Matt’s Story

Site created on January 5, 2020

Welcome to Matt's CaringBridge website.  We have found this to be the easiest way to keep everyone updated.

Short Version
Kidneys have failed, needs a transplant.

Long version
When I was 7, I got sick with a rare auto-immune disease called Henoch-Schonlein purpura.  In some cases, this disease can develop into another disease called IGA nephropathy (another auto-immune disease which attacks the kidneys).  This is what happened to me as a teenager, and it was finally officially diagnosed in 2010.  For a while my kidney function held steady, functioning at just under 50% of normal.  Despite close monitoring and aggressive treatment, my kidneys started their final decline in 2019.  I was approved as an eligible kidney donor recipient in August, and now at the age of 38, I am actively looking for a living kidney donor.   As of December 4, 2019, I began the life-saving treatment of dialysis.  

Why a living donor?
A kidney transplant greatly improves quality of life. Recipients can get kidneys from either a living donor or a cadaver (deceased) donor. A cadaver kidney lasts around 10 years, and the list for receiving one is several years long.  A living donor kidney provides a healthier organ, provides a quicker timeline, and can last 20 years or more. 

Becoming a donor
Donating a kidney is a big decision. In order to become a living kidney donor, potential donors are evaluated for their kidney function and compatibility, and for their overall physical/mental health. Health care costs for the donor are covered by the recipients' insurance. Only candidates who meet evaluation requirements are approved to become living donors. Potential donors have their own separate team of doctors running the evaluations and monitoring their health.  


My health care team and transplant center is through Abbot/Allina. Below is their kidney transplant website info for potential donors. 
https://www.allinahealth.org/abbott-northwestern-hospital/services/kidney-transplantation

We've had incredible people come forward. No one has met all criteria yet. We love and appreciate you for being there for us. 

Additional Resources
National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/transplantation
Why living donor kidneys. https://www.mhealth.org/blog/2017/july-2017/why-do-living-donor-kidney-transplants-offer-better-outcomes
Allina Health Kidney Transplantation https://www.allinahealth.org/abbott-northwestern-hospital/services/kidney-transplantation 

Gratitude 
Throughout this experience, I have been surrounded by support. I am eternally grateful for all the help, love, and support that my family and I have received from my coworkers, friends, and neighbors, and I have come to understand just how blessed I am to have you all in my life.

Thank you for visiting my page!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Matt Seveland

Hello Everyone,

I'm realizing it has been a long time since I updated CaringBridge. And I am so sorry for that! Some things have changed, please allow me catch you all up in a cliff notes fashion: 

The angiogram that was done to stabilize the compromised artery serving the new kidney was a success! Once I left the hospital after that week in June I started the long road to recovery.  I wasn't much more than a giant walking chemistry set for the next three months.  Fortunately that whole crazy ride is winding down now. 

I am off of all the weird dietary supplements, have reduced my blood pressure medications to almost zero, and have no pain to speak of anymore. They are reducing my anti-rejection meds every so often now, and will be back to a reasonably well-functioning immune system soon. My lab work looks very good, and I am feeling strong (now that I have my own red blood cells again). Also, no more crippling cramps in my legs!

The best part of all of this, is that I finally got the doctor's approval to return to work with no restrictions. As you can see by the picture, I'm back doing what I love!

It has been a long road with its fair share of ups and downs, but I was graced with the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. You all made this process so much better for me and my family, and I want to say from the bottom of my heart:

Thank you all

And,

Please be safe out there... It's a crazy year!

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