Time is just ticking away....25 days till my surgery (still a couple of things pending)... Monday the 19th I return to Dr. Wise, to go over my evaluation. Then just a few more steps....Visits... Catscan....Lab work.... etc. So Dec.10th is the focus.
A phone call you don't want to get.....Yesterday 26 days before the scheduled surgery... Ashlynn (my oldest daughter) called to let me know she received results from labwork her doctor had requested, Ashlynn for a very long time has had tons of joint problems, stomach issues, tired, etc. always something kinda thing....She finally found a doctor that checked into it...Back to results of labwork, She has tested Positive for Lupus... We are unsure at this time what type of Lupus she has. This is a bittersweet finding....She has an appointment with a Specialist on Dec.21. So of course, this will tell us a lot more. I know that Lupus affects the joints along with several organs (kidneys being one of those). I will discuss this with the Kidney doctor when I visit with him. I don't know if this will stop the donation process or the surgery date. It is too early to know any of this. I just wanted to keep this Blog going on every aspect of the process and thinking behind it all. If anyone knows information about Lupus or questions that we should ask the specialist when she goes. Please let me know...Thank You...Please keep Ashlynn in your prayers.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Getting closer...
Time sure is moving fast these days. It's already Nov.6th! A few things to report: Liver ultrasound complete, went for the psychological evaluation today(go back for report on weds the 14th), and actually have a tentative date for surgery(Dec. 10th). Pretty productive if you ask me:-) Since so much has happened in the last four days I'll talk a little bit about each of these milestones.
Liver Ultrasound: Friday Nov. 2nd I arrived at the hospital around 3:30pm went straight to The radiology department. The wait was not very long, they are pretty fast there. Something I've been very impressed with during this whole process. I think the longest waiting time that I have waited was maybe 5 minutes. I'm trying to think if there was any longer waiting periods and I just can't think of any. For a hospital, this is exceptional.
The door opens and a gentleman calls my name....we go back to the ultrasound room. He asks me to verify my date of birth(another recent popular question) and my full name. He then introduces himself to me and proceeds with the ultrasound. Of course I was snapping pictures the whole time:-) even got a video, although I didn't mean too, it's pretty cool! Before long I was on my way.. Quick and painless!
On Monday, the 5th I called Susan(transplant coordinator) to fill her in on the progress of everything. Susan is such a genuine and nice lady. While we were on the phone we discussed the next steps. Which are getting a report from Dr.Wise and letting the Kidney doctors look over both the liver doctors findings and the psychological results. I decided to try and pin point a date for my surgery. I was thinking sometime around the week of Christmas, but the date we came up with was Dec 10th then more than likely I could return to work on Dec 28th. The other option was Dec 31st.... Either would work but the 10th works best:-) she informed me that once all of those reports are through the only thing left was to meet with kidney doctor and catscan the kidneys...wahoooo!!!
Dr. Wise... She was very nice as well. We sat and chatted for about an hour. We went over all of my past,future and everywhere in between. I also took one of those true/false personality test. Those are kinda different because one part of the question you would think true... But the second part false.. So you have to answer open minded. I understand why they check your psychological conditions for this kind of surgery. It's a very serious surgery. It is very important that you understand the risks that go along with this surgery(any surgery) before just jumping in and saying" Hey, I want to donate my kidney". Dr wise could tell that I was a person that took care of others needs.. I reassured her that I am capable of taking care of my own as well and that I am getting better at asking people for help if I need it:-) I describe myself as a pleaser, doer, and caretaker...sometimes I think people think that being a "caretaker" is not a good thing.. I don't know any other way... I just enjoy life.. Enjoy people being happy.. Enjoy doing things for others.. I've always been a "caretaker" very interested in the medical field, volunteered at the hospital growing up...I love/loved it so much...I can't pinpoint when this seed was planted in me but, it's been there for a long long time... And I wouldn't change it for anything... Actually, I wouldn't change anything in my life.... Of course there has been battles and hard times... Everyone has those... But that is what makes us who we are.. No one is perfect.. I truly enjoy life... I try my best not to stress out about things! Sure we stress on silly things.. But when life hands me something really hard to deal with I try to keep my chin up and try everything in my power to fix it! Ok ok...here I am rambling on and on again... Bottom line I think things went well with Dr. Wise and I will find out what she has to report on the 14th... Until next time...
Liver Ultrasound: Friday Nov. 2nd I arrived at the hospital around 3:30pm went straight to The radiology department. The wait was not very long, they are pretty fast there. Something I've been very impressed with during this whole process. I think the longest waiting time that I have waited was maybe 5 minutes. I'm trying to think if there was any longer waiting periods and I just can't think of any. For a hospital, this is exceptional.
The door opens and a gentleman calls my name....we go back to the ultrasound room. He asks me to verify my date of birth(another recent popular question) and my full name. He then introduces himself to me and proceeds with the ultrasound. Of course I was snapping pictures the whole time:-) even got a video, although I didn't mean too, it's pretty cool! Before long I was on my way.. Quick and painless!
On Monday, the 5th I called Susan(transplant coordinator) to fill her in on the progress of everything. Susan is such a genuine and nice lady. While we were on the phone we discussed the next steps. Which are getting a report from Dr.Wise and letting the Kidney doctors look over both the liver doctors findings and the psychological results. I decided to try and pin point a date for my surgery. I was thinking sometime around the week of Christmas, but the date we came up with was Dec 10th then more than likely I could return to work on Dec 28th. The other option was Dec 31st.... Either would work but the 10th works best:-) she informed me that once all of those reports are through the only thing left was to meet with kidney doctor and catscan the kidneys...wahoooo!!!
Dr. Wise... She was very nice as well. We sat and chatted for about an hour. We went over all of my past,future and everywhere in between. I also took one of those true/false personality test. Those are kinda different because one part of the question you would think true... But the second part false.. So you have to answer open minded. I understand why they check your psychological conditions for this kind of surgery. It's a very serious surgery. It is very important that you understand the risks that go along with this surgery(any surgery) before just jumping in and saying" Hey, I want to donate my kidney". Dr wise could tell that I was a person that took care of others needs.. I reassured her that I am capable of taking care of my own as well and that I am getting better at asking people for help if I need it:-) I describe myself as a pleaser, doer, and caretaker...sometimes I think people think that being a "caretaker" is not a good thing.. I don't know any other way... I just enjoy life.. Enjoy people being happy.. Enjoy doing things for others.. I've always been a "caretaker" very interested in the medical field, volunteered at the hospital growing up...I love/loved it so much...I can't pinpoint when this seed was planted in me but, it's been there for a long long time... And I wouldn't change it for anything... Actually, I wouldn't change anything in my life.... Of course there has been battles and hard times... Everyone has those... But that is what makes us who we are.. No one is perfect.. I truly enjoy life... I try my best not to stress out about things! Sure we stress on silly things.. But when life hands me something really hard to deal with I try to keep my chin up and try everything in my power to fix it! Ok ok...here I am rambling on and on again... Bottom line I think things went well with Dr. Wise and I will find out what she has to report on the 14th... Until next time...
Friday, November 2, 2012
Doctor Doctor... give me the news!!!
Oct.26th I went to see Dr. Patel... The Liver Doctor.... After asking a list of recent popular questions.... Do you do drugs?... Drink alcohol?...Smoke Cigarettes?...How many tattoos?.... Piercings?....Medications?....Blah Blah Blah, Susan(his nurse) and I got acquainted....Dr. Patel and an Intern came in, they were really nice. He asked all the questions over again. I'm getting used to this and I know it is all for a good reason. Dr. Patel and I chatted for a little while. I asked him all kinds of questions about the future and if I did continue with the Donation of my Kidney would it have any effects on my liver and tons of other questions. Basically, he thinks everything is ok and all will work out just fine. Not alarmed at any of the lab results from earlier lab test. Exercise and Proper Diet is the key to a Healthy body. Simple as that. Dr. Patel decided to send me over to the lab and get some liver specific lab work. He( Well, a Lady also named Susan- She makes the third Susan of this whole process) scheduled a liver ultrasound for the next week(Today-Nov.2nd) So as of this moment I am beginning to fast for my 3:30 appointment. This will be the toughest part of my day.... NOT EATING!!! :-/ I don't usually go too long without eating. So wish me luck on that. Up next, Tues I meet with Dr. Wise for the psychological evaluation. Until then God Bless!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Oct. 16th, The Phone Finally Rings....
Its Susan, the donor transplant coordinator. She says that all my results are in. There are a few concerns: They have found a cyst on each of my kidneys, apparently most everyone has these, which is pretty common and does not usually pose a problem. My triglycerides are very high- 371, normal being below 150. My Cholesterol is normal- 162, normal being 125-200. All is all nothing to worry about. Susan mentioned that I should try to exercise and maintain a healthy diet. She said my file was going to be looked over by one of the transplant doctors the next morning and she would get back with me the following day. I had plans to go to Las Vegas the next day, but would have my phone in hand awaiting her call. She called within a couple of hours of our arrival. At this time, she told me that the transplant committee are still thinking I am a good candidate to be a living donor. She also said the doctor had a chance to look over my lab work. He says, I have a " Fatty Liver" and that my HDL is low- 44, normal is greater than 46. Since I am so young this may be indications of something wrong or could help us prevent something in the future. They are thinking that this may be a disorder called NASH(Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis) I have attached a link that tells you about NASH.She thinks that this is nothing to be alarmed by and that she is going to send me to a liver specialist to get everything checked out. They will more than likely order a catscan of my liver, at which time they will also catscan my kidneys. Of course, we won't know till I see the Liver Specialist. I should hear back from Susan in the next couple of days when I will be able to see the specialist. I will keep you all posted on what I find out. BTW, I have not ruled out being a living kidney donor as of yet. Of course, time will tell if I will be able to donate. I still would like to keep this blog going to keep everyone informed and let people know that donating is very important. Thank you for reading. Please share your thoughts with me....God Bless!
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/nash/
Monday, October 8, 2012
Testing...is this thing working?!?!
Today was a big testing day.. I arrived way earlier than I was supposed to. But was taken right in to the lab..turned in my 24hr urine collection( which I mentioned earlier) they filled about 10 tubes of blood.. Ate a little food then met with the patient advocate..Oren, he was a nice man. He asked me tons of questions, as did the other two that I met with today, repeat questions. I was prepared for that. They want/need to make sure one understands the process and the steps of the process. Next up, Susan the transplant coordinator... Sounds like my domino may help 7 pairs... Isn't that awesome?!?! From my one little kidney , seven recipients will be able to possibly live a better healthier life! These pairs are from oklahoma city area, although Integris Baptist medical transplant center here in Okc deals with two other transplant centers closely... They are John Hopkins in Baltimore and united network of organ sharing.. So there is a possibility that the domino effect will be able to reach these centers as well...
Of course I'm sure everyone is wondering what kind of lifestyle one can live after donating a kidney. It's simple, a normal life style. After recovering I can continue my life as usual. One can do pretty much anything: birth a child, ski, play sports, work out.. I'm sure you get the picture.. A normal lifestyle.. There maybe a few restrictions, like limiting medications that are hard on your kidneys and sports that are high contact sports.
When you remove one kidney your other kidney begins to grow to compensate. The human body is just amazing! I found out they like to use the left kidney from donors. The left kidney has longer vessels attaching it to the blood supply. 95% of the cases are preformed laparoscopic 2-1/2inch incisions and one 3 inch incision around the belly button. This surgery would take 4&1/2 hours. The other 5% is preformed with a larger single incision, 5-6 inch scar that starts on the side at the bottom of the ribcage and follows the ribs towards the belly, taking 2&1/2 to 3 hrs. Doesn't sound to horrible, especially if it saves someone's(possibly 7 people) life!
Back to my day... Next up was Gayla she is the social worker. She asked all the questions and then some extra ones. She is referring me to the phycologist Ms. Wise. The "next step" Gayla explained the mental process after surgery. Some go through grieving, depression, fulfillment... Many emotions. I feel I am a pretty level person, I know one or all of these emotions are possible, so I will prepare to watch for signs. After finishing up with Gayla I went over to radiology. Signed in and waited for them to call my name. Ultrasound was first Chelsea preformed this test.. Quick and painless. She asked me a few questions, like if I was receiving or donating a kidney. After telling her that I was donating and I didn't know to whom it was going to, she said I an angel.. I don't see it as this, I'm just me.. Doing what I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember.. Up next, EKG, Tracy was very nice to me also. Then the chest X-ray with Zach, he was really awesome.. He let me take pictures of my X-rays and he took a few of me getting my X-rays.. All in all, a good virtually pain free day(yes,even the poke of the little needle)...
I have several pictures from today, most are sneaky pictures.. Hehe.. But hope you all enjoy. If you have any questions or comments,let me know!
Of course I'm sure everyone is wondering what kind of lifestyle one can live after donating a kidney. It's simple, a normal life style. After recovering I can continue my life as usual. One can do pretty much anything: birth a child, ski, play sports, work out.. I'm sure you get the picture.. A normal lifestyle.. There maybe a few restrictions, like limiting medications that are hard on your kidneys and sports that are high contact sports.
When you remove one kidney your other kidney begins to grow to compensate. The human body is just amazing! I found out they like to use the left kidney from donors. The left kidney has longer vessels attaching it to the blood supply. 95% of the cases are preformed laparoscopic 2-1/2inch incisions and one 3 inch incision around the belly button. This surgery would take 4&1/2 hours. The other 5% is preformed with a larger single incision, 5-6 inch scar that starts on the side at the bottom of the ribcage and follows the ribs towards the belly, taking 2&1/2 to 3 hrs. Doesn't sound to horrible, especially if it saves someone's(possibly 7 people) life!
Back to my day... Next up was Gayla she is the social worker. She asked all the questions and then some extra ones. She is referring me to the phycologist Ms. Wise. The "next step" Gayla explained the mental process after surgery. Some go through grieving, depression, fulfillment... Many emotions. I feel I am a pretty level person, I know one or all of these emotions are possible, so I will prepare to watch for signs. After finishing up with Gayla I went over to radiology. Signed in and waited for them to call my name. Ultrasound was first Chelsea preformed this test.. Quick and painless. She asked me a few questions, like if I was receiving or donating a kidney. After telling her that I was donating and I didn't know to whom it was going to, she said I an angel.. I don't see it as this, I'm just me.. Doing what I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember.. Up next, EKG, Tracy was very nice to me also. Then the chest X-ray with Zach, he was really awesome.. He let me take pictures of my X-rays and he took a few of me getting my X-rays.. All in all, a good virtually pain free day(yes,even the poke of the little needle)...
I have several pictures from today, most are sneaky pictures.. Hehe.. But hope you all enjoy. If you have any questions or comments,let me know!
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| Getting my Chest Xray |
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| My right Kidney... |
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| Transplanted kidney |
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| Left kidney |
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| Susan |
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| Oren |
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| My First Blood work Sept. 19th |
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| Gayla |
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| Hello Kidney |
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| Sept. 19th |
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| EKG |
Living kidney donor
Hello... I'm Cynthia, 39 y/o single mother of two beautiful girls(Ashlynn-21 on dec 3rd & Chelbi-16)
This is my first blog so bare with me... I tend to ramble and I'm usually pretty random.... So I hope you will enjoy. I just want to get my story/journey out there.. If this helps one person follow what I am doing then I will be happy:-)
Where to begin?!?! I've always been interested in being an organ donor.. Since 15 I have checked the little box on my drivers license. I have found out that really doesn't guarantee that your wishes will be followed through... There are forms you need to full out, you can get them at DMV or http://search.dmv.org/dmv/oklahoma/information-on-how-to-be-a-donor in the end it is your family who makes the choice unless you are vocal about your choices... When my dad passed we were able to donate his corneas, I know this is something he would have been proud of. I've always wanted to donate my body to science or to medical research.. Something to help make a difference. I donate blood as often as I can, I actually just received a pin for donating a gallon. I'm on the national bone marrow donor list. But i've always wanted to give more... a couple of years ago i was first In line to see if i was able donate a kidney for my dear friends baby, he lost his hard battle at 7 months old..
Which brings me to where I am today: in June 2012 I was looking on Craigslist and stumbled upon an ad... It was a single 38 y/o mom needing a kidney. I called the number and started the journey. I received my paperwork July 5th read all the information, filled out all the paperwork, and returned it to Susan the kidney transplant donor coordinator. Sept. 19th my baby (Chelbi)turned 16 and I started my first lab work to start the process of being a living donor. Since then the intended recipient had a friend that wanted to try and donate for her. At that point I decided I still want to go forward in being a living donor. I will be able to create a domino effect, which really appeals to me:-) ... So here I am second part of the process today.. I did a 24 hour urine specimen yesterday, that wasn't to challenging. Arrived at the hospital still fasting, went to the lab did another urine sample and maybe 10 vials of blood for varies test.. Next I talk with the living donor advocate, social worker, transplant coordinator.. Followed by EKG, chest X-ray and ultrasound. Till now I have kept the majority of this to myself, only telling a few close friends and my family members(I had already started the process before telling them) for the most part all are filled with: are you sure? What if? Well if that's what you want to do! They all know I will make my own decisions and I know they will be right there for me:-) see all this rambling.. Lol.. I am definitely not a writer,except my apologies on this:-)
My goal for this blog is to open the eyes of many to know what it's like for the donor. And if it helps save just one life by someone following in my footsteps, It will be worth it.
I will be adding pictures(as soon as I figure out how) and doing my best to keep this up to date:-)
I hope you have enjoyed and feel free to add comments. Thank you and God Bless!
This is my first blog so bare with me... I tend to ramble and I'm usually pretty random.... So I hope you will enjoy. I just want to get my story/journey out there.. If this helps one person follow what I am doing then I will be happy:-)
Where to begin?!?! I've always been interested in being an organ donor.. Since 15 I have checked the little box on my drivers license. I have found out that really doesn't guarantee that your wishes will be followed through... There are forms you need to full out, you can get them at DMV or http://search.dmv.org/dmv/oklahoma/information-on-how-to-be-a-donor in the end it is your family who makes the choice unless you are vocal about your choices... When my dad passed we were able to donate his corneas, I know this is something he would have been proud of. I've always wanted to donate my body to science or to medical research.. Something to help make a difference. I donate blood as often as I can, I actually just received a pin for donating a gallon. I'm on the national bone marrow donor list. But i've always wanted to give more... a couple of years ago i was first In line to see if i was able donate a kidney for my dear friends baby, he lost his hard battle at 7 months old..
Which brings me to where I am today: in June 2012 I was looking on Craigslist and stumbled upon an ad... It was a single 38 y/o mom needing a kidney. I called the number and started the journey. I received my paperwork July 5th read all the information, filled out all the paperwork, and returned it to Susan the kidney transplant donor coordinator. Sept. 19th my baby (Chelbi)turned 16 and I started my first lab work to start the process of being a living donor. Since then the intended recipient had a friend that wanted to try and donate for her. At that point I decided I still want to go forward in being a living donor. I will be able to create a domino effect, which really appeals to me:-) ... So here I am second part of the process today.. I did a 24 hour urine specimen yesterday, that wasn't to challenging. Arrived at the hospital still fasting, went to the lab did another urine sample and maybe 10 vials of blood for varies test.. Next I talk with the living donor advocate, social worker, transplant coordinator.. Followed by EKG, chest X-ray and ultrasound. Till now I have kept the majority of this to myself, only telling a few close friends and my family members(I had already started the process before telling them) for the most part all are filled with: are you sure? What if? Well if that's what you want to do! They all know I will make my own decisions and I know they will be right there for me:-) see all this rambling.. Lol.. I am definitely not a writer,except my apologies on this:-)
My goal for this blog is to open the eyes of many to know what it's like for the donor. And if it helps save just one life by someone following in my footsteps, It will be worth it.
I will be adding pictures(as soon as I figure out how) and doing my best to keep this up to date:-)
I hope you have enjoyed and feel free to add comments. Thank you and God Bless!
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| The Ad that pushed me to stop putting it off! |
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