One Step Closer

29 10 2008

My Blood Type is  A – ( neg ),      but the NEG / Pos. is irrelivant re transplant }

If your blood type is Type A, you can give a kidney to a person with blood type A
If your blood type is Type O, you can give a kidney to a person with blood types O, A, B, AB

My Family has been VERY Supportive, NOT AT ALL SURPRISING, Sure feels good to have people in your corner.

Been educating myself a lot lately, so much to know.  Coming to terms with it better, Been talking with Coll a lot lately, more than usual, which is a positive in this negative.

I realized I’ve been to self centered about this Kidney thing, How will it affect ME, Whats MY future look like, How do I feel,  I’ve talked with Coll, but not really from her perspective, We did that today, It was tough as she had some real tough feelings she had kept bottled up, but she told me about her fears and concerns and let it all out, Which was SO NEEDED.  Knowing how she feels and is affected and how she wants ME to be around for a LONG time makes me feel like Fighting This Thing Hard, So we will, we’ll make i work the best we can, and as our history together shows, when we’re both pulling the same direction, WE BASICALLY UNSTOPPABLE !   I’m so Lucky to have such a great Wife, Son and Family !

As  for my health now Nov. 2008 :

Here is some info on symptoms of Kidneys Failing,  the ones in red are what I’m experiencing.

What are the warning signs of kidney disease?
There are a number of warning signs of kidney disease but what is important to know is that kidney disease tends to develop SILENTLY, and can destroy 50% of normal kidney function before there are any symptoms. Some signs that kidney function may be declining are:

  • Foamy or bloody urine      ( sounds trippy, but not yet )
  • Fatigue -  this is the biggest one for me,   If I slow down after work I get Really tired,  if I keep        active I can stay ahead of it, but get gasses fast if I’m at the gym or something )
  • Loss of appetite which can lead to weight loss, ( I eat less and have been losing muscle mass, even in my chicken legs if you can imagine that ).
  • Nausea  ( we wont count that flight home from vegas, or several dinner party mixing nights )
  • Headaches
  • Frequent night time urination.
  • Puffiness of ankles, feet, or eyes.
  • Persistent generalized itching, not too bad, magnified by dry winters or hot tubing.
  • Bad taste in the mouth, esp if i overdo Protein.
  • Shortness of breath, i get winded really fast.
  • Leg Cramps esp. at night.
  • Info source    BC Kidney Foundation ( link also on left side )

So as you can see,  Its not Painful or unmanageable, just annoying at this point ( 21 % function left ).

see ya.





My Damn Kidneys or My Failing Kidneys Diary.

28 10 2008

New to this Blog ?  Please Read the ** ABOUT ME ” Page 1st.  Link on Right under “Pages”.

This is my thinking out loud / education process on KIDNEY DISEASE, ( PKD ).   This is just my take on things !   If You Comment, tell me if it’s to be kept PRIVATE !

Pink Posts are from My Wonderful Wife.

 EVERYONE  PLEASE  ! ! !      Sign your Organ Donor Cards ( if you have that program in your Province or State ) and Discuss your wishes with your Family so They are not Left to Decide what to do,   should you be involved in a Fatal Accident.  You could turn Tragedy into Several Life Changing Gifts,  A legacy that would live on .  Just have the talk ! 

 
ps.  I won’t be needing an Organ from you  ( as  I have been Blessed with a Living Donor transplant shortly )  but there are people waiting up to 9 years for a kidney as you read this.  Note : my family and I have had this discussion years ago, while we where all healthy. I just makes sense.
 
Thanks for considering being a Donor and Giving the Gift of LIFE, should the worst happen.