Hi everyone!
I shared my story on the introduction page but was told to post here for those who haven't read it. My name is Amanda and I am 28 years old. I am married, have beautiful 8 year old twin boys, and a NICU nurse.
It all began with swollen ankles but I didn't think anything of it because I'm on my feet 12 hours at a time. We were goofing around at work one night and a co-worker took my blood pressure, it was through the roof. I went to the doctor and he ordered a bunch of labs so I had them drawn at the hospital where I work. A couple of weeks went by so I thought no news is good news, right, wrong. I decided to look up my own labs for fun, whoa, not good. My BUN was in the 40's, Creatinine was 8 and blood counts hit the floor. The lab failed to notify anyone of these critical lab values so I notified my doctor and was immediately admitted t the hospital.
I was then told that I had 2% function of my kidneys and needed a transplant. In the meantime we will place a catheter in your chest and begin dialysis, WHAT? So, I feel like death for 7 months and out of nowhere and angel comes to rescue me.
A friend from church called to tell me she was a match and would like to donate. I asked her what made her get tested and this is what she said (this is awesome). "I heard you were sick but didn't know why, then one of your boys came up to me and said that mom just couldn't play with us like she used to." She then saw it in the church bulletin that I was in need of a kidney transplant and the information to get tested. She looked at her husband and said, "Do you care if I go get tested because I know I'm a match and know that I need to donate to her." Sure enough, she was almost a perfect match and we went through with the transplant. Wow, total God Thing!
The transplant was in December and we are both doing well. We both get a little tired from time to time, but it's well worth it.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to control appetite while on prednisone, I've gained 15 pounds!