My Journey of Becoming a Living Kidney Donor: Part 4
Have you ever been a position to make a difference? Would you help someone in need? I hope you would jump in to help someone, from learning CPR to giving a dollar to someone who needs it without thinking about it. I have tried to live my life in this way. I got this from parents. They are caring people, they have been nice to strangers (for example, inviting them to dinner) and just talking to people wherever they are. I believe I have made a difference in people’s lives so far as a husband, parent, medic, chief, person, and through the advice, I have provided and received over the years. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS fewer than 2,000 people nationwide have donated kidneys to strangers. I am hoping with this journey, I can continue to make a difference and increase those numbers.
I have completed all the forms (for now), have provided blood, lots of urine, and over the past 2 weeks have been probed, x-rayed, ultra-sounded, scanned, percussed, stuck with IVs, given radiological dye, CT contrast, heart and kidney tested, head examined and drank lots of water. This work-up was completed at University of North Carolina and the Jason Ray Transplant Clinic. I have met with doctors, nurses, techs, financial and transplants coordinators to name a few. From the registration to the triage personnel, it has been a positive experience with all of the people I have met. They are knowledgeable, passionate, helpful and have taken the time to answer all of my questions. My days were well scheduled and for the most part I did not have to wait too long for any procedure except for Radiology. After my DTPA scan (I glowed, they look at my blood flow to the kidneys). Actually, this was pretty cool as I could watch the dye move towards my kidney. For those who are curious my right kidney is bigger. To me, it looked like I had a good flow of blood (Sorry off the topic). I had to return for additional blood draws after the scan. The staff showed me another waiting room, which was clear and my wait was minimal. I will say it was cool looking at my heart’s anatomy and blood flow too. I think EMTs and Paramedic students should see an Echocardiogram performed before leaving school. The anatomy and seeing the valves work may bring everything home that you learn in cardiology. The Echocardiogram was my last test on April 16.
I will say I have had the best physical and medical tests in my life. They all look good from my view. Now it is up to the committee to see if I am a good candidate. They meet every Monday. I hope I am on the agenda this coming Monday. The waiting game now begins.
