Jessica’s Story

Site created on January 8, 2009

For all of you who might not have been informed, as of May 6th. 2009 I am the proud new mother of two magnificent organs, a Kidney and a Pancreas. It was a "gift of life" to me from a 47 year old Male. It all began on May 5th, about 4:21 pm, when I recieved the call.



My story starts back in 1980, when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It has been a long road since then, and I have been through more than most my age have experienced. I have had eye surgery to regain eyesight twice, I have undergone a Pancreas transplant in 2003, I needed Bowel Obstruction surgery soon after and finally I needed my transplanted Pancreas removed in 2004 because of Pancreatitis and Rejection. I now have Chronic Kidney Disease Anemia, am in Stage 4 Renal Failure, and am pursuing a Kidney/Pancreas Transplant soon. Because I have such high antibodies it makes it hard for me to find a match. Therefore, I am beginning my IVIG treatments, also known as Plasma Phuresis or Desensitization Protocol to try and increase my chances of getting a perfect match before I will need Dialysis. I have a incredible abundance of family and friends who are there to support me through all of this. My Mom and Dad, and Grandma, if it was not for them, I would never have made it this far, I owe them my life. I love you all. Jason, my boyfriend, is going through this for the first time and is extremely supportive and cares so much. My best friend, Mindi, has been there through it all and will be there always. Everyone else I did not mention, thanks for all your support and keep it coming. I need all I can get. I know that we will get through this long road together and fight for a happy ending.

~May you always have an angel by your side. Watching out for you in all the things you do. Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days. Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to take you to beautiful places. Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun. Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide. May you always have love and comfort and courage. Someone there to catch you if you fall. Encouraging your dreams. Inspiring your happiness. Holding your hand and helping you through it all. And may you always have an angel by your side.

~Douglas Pagels

Since my story continues, from 2009, when I received my Kidney/Pancreas transplant....here is a short but sweet "catch up" of the past 4 years, with tons of speed bumps of course:

My transplant, well the pancreas part of it, lasted about a week, which was a "dream come true" so-to-speak to NOT have diabetes, even if for just that week, as after that week, we started to detect rejection in the pancreas. My Doctors tried to save it, and stop the rejection, but eventually I was back on insulin, like before, and back to a normal diabetic. 

The kidney, however, held it's ground for some time. We started to see Antibody cellular rejection, here and there, and giving me higher doses of steroids to try and stop the progression of the rejection. There was lots of ups and downs, and eventually, we get to to the present 2013.

I have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) and my kidney is failing. At this point I am set up for Peritoneal Dialysis at home, 7 days a week, for 8-10 hours a night, while I sleep....this will last until I get another transplant. I am pursuing a K/P (kidney and pancreas) and just a Kidney transplant, which ever comes first. I am really hoping for a live kidney, which would be the fastest and most efficient. The survival rate is also much greater, and a match is made much easier. My story ends here, again, in hopes of a fast transplant to get me health again.

GOOD LUCK TO ME!!!!!

Thank you again, friends and family, for being there for me through all my health conditions and issues, I would not be the strong individual I am, without each and every one of you!!!

Love,

Jessica


Newest Update

Watch for Me in Public

Journal entry by Jessica Wickersheimer —

Hello Everyone! 
Family is so important. I say this because my cousin Richard and Chris, Sam and Rachel, who live in Iowa, have made it possible for me to get a billboard asking the public for a KIDNEY! Amazing! I do NOT know what I would do without family who love and support me indefinitely! 
I am currently working on a website and will soon be contacting my Lamar contact so we can get this thing up and the word out! 
Again, please tell everyone you know, how important it is that I find a KIDNEY! 
If you know anyone who is interested please have them call my Live Donor Team at 414-805-0310. Tell them you wish to be a kidney donor for Jessica Wickersheimer . I truly appreciate your kindness. Even if you are NOT a match for me, there is always the Kidney Exchange Program. 
I will keep you all posted with a location once I get my billboard up so you can all go take a look! 
Xoxo
Jess
Read More of the journal titled "Watch for Me in Public"
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