And so it begins...

My dear friends,

Alas the time will soon be upon me to begin the kidney transplant listing and referral process.  I have been extremely blessed by my Heavenly Father and I feel Him with me every day.  When the time comes I will humbly ask if there be anyone interested as a donor.  When this time comes I will be listed at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.  At least this will be our starting point.  This is not an easy thing to ask as it is a complicated process.

I spent a couple of hours at the Lima Memorial Health System Renal Clinic with a fabulous nurse (Sue) that spoke with myself, Matt and my sweet Aunt Kathy.  I poured over the materials they gave me and I felt that this was a lot to process.  Dialysis will not help me as I have polycystic kidneys; my best option is a transplant.  This will allow me more time to spend with my family.

I have incredible physicians working with me; my PCP Dr Zidarescu here in Lawrenceburg and Dr. Allen Bryant in Lima.  I don't know what I would do without their guidance with all of this.  

I am working so hard at doing what I need to help slow down the decline in my function.  My GFR was 22 yesterday and we are praying that it will rebound a few points.  I am exercising, watching my diet, and trying to avoid illness.  I lost 8 pounds!  Dr. Bryant reduced my anti-hypertensives in half!  This is HUGE for me.  It is so hard to lose weight with such large kidneys crowding everything.

I have a long road ahead and I feel love and support on this side of Heaven and angels surrounding me from Paradise.  I have strong faith that all will be as He wills, but from time to time it weighs heavy on me. It is not easy for me to speak of such things.  I do need all the friends I can get. When the time comes please spread the word!  They tell me at the Renal Clinic that help comes from surprising places.  

I will keep everyone updated as it goes along.  Please send your prayers to my loving Heavenly Father.  I am grateful for any support.  
Deb