One year ago was kidney transplant day.  I had a rough start but thanks to all the prayers and wonderful care I set off on my first year of a chance at a new life!  🥳  The year has been challenging but we thank God for a year without any complications.  

We have learned so much over the past 12 months.  Firstly, getting a transplant is a treatment, not a cure for kidney disease.  I still have PKD and some other organs are affected such as my liver and a lung.  A transplanted kidney can do 40‒85% of the work of 2 working kidneys, so that’s about a half or more. My kidney is working at the high end of function!                                                                                                                Medications after organ transplant are for life, and they have unwanted side effects such as trembling and shaking of the hands, hair loss, headache, trouble sleeping, joint pain, general feeling of discomfort or illness, heart and GI issues,  greater chance of lymphoma and skin cancer, and important to note food borne illness is one of the highest risks for any transplant recipient.

We were so happy to meet Dan's recipient and my donor recently at a small reception at ECMC.  Dan's kidney recipient is also a double lung transplant recipient.  His kidneys failed due to the anti-rejection medications for the new lungs.  He is doing well now with his new kidney.  My donor is a young lady, married with teenaged children.  She initially responded to someone's request on Facebook, and stayed on the donor list as an altruistic donor when that person received another kidney.  Additionally, another person answered the same Facebook request and also is currently on the list to donate to someone in need.  So because of one request, three people in need received the wonderful gift of life of a healthy kidney!  

Danny and I cannot express just how thankful we are for this gift of life.  Without it I would have a very poor quality of life on dialysis, or worse.  We celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this year and we've been able to spend quality time with our children and grandchildren and look forward to much more.                  Once again we thank everyone for supporting us with prayers and so many well wishes.  We are blessed beyond what we ever could imagine.

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."                     Psalm 90:14