Adam’s Story

Site created on January 30, 2021

Adam is undergoing two major surgeries: a bilateral nephrectomy and a kidney transplant. These necessary and lifesaving procedures are both in response to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Adam was diagnosed with PKD a long time ago, around the time his father passed from it. PKD is a genetic disease that means you get cysts on your kidneys. Like, a lot of cysts. They eventually, gradually inhibit your kidneys from functioning. At that time, you enter end-stage renal failure, and go on dialysis, and are put on the list for a kidney transplant. Adam reached this point in July of 2020. We are so fortunate that a living organ donor, anonymously, has stepped forward to donate a kidney on Adam's behalf. The actual kidney Adam receives comes from another donor, identified through the paired kidney exchange. In order to be fully eligible, Adam first needs to have the sick kidneys removed -- that's the bilateral nephrectomy. Once he is in stable condition, he will be eligible for the transplant -- but we won't know exactly when until we pass through this first gate. We, Adam and I, (I'm Jennifer, Adam's wife)are excited, and nervous, and tired and filled with ridiculous gratitude for Adam's donor, the health resources we have here in Minnesota and of-course most of all to our community who supports us. Thanks for being here. 

Newest Update

getting better all the time

Journal entry by Jennifer Kohnhorst —

Hey friends!! Hope you are having a lovely Memorial Day weekend. Adam and I are hanging close to home and there is lots of time for sleeping, lounging, eating well, and stepping out for brief amusements like music or campfires. I went for my first hike since being in the hospital, and while a little wobbly, it felt great to work up a sweat. 

Thanks for hanging in there with us! Consider that if nothing is posted here, it means we are doing well. Adam is continuing to improve in strength and endurance and we will check in when he has his next meaningful post op appointment or news. Please feel free to reach out individually for anything. We have such gratitude for everyone who has been on this journey with us. 

❤️




Read More of the journal titled "getting better all the time"
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