Today was the first day post-kidney transplant.  I would be lying to you if I told you it went smoothly.  Besides Marielle sharing our family secrets with random medical professionals, she struggled with lots of pain and anxiety.

Marielle is so confused due to medications, they she hasn’t fully realized that she has a new kidney.  She thinks we are trying to trick her.  Little does she know that not only did she get a new kidney, doctors had to remove both of her old kidneys (they were causing her high blood pressure) and do a bowel resection (prior liver transplant adhesions complicated access for the new kidney).

When she does believe us that she got her new kidney, she looks down at her stomach and becomes so upset.  Originally doctors were to make a small incision on her right side.  Instead, because of the complications, doctors had to do a very large incision from the bottom of her chest to her groin.  It was not what we had wanted, but it was necessary to save her life.

The next few days will continue to be touch and go.  Her kidney function is perfect.  It’s just managing all the medications, their side effects and the ongoing threat of organ rejection.

Please continue to keep my Sunshine Girl in your prayers.  But please, say a special prayer for the family who donated their child’s kidney to save my daughter’s life.  I will be forever grateful that this amazing family was able to make the decision in spite of their grief.

With friendship,

Lisa

Kidney Plush - When URINE Love by I Heart Guts

All I want for Christmas is a kidney for my 15-year-old daughter.  I don’t want any fancy sewing machines, big diamonds, or two front teeth.  I’m not the only mother wishing for a kidney.

Just when we thought it was ok to breathe for a moment.  We received the news that my daughter’s kidney transplant has been canceled.  Mr. Diva’s dear friend (and my daughter’s kidney donor) flew in from Las Vegas to New York City last week and went through all of the living donor kidney evaluation tests.

Doctors noticed he had high sugar levels.  They were puzzled as his original sugar test he took in Las Vegas was fine.  Not to mention, every other test the doctors gave him here in NYC came back normal (kidney scan, EKG, complete blood work, etc.).  So doctors tested his sugar a 3rd time and determined he is pre-diabetic disqualifying him as a suitable kidney donor.  Although he can know be put on medicine to lower his sugar and prevent future diabetes, he is heartbroken as he so wanted to help save my daughter’s life. We will be forever grateful for his kindness.  He symbolizes true friendship.

We are all devastated.  Everyone thought it was a “done deal” as the doctors had already booked the operating room for January 2nd.  But all hope is not lost.  The transplant center told us they have an altruistic kidney donor who has been tested and is a perfect match for Marielle.

However, in order for Marielle to receive this altruistic donor’s kidney, someone from our family or friends needs to also donate to another in need of a kidney transplant in their Donor Exchange Program.  The hospital has performed a Three Way Kidney Swap and even a Four Way Kidney Swap.

Also, the transplant center wants to retest my siblings to compare their antibodies against Marielle’s again.  The doctors feel if it is only one antibody in question, they will consider doing plasmapherisis to Marielle’s blood.

Over the next few days, our family will discuss these two options and make a decision on what we feel would be best for Marielle.  We are hopeful we will come up with a solution.  Please continue to keep our Sunshine Girl in your prayers.

Wishing everyone a blessed holiday!

As most of you know, our 12 year old siamese cat, Kahlua was diagnosed with liver disease in the summer of 2007. They gave him until Sept to live. In Sept. his numbers were crazy high, but he was doing well, so they opened him up to take a look. They had never seen anything like it- they sent a sample to UGA and it came back benign- just liver disease. They gave him until Dec. at the latest- he was so far gone- had already lost 3 lbs. He miraculous kept on living- with ridiculously high liver/kidney numbers. We stopped giving him meds, as it stressed him out, which made him feel worse. We occasionally would give him subcutaneous fluids- but this also stressed him. Two weeks ago, I took him in because he had started acting strange- disoriented and not as agile. His numbers were still the same- diabetes had not developed, and his kidney functions were actually pretty good this time. My vet insisted that we would know when it was time- cats don’t hide their illnesses like dogs can. This morning we knew. For the past few days he’s been smelling really bad- his skin and mostly his breath- it smelled like he was rotting from the inside out. Today he didn’t walk well, he could barely get up the stairs and couldn’t jump up. He was swaying back and forth when he stood. He wouldn’t eat and when he took a drink, he’d throw it back up immediately. His eyes were glassy and he didn’t respond when we called him. We took him to our beloved vet and he had lost 2 lbs since the last visit two weeks ago. Our 12 lb cat was down to 7 lbs- skin and bones. The Dr. agreed that it was time. He gave him a sedative and Bailey & I were able to cuddle with him for a while. The whole process of putting him to sleep didn’t go well. He fought it with everything in him- he was such a fighter. It was quite traumatic, but at least he’s no longer suffering. Thanks for all the kind thoughts over the past year and a half.