JOE’S KIDNEY TRANSPLANT JOURNEY
In 2019, Joe was informed that he needed a kidney transplant to live. He was added to a renown clinics seven-year waiting list. In the interim, a port was surgically installed in his arm. He received dialysis treatment three times a week in four-hour intervals. Afterwards, he dutifully went into work at a retail store, often needing to sit down and take a breather. It was so taxing on him that, while recovering he would often delegate from his desk or stop to chat with customers, so he could take it slow. He maintained this regime for two years until good news came.
FAMILY MEMBER COMES TO HIS AID
Joe’s cousin came to his rescue. She volunteered to be tested, hoping for a match. She went through all of the testing and was a match! She and Joe filled out all of the forms, they went together for all of the doctor visits, performed all of the prep orientations and consultations. Joe was thrilled! He told everyone, family, co-workers, friends and even customers. He had a new lease on life, and it was a gift from his beloved cousin. They both then attended pre-surgery prep one week prior. They cleared their calendars. He spoke or texted her daily.
ONE WEEK TO GO
Exactly one week before surgery. His cousin calls to cancel. (Here Joe tears up retelling the details.) She couldn’t go through with it. She had read online how difficult it is to live with one kidney, and the lifestyle changes it demands. He was devastated. His wife then took him to all doctors’ visits but wasn’t very supportive. He couldn’t talk to her. He was back on dialysis. Then a breakthrough. He was having a private conversation with his doctor, who told him to look at his files. He was handed his medical records. Joe knew his doctor was fond of him and knew of his letdown. For within the records was a caveat of vital information, that Joe would pick up on. Within an hour driving distance, a university whose specialty was kidney transplants, had a six-week waiting list! Contact information was given in the file.
NEW LIFE FROM DEATH
Joe made many calls to the university, and when they learned of his dialysis, he was placed as a priority. He was informed that should a kidney become available; he would have an hour to get to the university. Joe prepared a go bag. The university already had rooms waiting in the building across from the surgical facility. Then, he received the call. His wife drove him to the university room. They waited for the call to report for surgery. As it turns out a young male attempted suicide and was on life-support. In order to have a successful transplant, the organ can only be used up to one hour outside the body. He chokes up as he tells that when life-support was pulled, the young man continued struggling to live. He died the next day. “I felt so excited at another chance, while this boy was dying. It was wrong and I knew it.” Because his body took hours to die, his kidney could not be harvested. Joe and his wife returned home. Soon thereafter, a young woman was in a car accident with a severe head injury. She too was kept alive for donors. Joe received her kidney.
RETIRED AND AN ADVOCATE
Joe now 63 and retired, explained that it takes the body five years to adjust to the new organ. He has to take medications for life and still has his permanent port. He talks to anyone and everyone about his experience and hopes to impart his wisdom gleaned. He’s an advocate for others on dialysis and those who are waiting, hoping for a new organ and a new beginning.
Rich and Strange! 