Enjoying the outdoors today.

Happy Holidays,

This is my first post since shortly before I entered the hospital for the transplant on December 11.  I have been home since Dec 20.  The past few weeks have indeed been eventful for me and my immediate family.

First I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Dick Clarkson for doing his part in providing me with the gift of his kidney.  He came through the surgery with flying colors and has been quickly recuperating.  For me, this turned out to be a fairly traumatic and ultimately unsuccessful effort due to a   rare post-surgical blood clot effecting the transplanted kidney.  Ergo, two more surgeries (see prior posts for the details if you wish).

I would like to publicly thank Sharon for being by my side the entire time and to her and Jordie for sending out post surgery updates.   Sharon and I can’t thank our relatives, friends and neighbors enough for the continued support, meals and positive messages.   

Just yesterday I felt well enough to take my first walk outside the house (to the top of our drive way).  I am eating and sleeping well and getting stronger with each new day.

Going forward I still have my “native” kidneys - nope, neither of them were removed in the initial surgery and were not affected by the blood clot.

My hope is to reinitiate my search for a living donor.  The surgeons feel that my body could be ready for another transplant as early as March and that they were confident that they could manage the clotting factors early enough in the transplant process to avoid a similar result.

In the meantime, I will continue to post periodic updates about my recuperation and renewed search.  So, please continue to send your comments and well wishes!  And finally, let your family and friends know that I would welcome hearing from anyone interested in exploring the options of being a donor. 

Sending love, hugs & best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year for all!

Ron