Art Luedtke Journey with Art

In the early 1990s I had routine lab tests that indicated my kidneys were not working at top performance. In 1994 a biopsy was performed and I was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, scar tissue that forms in parts of the kidney called glomeruli, which serve as filters.

Medication, healthy eating and exercise have helped to slow my kidney deterioration. In 2008 I had a bout with shingles caused the kidney function to decline more quickly.

In 2011 my doctors suggested that I go to Mayo Clinic for a thorough evaluation. The Mayo doctors determined my kidneys have deteriorated to a point that a transplant is the best option. I have been placed on the deceased donor list, which can be up to a five year wait. While on the deceased donor list, one option is to search for a living donor. Living donor kidney transplants are very successful and can be done shortly after a qualified donor is found. A second option is dialysis as needed when the remaining kidney function worsens. Dialysis usually requires treatment three days a week and is frequently considered a short-term solution. I have been on dialysis now since May 2012

June 27, 2019 - TRANSPLANT DAY.
It finally happened, Mayo called with a viable organ and the transplant took place. 
The routines have changed. No more dialysis three times a week, but there are regular blood tests to make sure things are going well.  A healthy diet and regular exercise continue to be part of the routine. And gratitude, lots and lots of gratitude.