So far we are doing ok.

So glad to meet you. You will find many friendly helpful people here.

[cassandra]

welcome to the site bjkuds   

take care Cas

[MommyChick]

  Bjkuds!

I wish you & your husband the best of luck in finding a donor! I know how hard it can be.. My mom had tested many times trying to become my living donor & there were so many bumps in the road along the way, but finally a few months ago they gave her the go ahead to be on the paired donation list with me! So that's a step closer in the right direction. Never give up!
Good Luck & God Bless!!
 

[MightyMike]

 
I hope everything works out for you and your family.  Best wishes.

[bjkuds]

Thanks everyone.. Went for a CT Scan yesterday of my kidneys,, hoping for no more kidney stones or I can no longer be a candidate to donate.., (side note ..they hurt like  too), but they basically say 2 strikes and you are out.  If the CT Scan is clear I stand a pretty good shot at donating.  I was a match last July,and I got through the entire 13 appointments and tests with flying colors until the dreaded rock showed itself on the last test, UGGG.. This year they are looking for rocks first.

Even if we don't match this year I want to donate into the Kidney pool so he can move up the list. That is a REALLY AWESOME option we are lucky to have. It is such a long process and the waiting is the worst.  Hopefully I will hear something soon

[lmunchkin]

Welcome BJ.  I know the ton of bricks are heavy!  Your'e going through life and all is great, and BAM,it hits you in the face!  Yalls story sounds like ours.  If it wasn't for the Lord & this site, I don't know where we would be!

Again welcome & God Bless,
lmunchkin

P.S. Please keep an eye on his feet.  Nueropathy is deceiving at times.

[bjkuds]

  Finally heard from transplant nurse... Cat Scan was clear and all tests thus far are good.. Committee agreed to let me donate... 16 months of eating salt free cardboard and drinking enough water to float a boat.. Nov 15th is tentative date.. mamo and pap test is all I have to clear yet and then it is settled. Thank the Lord

[Grumpy-1]

Bjkuds -  Apply for Medicare !!!   I have BC/BS and after 3 months of D was able to apply for Medicare.  Now between the two I don't pay for anything.  Drugs, clinics, Dr visits, Hospital stays, etc.     Grumpy