I have PKD, polycystic kidney disease, a disease that is progressive and causes my kidneys to develop cysts that enlarge with time, and crowd out the normal tissue. The kidneys of people like me become very large and can be painful also. But the main problem is that these cysts prevent the kidneys from functioning and eventually they fail. As my function has been declining for years I always knew this was going to happen and there was no treatment, diet or medicine to stop it. I did what the doctor recommended to stay as healthy as possible, but the relentless path this disease takes is unstoppable. Although I am maintaining as good health as can be expected given these circumstances, I cannot deny any longer that I am going to have to take action to stay healthy.
So now the time has come for me to shortly start renal replacement therapy, i.e. dialysis. I am also on the transplant list, waiting for a cadaver donor. This can take over 7 years, and dialysis is very hard on the body So my doctors recommend living donation transplant as the best treatment option for me. Living donation is completely safe. One kidney is all that is necessary to lead a 100% normal life. People who have donated a kidney spend 2 days in the hospital and a few weeks home before returning to work. They have been studied extensively and have been shown to be totally normal and healthy with no decline in kidney function over their lifetime. The cost for the donor is totally free; all their medical expenses are paid.
Ron my husband offered as soon as he realized I was in need of a kidney. Unfortunately he was rejected. They are very cautious in selecting a donor.
You do not have to be my blood type (O) because they can do a mix and match with donors and recipients.
Asking for a kidney donation is very difficult and awkward for me. I hope you will consider being evaluated and possibly donating.
