New year always brings change. Resolutions would be the first to come to mind. I've had changes more akin to upheavals.
First was the departure of my lung transplant physician and my Coordinator his wife. I'm still getting used to this. It's difficult to trust another doctor , when this one has kept me alive for 12 years.
I've been working with my Endocrinologist for the last year , watching my thyroid enlarge while my Hemoglobin dropped. Even kidney transplant is concerned.
I've been patiently waiting for my appointment on Monday. We are so close to a resolution. So , tonight I get a call from his office. Today was his last day. *huge sigh*. I am stuck in a country song. "Here I go again. "
Grinning. .... at least I had a nice dinner at Olive Garden beforehand.
Hopefully this blog will be the culmination of all my years attempting to write a book about surviving an organ transplant. I've survived 3 organ transplants & have a pacemaker. Life is GOOD! I am truly BLESSED! Years ago I titled my book "At the end of my rope" for 2 reasons. 1.Physically: Being tethered to oxygen for 20+ years. Hence, the rope. 2. Psychologically: There are times when I literally feel At the end of my rope.
Showing posts with label anemia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anemia. Show all posts
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Cinco De Mayo
To many of you Cinco de Mayo refers to the Commemoration of the Mexican Army's 1862 victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War.
To me it does too, however I have a huge celebration as well. On this day in 2005 (yes o5-05-05) I received my third chance at a new life. I received a kidney transplant.
I am to this day amazed at how little we think of our kidneys, and how they bring everything into working order in these complex machines we call our bodies. I knew I was anemic and had high blood pressure because of the the insufficiency of my kidneys. But to see the day after transplant my blood pressure reading drop to a whopping 95/64 with no meds from barely controlled 120/92 (on a good day) while taking 2 different medications is phenomenal.. I mean how can this small organ, smaller than my fist accomplish such a huge feat?
I still have my 3 page list of foods I had to avoid. No they were not the fast foods we hear about today. These were ones I loved: bananas, oranges, broccoli, dairy, etc. I used to joke that anything that was naturally good and colorful was b-a-d for me. I held out to the very last with my Diet Coke. Can't have caramel colored soft drinks either, too much phosphorus. I only drank them when I had an upset stomach. That too was nixed in the end.
I no longer have my "Popeye" arm, where the fistula was placed. It was removed exactly 5 years to the day after it was put in. It had formed a clot due to non-use. I smiled to think non-use. Wow, first time I could actually say I had a surgical procedure done as a pre-cautionary that was exactly that! Now all that remains is a long scar from under my arm-pit to just below my wrist. A reminder to take care of that lone kidney I received from Suzie my sweet donor. And the wonderful Donor Dad who agreed to let me receive it.
Today is melancholy and yet happy. Today is my celebration, while Donor Dad is remembering his little girl he lost on May 3, 2005 her birthday. You too can honor my donor Suzie, please visit my page and see her picture and read a little about her too. We have alot of similarities in our lives.
Are you an Organ Donor ? The life you could save might be one you love.. ♥
Recycle yourself.. Become an Organ and Tissue Donor
To me it does too, however I have a huge celebration as well. On this day in 2005 (yes o5-05-05) I received my third chance at a new life. I received a kidney transplant.
I am to this day amazed at how little we think of our kidneys, and how they bring everything into working order in these complex machines we call our bodies. I knew I was anemic and had high blood pressure because of the the insufficiency of my kidneys. But to see the day after transplant my blood pressure reading drop to a whopping 95/64 with no meds from barely controlled 120/92 (on a good day) while taking 2 different medications is phenomenal.. I mean how can this small organ, smaller than my fist accomplish such a huge feat?
I still have my 3 page list of foods I had to avoid. No they were not the fast foods we hear about today. These were ones I loved: bananas, oranges, broccoli, dairy, etc. I used to joke that anything that was naturally good and colorful was b-a-d for me. I held out to the very last with my Diet Coke. Can't have caramel colored soft drinks either, too much phosphorus. I only drank them when I had an upset stomach. That too was nixed in the end.
I no longer have my "Popeye" arm, where the fistula was placed. It was removed exactly 5 years to the day after it was put in. It had formed a clot due to non-use. I smiled to think non-use. Wow, first time I could actually say I had a surgical procedure done as a pre-cautionary that was exactly that! Now all that remains is a long scar from under my arm-pit to just below my wrist. A reminder to take care of that lone kidney I received from Suzie my sweet donor. And the wonderful Donor Dad who agreed to let me receive it.
Today is melancholy and yet happy. Today is my celebration, while Donor Dad is remembering his little girl he lost on May 3, 2005 her birthday. You too can honor my donor Suzie, please visit my page and see her picture and read a little about her too. We have alot of similarities in our lives.
Are you an Organ Donor ? The life you could save might be one you love.. ♥
Recycle yourself.. Become an Organ and Tissue Donor
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