What A Kidney Transplant Means For Me

White Blossoms by Debora Louks

Hi Everyone!

So, what does/will a kidney transplant mean to me?  There are many things; let me list them for you.

1.   A kidney transplant is the closest thing I will have to a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease.
2.   Freedom from a restrictive diet.
3.   Once the transplanted kidney is in and functioning well I can have my HUGE, bulky kidneys removed.  The relief from the pain and squeezing my other organs.  It is like being nine months pregnant all the time!  I anxiously look forward to the relief!
4.   I won't need to take expensive phosphorus binders with every meal I eat.  Or have $1000 shots every month.
5.   Relief from the possibility of dialysis.  I am fortunate not to be currently on dialysis.  My wonderful Doc keeps me off of dialysis by diet.  Dialysis is very hard on the body.
6.   I would have an overall better quality of life.
7.   I would have more time to spend with my grandchildren.  Right now they are 4 and 5 and they are everything to me.  I cannot adequately express how much more time with them would mean.  We are very close.  There is so much more I want to teach them and be able to share with them about their ancestors and things that have been passed on to me by my grandparents.  This is probably the most important to me other than time with my sons.  
8.   I would feel so much better!  I would be able to be more active that what I am.  I work 40 hours a week and babysit on my days off now, but there would be so much more I could do and actually be comfortable. 

Living with end stage renal failure is something that most wouldn't understand unless you were involved as a caregiver, family member, or the patient.  It is a lot of work to remain healthy enough to qualify for an organ transplant.  You can't let anything slide.  The out of pocket expenses are horrendous.  They are a stress factor I wish I didn't have to deal with constantly.  Even with insurance, and I have decent insurance, when you have to have injections that cost $1000 per it adds up quickly.  I have gone through all of my savings already.  It really puts a strain on you emotionally and physically. 

I am a person of great faith.  I truly feel that despite all of the issues I deal with, I am greatly blessed!  I am amazed that I have done as well as I have and that is because of my Heavenly Father and those He has sent to help me.  I don't know what I would do without His help and blessings.  I also know that there is a time and season for all things; and when it is time for me to receive a precious gift of a kidney it will be at the right time.  He knows all things and will provide.  I'm not going to give up!  That is the 'Endurance' part! 

Until later!

Deb