I have Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is an inherited disease, three of my maternal grandparents' five children have the disease. Unfortunately, I have lost all of my family except a sister. It has been difficult adjusting to life as an adult when you grew up in a large family.
My grandfather, mother, and uncle died while on dialysis, all within two years of starting it. I have been terrified of starting dialysis. I had a fistula placed in April in preparation for dialysis; my nephrologist did not think I would make it to transplant with the wait list being two years long. I was placed on the list in March of this year.
On May 17 at 10 PM, I received a call from Barnes. A kidney that was my perfect match had come available and it moved me up the list; did I want it? After a brief moment of shock, I said yes. I received my kidney on May 18 at 11 AM. I’m still recovering from surgery, but I feel better than I did before I received the kidney. I’m still in shock about receiving the most precious gift. I am so grateful to the person who donated their organs and to the family who supported their donation upon dying. At a time of grief, shock, and mourning, knowing that a person cared enough about a stranger to give a life-saving gift is amazing and I will do my absolute best to care for that gift like they were my loved one.
My life had become so depressing; I actually considered not doing dialysis because of what my family went through, but I want to see my daughters graduate from college, get married, and start families of their own. Receiving this kidney has changed my life and given me a new perspective on life. I no longer think about giving up, I’m going to live my life as fully as I can, not only for my husband and my daughters, but for the person who gave me the chance to live this life.
