July Health Update
All right, I know I’ve not been keeping up with my postings to my blog lately. I’ll try to catch up. So here is a little of an update:I’m doing fine. Doctors tell me I am fairly stable. But that doesn’t take away from the need for a new kidney. I still need a new one!
In the meantime, I still go on with life. I have few side effects. My mouth tastes like I’ve been chewing metal from time to time. And I never even “spit nails” in an upholstery plant! [Inside joke for furniture friends.] I play golf from time to time. Work is still about the same. I do tire very easily up stairs or hills, but other than that, I’m doing pretty well.
Since I posted the notice about my situation, I’ve heard from many of you from around the world. The emails have been very rewarding. I really appreciate the outpouring of support and kindness. It has been good to hear of the prayers and concerns from all over the globe. I know the spirit of all of you with God’s help will get me through this. But it will still take a new kidney.
So far, one relative is being tested for a match, and I know of one friend that may be tested. Another friend who was so gracious to step forward with an offer had a history of diabetes that negated him as a candidate.
Still the offer alone by someone to consider such a thing has been almost too much to handle. I really don’t know what to say to someone who has even given it a thought. It is a lot to ask of anyone. But then again, I know I still need a new kidney, and one from a friend or relative is my best bet. I have to keep reminding myself that I do need to put someone through this, and that the risks have now been greatly minimized.
As I mentioned in one posting, the numbers of patients awaiting transplant are rather daunting and frightening. At this time, I am not even really on the waiting list for a cadaver kidney. I am listed, but somewhat in absentee. Being in China puts me too far away to get one if it came available with a match for me, but there are so many other patients ahead of me right now, that that is really a mute point.
If I get to the point of a cadaver kidney being the best option, I will be back in the USA. But as I’ve mentioned before, a living kidney donation is still my best bet right now.
If you are considering or will consider, please read the posting from my sister of a few weeks ago and contact her or the University of Colorado, Denver Hospital.
posted by A Bryson (formerly) in China @ 12:14 PM
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