I know, it has been a long time since I last posted. I’m now back to my normal life that involves hectic work and travel, kids afterschool activities, cooking dinners…And it feels real good to be back to normal. Being the weak and puny version of myself was just plain tiring. I’m back to running, slowing gaining my speed and distance again. I mentioned a few posts back how Larry forgot what normal felt like after 7 years of dialysis. I forgot just after a few short months, I can’t imagine how it must have felt to be like that for so long.
Larry is doing fantastic! The kidney is still working wonderfully for him, he even got the courage to send back his dialysis machine and the rest of the equipment. His former dialysis room is once again in its former glory as his music/entertainment room. I’m sure that was a huge step in his recovery, both physically and mentally.
Overall, this has been an amazing experience. I’ve experienced the incredible generosity of both family and friends, witnessed my husband being my strongest supporter and best friend and learned more about myself along the way.
I’ve had many say they didn’t know if they could do what I did. My response to that is you don’t know until you are in the situation. I hope you never have to to, because that means everyone you know and love is healthy. But if you do know someone, I hope my experience can help you with your decision. It’s not for everyone. Five years ago, even two years ago – it was not for me. Many family members stepped up long before I did, willing to help Larry. But because of health reasons, they couldn’t. But their courage should be acknowledged and not forgotten. I just had to come to a point in my life where I was ready to explore the possibility.
I will post again as I continue along this journey. My goal is to get back into training and do an Olympic distance triathlon in July. Wish me luck!
Hopefully going in tomorrow for the 7day pre-op appointment. A scheduling snafu MAY cause it to be pushed to July 3rd, but we’ll see tomorrow. I’m only doing it for the weight loss side of the donation
LOL! We’ll see what happens tomorrow…or late June, depending on what the Gods have in store for us. Reading your posts lets me know it’s survivable….now I just gotta man up and muddle through.
I hope it all works out, I know once you are ready, the waiting can be frustrating. Who are you donating to? I’m happy to hear this blog helped, I hesitated at first to share the story. But other blogs helped me as well. It is definitely survivable and I feel terrific just 3.5 months out of surgery. Best of luck and let me know how it goes!
it came out Tuesday, I was home Thursday. Could have come home Wednesday, should have come home Friday. Spending the time moseying from couch to chair to couch. Pain is almost non-existent, but still sore. Weakness leaving the body, right?
Recipient (Jane Heller) has gone from a creatinine of over 6, down to 1. She looks 10yrs younger, and even sounds stronger. She is supposed to be coming home today. Graduated law school on Monday, new kidney on Tuesday..sounds line her life is firing on all cylinders right now.
I can think of NO good reason NOT to do this again if given the chance. The emotional kick in the pants Wednesday night, when I finally realized what I had done and what effect it had on her…wow! All that for giving up a spare? Wish I had 3 right now.