WOW -- KIDNEYS ARE EXPENSIVE. Thank you for considering assistance with our out-of-pocket costs. Tax deductible donations can be made through this link:
https://helphopelive.org/campaign/4118 (
http://www.ntafund.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/A7ACA7A5-C92A-D56A-EBFF25C31E7BDE91)
Oh brother, where to start....let's just put a nutshell here and I will elaborate as I journal ("Dear Diary..."). I've been an insulin-dependent diabetic since 1983. Due to the nature of the disease, kidneys (as well as other organs, but we're going to talk about kidneys here) are impacted and will decline in function. I have been very fortunate that over the years mine have not had the typical decline or cause for immediate or even far-future concern. Then in May 2011 I was told that my kidney function had suddenly (meaning rapidly over the last year) dropped to a point where I should speak with a Nephrologist. The function at the May appointment was 27%. At the first Nephrology appointment one month later, I was told my kidneys had declined to 24% function and I should start looking for a kidney donor. At 20%, you are allowed to go on the transplant registry, and at 10% dialysis starts. At the June appointment, it was estimated that dialysis was about a year out for me. I'm hoping that I am able to keep my good fortune of my kidneys taking a long (long.....) time to coast so that does not happen, but reality is that dialysis is going to happen if I do not receive a transplant. Because of my age (young -- 44 -- haha), the doctors are also trying to get a pancreas for me.
Whatever brought you to this page, I am glad you are here. I am going to journal as much as possible to share my story and try to be detailed as I can (without being too yucky). Also because I personally want to have a way to "look back" as things move along. Thank you for stopping by -- I would love to hear from you!
