Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Transplant!

A few weeks ago, Mom and I went for our long awaited meeting with the transplant group at St. Luke's here in Kansas City. I am choosing their transplant program because St. Luke's was my former employer.

The first day of the two day process we went and I checked in just like I would if I were going to be an inpatient. I even got the stupid hospital bracelets that I hate so much and they kept falling off my wrists so they eventually ended up in my purse. Anyway, then we headed off to the lab where I let a student draw my blood. (I know!)

From there we headed up to the transplant office to meet with my coordinator, Dana. She was wonderful! She explained all about the transplant and I signed all of the papers to be placed on the list. We also met with the financial coordinator and the social worker.

On the second day we arrived and met first with the transplant nephrologist or kidney doctor. Dr. Stingo doesn't have privileges at St. Luke's so I have to have another nephrologist while I am there. After 3 months post transplant I will go back to Dr. Stingo and he will take care of me. The biggest concern about my getting another transplant was which medications would be safe for me to take after my experience in April with PRES. When we met with the nephrologist he wasn't very encouraging that a transplant was the way to go. Mom and I were pretty discouraged after that appointment but we then met with the surgeon and it was a completely different experience. He was wonderful and thought that we could do a transplant.

So now I am officially on the list and we will see what happens. Hopefully all will turn out well.


8 comments:

Eliza said...

Thank you so much for this update. We are constantly thinking about you (by the way, did you get a random birthday PBS Kids card from Peter a few weeks ago? He really wanted it be sent to you but once we tried sending it to Paul and the site said it sent it but Paul never got it...) and praying for you.

melissa said...

I hope things move swiftly for you! Best of luck and I'll keep you in my prayers.

RCH said...

{{{HUGS}}} You're in my prayers every day! I'm glad things are moving along, and that the surgeon, at least, was encouraging. (Boo to the downer nephrologist!) I love you! :-*

Loretta said...

Hey, that sounds great! I hope that all will continue as hoped for and planned:) I think of you often...miss ya! How long do they think it will take?

Harwood said...

Good luck!!!

mary plus vince said...

love you and am thinking + praying for you!! i hope your wait on the list is not too long! {{hugs}}

Bailey Family said...

What shall we name the new kidney?? Number 4!!

thepainterfamily said...

Katherine you are amazing, and your life is an example of faith to me. It WILL turn out well! :)