HEALTH UPDATE: I Still Need a New Kidney
I still need a kidney. Nothing has changed. Many of you have asked how I’m doing, and I figure now is a good time to give an update of my situation. I’ve been fortunate and I’ve been not so fortunate over the last year.
First, nothing is more incredible than when three people offer you a kidney. It’s hard to find the words to thank a person for something like that. I’ve been more than speechless. I hate the thought of the risks to others for my own well being. But unfortunately, things have not worked out that any of the three can donate right now anyway.
Others of you have seriously wanted to donate, but didn’t have the right blood type or knew right away that you had no chance because of prior medical history of kidney stones, or the like. I have no known candidate right now available.
On the positive side, I’m doing pretty good, and most folks say I still look okay (or at least as good as I’m gonna ever look). Sunday, I even made pars on the last two holes to close out my friends in a great golf match at our local club. You wouldn’t think I needed a new kidney. But those hills between holes are getting tougher to climb. Stairs and climbing are my worse enemies now. I wear down in seconds.
But regardless of how I feel or look, doctors tell me that I still really need a new kidney soon. They really don’t want me to get to the point of needing dialysis, and I keep creeping closer to that point. You see, the dialysis itself will weaken my body. That’s not desired. I really should get a new kidney, while I’m as strong as possible.
My blood pressure is up. Really up. Medication has been increased to offset. Creatinine levels are the indicator of kidney function. Right now I keep hovering around 425. An average person should be below 133. It means my kidneys are not digesting the chemicals as well as they should. One recent measure was that my kidneys are operating at around 11% efficiency. ………. I need a new kidney. It’s the same no matter how I look at it.
So will being on the UNOS Waiting List get me a kidney? Not probably anytime soon. The typical time for someone like myself is over 2 ½ years. That would be another year and a half. And it would almost certainly mean that I will be confined to dialysis for a period while I’m waiting. Again, as I said before, that’s not a good plan.
My hopes are still to get a donor kidney from someone I know. I hate to come begging, but if you are in good health and can consider such a possibility, please check the links on the right, including the University of Colorado Hospital. Email my sister or the
I know some of you have told me I’m in your prayers or have been added to prayer circles at your Church. That is greatly appreciated. Please continue to keep me in your prayers and give me your consideration
posted by A Bryson (formerly) in China @ 9:34 AM
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