Featured on Storyline Project
Before I left Winston-Salem, I was coaxed into telling my story about my life through kidney issues and transplant. The city started a project of capturing stories of residents a few years ago. They asked me to tell about my finding out about kidney disease through my health issues and getting the kidney.
This week Storyline Project is featuring my story on their website. You can go to the site and listen to a short version of my recording at:
Storylineproject.orgI've tried to figure out how to put the whole long version on Youtube or something on the internet where I can link to it, but I've been unable to figure out how to convert the format so far. Maybe soon.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the short version.
Labels: kidney transplant, Storyline Project
Milestone Almost Missed
I almost forgot a major milestone! The week here in the US has been filled with sad news from Arizona, a football championship, and a major winter storm in the South and East. I’ve been stuck right in the middle of that storm. I finally got out of my home last night for the first time in three days. We didn’t get that much snow here in my area of North Carolina. But nearby they got up to 8 or 9 inches. We were lucky on the amount of snow. We were not so lucky about the ice! Freezing rain on top of our minor snow, coupled with constant freezing temperatures, made the roads like skating rinks. To say the least, those events have occupied most minds.
It occupied mine so much, that I missed the fact that the six month anniversary of my new kidney had come and past. I finally remembered today!! Yes, January 11, marked six months with this blessed new addition to my body!!
I had been thinking about this special milestone for months, and here it came, and I forgot it! Just goes to show how much my physical life has returned to normal!! Hopefully, I'm just at the point of thinking about annual milestones from here on.
Yes, the kidney continues to work great! I was in to see my doctor last week, and he was so pleased with my progress, that he got me out fast enough to only be charged the minimum for the hospital parking! How great is that! All my health tests have been nothing but normal! That’s just what I love to hear!
Labels: kidney, kidney transplant
GB Update: Four Months!!
Another month past! Yep, yesterday marked my fourth month with my new kidney! Really nice to keep counting down the months.
And I’m really getting down to a normal life finally. Wound vac is gone. I can roll over in my sleep without getting tangled in dialysis or vacuum pump tubes! What a comfort! This is great.
I did have a few scares, but all turned out to be nothing major. First, I’ve mentioned that my foot had severe aches for a long time. Doctors felt it was a flair up of gout. I’ve had it before, so that was only reasonable. But medications just weren’t reliving the pain. And x-rays had shown no visible concerns. So finally I had a bone scan last week. And surprise: I have a broken metatarsal bone! Nothing I can do for it now. It’s healing already. Just gotta be careful and let it heal more. Big positive: not gout, nor infection (which really scared me!)
Second, I had some swelling in area of my new kidney. Doctors thought this might be another hernia. Can’t imagine that, since I had played golf so easy (yeah – right!). Well, luck again prevailed. After CT scan, it just seems to be a little swelling or fat. Don’t laugh! I have a right to be concerned about such things when I’m depending on this new kidney now!
I’ve even been working some. I spent a week in Toronto recently for an office furniture manufacturer (connected by an old friend). And I’m working in Thomasville with an upholstery plant for a month. I even have some good leads on a permanent job. Afraid it may take me back to Asia. I want to work there, but prefer to base in US now. Just not sure I can find anything that good. We’ll see.
In meantime, I can get back to golf!
Labels: kidney transplant
Three Months Now….... And Golfing!!
Monday marked three months for my new kidney. And Tuesday I PLAYED GOLF!! And did pretty good too! I actually pared six out of eleven holes. The course had us play the back nine, but had us start two holes earlier on number 8, so we got in an extra two holes. I won’t talk about how I did on the other five holes. They were “others”. So the overall score wasn’t anything to brag about, but I’m satisfied for my first round in months, and playing with a new kidney.
I now just see my nephrologist every quarter, and have some blood work every two weeks for monitoring. I not only have been released from the transplant center, but also from home health care. I’m really on my own now. Yes, I have a lot of medication to take daily, and I’m still fighting some gout in my foot, but otherwise, I feel GREAT!
Hopefully, I’ll get back to work soon, and back on track with a normal life.
Labels: kidney transplant
Another Hurdle Cleared!
I can play golf!! I certainly didn’t expect this now, but I got released from the care of my Transplant Clinic yesterday!! I will still have close care from my neprologist for months, but this is a big hurdle.
When I had my surgery in mid-July, the staff scheduled my care to switch to the nephrologist in early October. But I then had my setback from the infection of my incision, so I expected that switch to also be delayed. To say the least, I was quite pleasantly surprised to get the release yesterday. I have progressed rapidly enough to get the clearance.
At the clinic, the doctors have been rotating for my weekly appointments. Dr. Stratta, the surgeon who preformed my surgery met with me yesterday. It was the first time I had seen him since I left the hospital. He has that aura of professionalism one loves in a surgeon. To think he oversees the gift of life is amazing. He was very pleased with my improvement.
Oh yea……. I started by saying: “I can play golf”…… that doesn’t mean I can play golf well. And the doctor suggested I just start with a par 3 course. I hope to get out soon, but I will definitely be taking it slow. Here’s to keeping it in the fairway. At least, I can play golf!
Labels: kidney transplant
No More Man-Purse!!
I’m free!! I’m free! No more man-purse!
Yesterday, I had an appointment at the transplant clinic and was shocked to have my wound vac removed! They decided the open wound had healed enough to just finish healing with the aid of wet/dry dressings. My home health nurse had previously indicated the wound was healing great, but she had not said anything that indicated I would not need it much longer. I was really pleasantly surprised.
My shoulder and back are relieved. The vacuum pump was small, but constantly carrying it over my shoulder was beginning to weigh on me. My back has been strained from it.
Of course, I must now change the dressings, but that is a small nuisance compared to carrying the wound vac. I have never liked medical stuff, so I hadn’t even really looked too closely at the wound until I had to change it last night. I’ve been hearing for weeks about how it has reduced from 22cm long and 2cm wide down to 6cm long and less than 1cm wide. Well, looking at it myself now, it sure looks big enough! I’m glad I didn’t see it before!
Best of all, I was able to sleep last night without a tube running from my body!! I’ve had one or another for almost two years now! First, I had a catheter inserted in my stomach for peritoneal dialysis in October 2008. I then did the dialysis every night, with a connection of a long tube to my catheter. But as soon as I had it removed with the transplant, I had the infection that caused me to have to use the wound vac. It was connected by a tube that was sealed over the wound. It wasn’t into my body, but it had the same impact of having a tube from my body at night to the pump.
I was able to actually roll over last night! Of course, I was just able to…. But now my body has finally adjusted to the tubes, and I don’t know when I will get back to really feeling like there is no tube.
Same goes for being without the pump. I love not having the man-purse, but I got so accustomed to it, I still reach for it every time I move now! But that won’t be for long!
Labels: kidney transplant
Two Month Update
Today is a solemn day of memories for most of us. It’s been nine years since the horrific experiences of events around the nation on 9/11. Many of us are flying flags in rememberance of that day.
For me, I’m actually having a private celebration of another anniversary on this date. Today marks the two month anniversary of my new kidney! I’ve not got any real plans, but I am so thankful for the new lease on life that has been given me now.
The kidney is still working great. All the stats on the kidney have been terrific. The major measure is my creatinine level. It has been steadily below 1.5. That reading was over 7 when my kidneys were getting so bad.
The open wound still affects my mobility. I continue to have the “man-p
urse” for carrying my wound vac. The wound is getting better. It was over 22 cm long originally, and is now about 6 cm. But at its worse spot it is still over a centimeter deep and almost as wide. That area has been slow to heal. I’m told it may speed up now. I sure hope so. The wound vac is a pain. It is just heavy enough to be a nuisance. And I’m tired of having a tube from my stomach. I had to contend with that through dialysis, and I was hoping I would be out of that by now. I look forward to the day I can roll over when I’m sleeping without being bound up in tubes! [I’ll post a couple of recent pics of me with the wound vac, but you may have to go direct to my blog site to see those: www.abrysoninchina@blogspot.com.]
I am feeling much better and I’m told I look healthier. I feel stronger by the day. I now just look forward to getting back to work and back to a normal life. I’ve been cramped up in my home too long. It’s time to get out and move along! I hope it’s soon.
Labels: kidney transplant
Health News and a Major Traffic Jam
One might ask why I keep a blog know as abrysoninchina, when I'm back in the USA now. Well, mainly I've kept it becasue I thought I would get back there sooner. But I've also used it to provide news about China, primarily since most of my friends still in the country, don't always get much in-country news in English. And last, I've used it to provide news to my friends about my status, especially my health situation.\
On that last note, I continue to progress well. I've been graduated to only one clinic visit per week. I should be off the wound vac in another week or two, and will then be given my freedom to drive and work. I can't wait.
As for news from China, there was a lot of coverage about a traffic jam near Beijing this week. While I was in China, I began to see the increasing volume of cars and trucks. China has done well with a growing infrastructure to handle, but when there are so many new vehicles on the road daily, the new roads are still not enough.
The incrasing volume became evident with some of the news yesterday when it was announced that there was a
major traffic jam near Beijing. It has already lasted 10 days, and stretched 60 miles. It is expected to last another month, since it has been caused by road construction, which is not expected to be finished for a month. This is getting a lot of coverage, and surprisingly, I have even heard about it from two friends in China. As one put it: "And you thought the traffic was bad in LA!" News about things which marks China bigger than the rest of the world, gets coverage.
Labels: Beijing, kidney transplant, traffic
Over One Month Now
I got my new kidney on July 11. I guess I’ll always think about that fact every time I pass a Seven/Eleven convenience store.
As the days and weeks are now passing along, I’m getting stronger and healthier by the day. At least I sure think so. And the doctors seem to be concurring. They opted not to even see me today at the Transplant Clinic. Seems I was in such good health they sent me along so they could tend to the backlog of patients. They’ve been rather busy lately. They did nine transplants the weekend I was held over, and three more the following Tuesday. I don’t know if that is an inordinate number, but it seemed like a lot to me, and the hospital staff was strained to handle the increase of patients.
Last Friday, I got the IV line removed from my arm. I was released from taking antibiotics by IV daily, so there was no more need for the line. I still have to take antibiotics orally for 10 more days to assure the infection clears completely.
I do still have the wound vac. The incision is healing nicely with this marvelous machine. In measurements by my home health nurse, the incision has decreased from 22 cm to 15 cm already. I’ll still probably have to carry my “man-purse” with the pump for another 3–4 weeks. It is cumbersome, but I know it’s the best way to heal this.
In the meantime, I cannot drive a car. Since the wound is technically still “open”, they want no risk of me doing something that might hurt the healing process. So I’m a nuisance calling friends for rides to the numerous hospital, clinic, and other appointments they demand to maintain my care. There have been weeks, that I’ve had appointments every day. But soon, I should be down to only one visit a week.
These first few months are critical to assuring my body does not reject this new kidney. So the meds are extensive, and the care is close. I have to limit public exposure during this period too, so I cannot go to games, church, or other events for another few weeks, and have to be careful even after that.
But I am getting closer to the freedom of a regular life, with no tubes for dialysis or wound vacs, with a new lease on life. I can’t wait!
Labels: kidney transplant
My Wound Vac
After the Wake doctors decided to open my wound and probe around, they opted to treat the healing in a very special method. They used a wound vac which was invented right here at Wake Forest University in 1990. It covers the wound with a special foam, is then sealed over the whole area, and then plugged with a hose to a vacuum pump. Turned on, the foam is sucked down to the wound. The bad drainage from the wound is then pulled through the foam into an entrapment case along the pump. The good cells are held at the wound to assist healing. Thus prompting healing more from the bottom of the wound to the surface. And all quicker than normal.
The wound vac has been very successfully used in many applications of healing. It is even very popular with the military with bullet wounds. The Winston-Salem Journal even happened to have highlighted the use of the invention in a unique application for an endangered Komodo dragon in Singapore this week. You can check the article by
clicking here.
The device is marketed by KCI. Some of their marketing information can be accessed by
clicking here. Wake Forest has profited well from the patents for the invention of the device in 1990. Some of the information from Wake can be found by
clicking here.
Labels: kidney, kidney transplant
Saturday, July 24 - I'm HOME!!!!!
I’m HOME!! YES! Slept in my bed last night! Of course, I had to constrain myself to sleep on my back with a hose for a device to my wound (I’ll explain that in another post soon}. But at least I was in my bed!
It took most of Friday to get out of the hospital. I got home around 5 PM. There were a lot of last minute processes, including a stress test on the new kidney. That constituted driving 2 bags of IV solution fast. My bladder had its own test with this. It hadn’t worked so much in a long time. But the new kidney continued to work admirably!! That’s the great news.
I did have to come home with a new IV. Because of the infection, they want to treat me with more aggressive antibiotics through IV. I’ve already been trained in how to administer daily. It will take about 3 hours. Just when I thought I was getting away from hours and hours of dialysis, I now get to do antibiotic IVs. Oh well, it should only be about 3 weeks. Getting to good healthy body is worth it.
As a new kidney recipient, I get to also take some aggressive drugs. One of the keys is immunosuppressant drugs to keep the new kidney from rejecting. Remember, it is in a foreign body, and has to adapt. And we have to take these drugs to assure it gets every chance to adapt without rejection.
And during this time, I am more susceptible to infections, particularly viruses, etc. The infectious disease doctors recommended I not even attend any public settings for 2-6 months. That unfortunately includes church, ballgames, etc. And anyone visiting should only visit if not sick with any type flu, or having been exposed to any possible infection from someone else, such as around kids in a daycare center. So forgive me, but I must insist on use of antibacterial soap in any visit, and only if the points above are met. I want to see everyone, but I must really take care of this kidney for now.
Part of it, is that I am also more susceptible than every to viruses, etc. And if I get any, it will be worse for me than with any normal healthy human. So I guess I’m going to become like Monk or any other germ phobic. Forgive me if I am not quick to shake hands or hug. I know that’s a big change for me, but I must insist right now. I want to see many of you, but only by minimizing the risks.
Thanks,
Labels: kidney, kidney transplant
New Kidney Update
Thursday, July 22, 2010I’m still in the hospital! Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. But hopefully, if all goes well, I finally get out tomorrow! What a stay!
The kidney has been great! But I had a second surgery last week to remove my dialysis catheter, and I seem to always have problems with my digestive system after the anesthesia. And then I got an infection at the incision for the kidney. It puzzled doctors a while, but they finally opted to go in and open the wound. … Yeah, I said open. That was a lot of fun!
To top it off, the doctors decided to dig into it yesterday. Only the doctor had only told me he was going to “look at it”. First thing I knew he had all kinds of devices and was pulling one way and another. I was looking for a bullet to bite between my teeth! I hadn’t had pain medicine!!! Finally, someone suggested some, and soon I was feeling much happier!
They then applied a new device to vacuum the bad cells from the wound, while allowing the good cells to help heal the cut. It was actually invented at Wake. I’ll have a small “man purse” type bag for the pump for a few weeks, and have to take regular antibiotics.
Long and short, I should be out tomorrow. It will require regular social nurse care. I’ll be home soon and can’t wait. Hopefully, I’ll see many of you soon. Come by if you can, but please call first. Remember, most of you must call to get entry into the community. I’ll do my best to accommodate.
And I’ve opened for Visitors Okay today. Please call in advance though. I never know when a doctor wants to come by to “take a look”!!
Labels: kidney, kidney transplant
Update
Wed night everyone. I've had a couple of tough days, but kidney is reacting well. It's been more post-operative issues, that seem to be a little better (although I hesistate to jinx it again). I may get home soon, for more slow recovery. But I really thank everyone for the prayers and amazing comments of support!
Labels: kidney, kidney transplant
A New Kidney for Bryson
I received a kidney transplant Sunday, July 11!! Out of ICU & in Wake Baptist Hospital 4 days recovery. On cell now. More when get laptop later.
Thanks for all the support & prayers!
Labels: kidney, kidney transplant
More News from Dongguan
Reports continue to come out that fewer workers are returning to southern China as economy improves.
More are remaining in hometowns, creating shortages for some companies increasing production.The Financial Times reports conflicting information on wages in the Guangdong Province. One estimate reports wages increasing 19-38 percent in the first quarter. But other sources claim they "see the opposite."
In an interesting twist,
The People's Daily, the main newspaper of the Communist Party of China, is claiming Google is censoring some of their content. It has usually been the other way around!
It's Halloween season, and that means some big parties in Dongguan!
Hollywood Baby Too and
One for The Road will both be having special events. It's definitely one of the biggest party nights of the year. And also a little strange to see locals trying to understand why foreigners dress up in very weird costumes.
In some news, not related to Dongguan,
more patients with failing kidneys are going straight to transplant and foregoing dialysis. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a transplant before having to start dialysis. I have now been on peritoneal dialysis for one year, and on the wait list for a transplant for 3 1/2 years.
Labels: Dongguan, Guangdong News, kidney transplant
From 30 Rock: Kidney Now !
And I must make mention of the hilarious skit and song on 30 Rock's season ending show last Thursday night. The song "Kidney Now" parodied "We Are the World", and included many top singers, including Sheryl Crow, Cindi Lauper, Clay Aiken, and Michael McDonald.
(Info on the show and the song available here.)But the song still made a point about the importance of kidney donation. And the proceeds generated from sales of the video on iTunes are being provided to the
National Kidney Foundation.
The full show is available here (song is near the end).
Nice touch!
Labels: Kidney Disease, kidney donation, kidney transplant
Interesting Book Published: Larry's Kidney
I just got word about a most interesting titled book that has me doubly interested. The title is
Larry's Kidney: Being the True Story of How I Found Myself in China with My Black Sheep Cousin and His Mail-Order Bride, Skirting the Law to Get Him a Transplant -- And Save His Life.
(Some background on the book can be found here.)
I said "doubly", because first, I lived in China for three years, and two, now need a new kidney myself. And while in China, I contemplated purchasing a kidney, and even visited a hospital there. But I couldn't go through with it, and in fact it is against the law to transplant a foreigner, so this author went through some interesting actions to get the kidney for his cousin.
The book is available on Amazon. Search Larry's Kidney.
Or click here (it might work, if I set it up right).
Labels: kidney transplant, Larry's Kidney
Time to Fix the Heart
For more info and to stay up with my procedures over the next week, I'll have more posted at
GeneBryson CarePages.
Labels: Hospital, Kidney Disease, kidney transplant, PKD
It's Time to Go Home
Yep! You read it right! I’m going home to the USA! It’s been a wonderful three years here in China, but I need to be in the US for a few years through kidney transplant, and Decca is being kind enough to help make that happen.
It wasn’t exactly the way I thought it would transpire, but you have to take the twists and turns as they come at you sometimes, and this is an opportunity I figure I better take for my own health. I need a kidney transplant, and could be on dialysis in the next six months. I want to be in the US if it gets to the latter, and would prefer the transplant in the US too. But for that I would not be so picky, if it were more available. Only right now, the US looks to be the best option for me.
So this week I head back. I will be managing our upholstery operation in High Point, NC. After a few weeks, I will come back to China to transition responsibilities and should be back to High Point permanently in early May. (That is permanent only in the sense that nothing is ever permanent.)
There is no timing on the health situation, but hopefully I will get active status on the UNOS waiting list soon after I return. At my distance in china, I can only be on inactive status. But at least I am accumulating time against the long wait.
Speedy’s here I come! Throw another shoulder on the spit! It’s time to pigout on BBQ!!
Labels: Decca Furniture, Dongguan, kidney transplant, Life in China
World Kidney Day - March 13
I was pleasantly surprised to see China medical authorities recognizing the World Kidney Day on the CCTV newscast today. It is not something you expect to find here, but 11% of China's population has kidney disease. That is a huge number of people. It is good to see the country putting more effort behind such events.
For more information, see:
Alliance for Paired Donation &
National Kidney Foundation & U
nited Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) - particularly the chart on kidney transplants!
Labels: China, Kidney Disease, kidney transplant, World Kidney Day
