The transplant committee met on Friday, April 27. I was very nervous the entire day, but thankfully when you teach 6th grade there is not much down time :) I started the day off with a workout with my friend at school, and that definitely helped me work off some of my anxiousness. I waited all day for the call, and finally recieved a call from Kristi at 4:00 p.m.
I knew immediately by her voice that she was not going to say, "Everything went great! You are approved!", instead she told me that I had to do one more urine test because I was in the "low to normal" range for urine output. I was very aggrivated because in my original urine catch test the instructions were not very clear. You would think it would be easy...but apparently not. Basically, I did not do it correctly so the doctors want to take the test a step further and make me complete a Glofil test. I have to go and sit for four hours, drink a ton of water (at least one gallon) and have my blood and urine taken every hour for four hours. Sounds like alot of water right? I also have to drink 12-15 8 oz glasses of water everyday until the test. Ugh.
I felt very down when I left school on Friday and my phone was dead so I couldn't call anyone. I finally talked to my mom when I got home and she helped me see that the doctors are just being careful and this is all for my own protection. I know they are being careful, but I just want to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I thought that I would finally be able to wrap my mind around this whole thing on Friday. This has been a long journey for me, but more so for my Dad. I know he is ready to have everything set and ready to go.
I think the Glofil test will show that my urine output is fine because I was already in normal range without doing the test correctly. I think good news is in our future.The test will be on Wednesday, May 2. The committee will be meeting again on May 11, 2012. Hopefully after this test I will be done, and the surgery can be scheduled.
Now I am going to share a story about my great husband!
Like I said before, Friday was not my best day but I have the greatest husband on the planet. My phone has been slowly dying on me by dropping calls, freezing up, and shutting down. I was able to use an upgrade, but a new phone still would have been in the $200 range and we didn't know if we would be renewing our contract. When Hayden got home with Judah, he was asleep in his carseat so we let him rest in the living room until he woke up. Hayden told me I will get everything out of the car, go relax....I should have known something was up. Ha!
He told me to close my eyes because he had something for me. About a week ago, I was giving him a hard time because his brother had given his girlfriend, Chelsea, flowers and I said the typical wife thing, "Why don't you ever bring me flowers?". Anyway, he said "Since I didn't get to bring you flowers I thought I would give you this instead." It was an Iphone 4s! Then on top of everything else, he put all my contacts on it and saved my pictures from my other phone. Then he took my and Judah to Macaroni Grill. It was the perfect end to a not-so-perfect day. He is so wonderful to me. I don't deserve it!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
My Testing Process: Day 2-4
Day 2 – CT Scan and Angiogram
I had to go to the Baylor Screening place, which was were I took Judah a few days after he was born to do blood work, weird to be back sitting in the same chair. Anyway, my nurse’s name was…well I can’t remember his name but he was very nice. Should I have said “male nurse?” ha. Anyway, he brought me back into this room with this huge machine in it. I mean huge, like the size of a car. It was freezing in there, so he brought me two heated blankets for the test. Then he laid me down and said I am going to put the needle in for the dye now.
The dye is used so they can see how my kidney’s filter and if there are any cists or obstructions, but first back to the needle. He stuck it in and let me just say it hurt like no other. I was thinking, “Wow I have already had 15 viles of blood taken. Why did this hurt so bad?” Then the no name nurse said, “ I don’t tell people before but this needle is huge because it has to be big enough for the dye to be inserted quickly.” Thanks no name. I am not sure how much I like you now.
Finally, they scan my whole body without the dye. I am guessing they were looking at the other organs. Again, all I know is what I learn from Grey’s Anatomy and I never saw Doctor McDreamy or McSteamy (my favorite) do this test. Then he said, “Ok we are going to release they dye now. You are going to get a metallic taste in your mouth, get really hot, and feel like you are going to wet yourself, but don’t worry you won’t, haha.” Awesome, and you are not very funny. But it was all true. Weirdest feeling ever, and I have had a baby. This test was very simple, and quick. Other than feeling like I was going to wet myself, it was not too bad.
The angiorgram was the test that showed Hillary’s kidney issues. I got the results on Thursday. I have no issues. The only abonormality I had was an extra artery running to one of my kidneys. My donor coordinator said that the perfect body has one artery running to each kidney, but it is not abnormal for people to have extra. She told me she has seen people with four arteries. So I am not perfect, but I do not have an blockages and my kidneys are filtering normally.
The reason why everyone was worried about this specific test is because Hillary is the third generation to have kidney problems. My Grandpa Bill, my dad's dad, was on dialysis for 5 years before he died, and my dad is in kidney failure. So everyone was worried about the results of this test, but everything turned out great!
Day 3- 24 Hour Urine Catch and Stool Sample
Not going to elaborate, but I am sure this is self explanatory.
Day 4-Physcological Testing
Had to fill out a 300 question test, and speak with a therapist for an hour. Long story short, I am not crazy and my brain functions normally. Sorry Hayden, I know you are disappointed.
I spoke with my donor coordinator on Tuesday, April 24, and she told me everything she had seen appeared to be normal and all of my results were being compiled for the committee meeting on Friday, April 27. If they approve me for transplant, I think the surgery may be the second week of June, or at least that is what my dad and have discussed. Recovery lasts six weeks, so that would mean I would be released around July 15 or so.
Please continue to pray for my Dad, my sister, and I as we finish this process. Also, please pray for our family members. I know this is not easy for them. I know they are being supportive but I know that this is just as hard for them. Thanks for reading and praying for my family!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
My Testing Process: Day 1
Interview and
Application
In order to donate a kidney, you have to start by completing
a phone interview with your donor coordinator. My donor coordinators name is
Kristi, she is really great, which makes the whole process much easier. She
started off by asking me a bunch of questions about my health history, and after a few minutes we were done and scheduling the blood work.
Blood Tests
After I was accepted, I had to go and have my blood drawn at
the same time as my dad. We went into the transplant clinic and each sat down
in their weird chairs they use to take your blood. I thought it would just be
one vile, but no, it was 8. Then they took my dad’s blood, and I
believe they took 12 from him. I asked the lady what they do with our blood to
find out if we are match, and she did not have a clear answer. Basically, they
test my blood to make sure I don’t have anything wrong with me. Then they see
if I am a blood match with my dad, which I knew we would be because we have the
same blood type. The last thing they do is mix our blood together to see if it
mixes or fights. Weird huh?
Two weeks later, we heard from our donor coordinator. Good
news! We are a match and our blood likes to play together not fight! Next step, a weeks worth of tests up at Baylor.
Testing Week
Day 1
I started my tests on Monday, April 9, the day after a very
long Easter holiday. The first day you meet with a ton of doctors about the
transplant process. My first appointment was at 9:00 a.m. with my donor
coordinator for Donor Orientation. Hayden was able to come with me on this day
because I wanted him to get as much information as possible. We dropped Judah
off at 8:15 a.m. and went by Chik-fil-a to get some breakfast. Yum! Only one
problem, I was not supposed to eat after midnight on Sunday because it would
throw off my glucose test. I remembered this one bite into my chicken minis!
Great, I am not even to my first appointment I have already screwed up.
Awesome.
I called Kristi, she said it was no big deal and that one
bite would not throw off the results by much. She said if it came back high
that I could just do it again. Ok, crisis averted.
Donor Orientation
Donor Orientation basically means they put me in a room and
turned on a video that explained the entire testing process. I thought…boring.
Aren’t I about to hear all of this today?
I swear I am worst than the sixth graders I teach. You would think I
would want to soak up as much information as possible, but for some reason I
really didn’t want to hear it twice, but I sat through it and it was helpful.
It explained the different tests, risks, benefits for the receiver, and
recovery.
Next up, Kristi and my dad came in and I signed a bunch of
paperwork. Also BORING. At this point I was started to experience the emotion
“Hangry”. Remember, I told you about it when Hillary had her surgery. We don’t
do well without food, and I was ready to eat but it wasn’t time yet.
My next appointment was meeting with my donor advocate,
Jennifer.
Donor Advocate
Anyone who wants to donate has a donor advocate. They are
social workers who work at the hospital with different patients. Jennifer asked
me a bunch of questions. Here are some of them:
Do you have someone to take care of you post surgery? Yes.
Do you have enough money to cover the time off work? I hope
so.
Is anyone paying you to donate a kidney? No…wait what? Seriously
I got asked this 3 times by 3 different doctors that day.
Do you do drugs? No. Do you drink? No. Do you smoke? No. I
was thinking “I might if you don’t stop asking me all these random questions!”.
Just kidding, she was nice and we finished pretty quickly. Basically a donor
advocate’s job is to be the liaison between the doctor’s and the person
donating. You can call her anytime you need to talk or if you have questions.
Blood Work
Next appointment, the glucose test! Finally, I can eat! Please hurry and stick me
because I am going to freak out if I don’t eat soon! Unfortunately, Mondays are
busy at the transplant clinic because that is the day patients who have
received a kidney or liver come in to meet with doctors and have their blood
work done. We waited an hour! I was so frustrated!
I am not going to lie, I was pretty nervous through this
entire process. My dad has always called me a “nervous nelly”. I can’t help it.
It is just the way I am. I cannot pinpoint the exact reason why I was nervous,
but I guess my donor coordinator picked up on it. She pulled me into one of the
rooms before my blood work and basically told me that she noticed I was nervous
and wanted me to know that I could back out at anytime. That I do not have to
do this and that my dad has other options and that if I feel like this isn’t
what I want to do to tell her. I said no, I am fine. OK so I kind of lied, but
I think it is normal to be nervous. Do I want to give my dad a kidney? Yes,
absolutely. Without a doubt. I am I scared? Yes, absolutely.
Blood work done, next appointment. A nasty sandwich from the
hospital cafeteria. My dad said it was delicious and it “hit the spot.” He
always says that, but let me tell you it was DISGUSTING. Maybe it was the
Snickers bar he ate afterward that “hit the spot.” Can you tell I am jealous of
the Snickers bar? I am trying to lose the baby weight, don’t judge me. After the blood work they give you
instructions on how to do a 24 hour urine catch (yes, I had to do this) and a
stool sample kit (and yes, I had to do this too). It grosses me out, so I am not
going to mention it again.
Nephrologist
This appointment was by far the appointment that provided
the most information and was the most helpful. The nephrologist I met with was
Dr. Steinbach, and he is also on the committee that will review my case to see
if I can donate. The only thing I know about hospital hierarchy is what I
learned from Grey’s Anatomy, but I am pretty sure he is the big man on campus.
He asked Hayden and my dad to leave the room so I could
answer all his questions honestly. They were pretty much the same as the donor
advocates questions. I then got the whole spiel about not having to donate if I
don’t want to. I got a little frustrated and asked this doctor why people keep
saying that to me. He told me that all the doctors I see today don’t care about
my dad’s health. Whoa, harsh. He said they are here for the donors. They are
here to make sure we are the best possible candidates and that we are fully
informed, so we can make the best decision. Dr. Steinbach told me he does not
want to take one person off of dialysis just to put someone else on it, so he has
to make sure I am healthy physically but also that I am mentally prepared for
what I am about to do.
Something funny did happen in there though. He asked me if I
do any street drugs? I laughed and said, "No, but do you have people that say
yes?". He said, "You would be surprised." That one time he had an older man about 60
say, “I don’t know about street drugs, but I do smoke a lot of marijuana”! Ha!
I needed that, it was hysterical! Finally, he examined me. Which means he
listened to me breathe and then felt around my stomach. Good to go. The only
thing that he paused about was my desire to have more children because that
would effect which kidney they take. I believe he said when you are pregnant
your uterus tilts and cuts off the function of the left kidney anyway, so that
would be the one they would take if I were approved.
Kidney Surgeon
I met with the actual kidney surgeon after this. He was
Italian and explained the entire process. He explained I would have 3 small
incisions and one larger incision (about the length of four fingers). The 3 small
ones are for cameras and tools, and the fourth one would be where they take out
my kidney. Gross, but good to know. As I understand it, it will be like a
c-section scar. Below my waistline either vertically or horizontally. Recovery
is 6 weeks. No lifting. Hold up, no lifting? I have an 8 month old son. This is
really my only reservation in this entire process. Scars. Fine. Drink a lot of
water. Fine. No Advil or Ibuprofen. Fine. But no lifting? This will be my
biggest challenge. I love holding Judah. I love bathing him, swinging him,
rocking him, and well he is a momma’s boy so I hold him all the time.
But I remembered what Hillary said, “This is all short term.
Keep it in perspective. Six weeks is not that long."
Radiology and Meeting with yet another Social Worker
I got a chest X-ray after that appointment. The lady was
Asian and did not speak English very well, but we managed by hand signals.
Haha! My last appointment was with another social worker. She asked me all the
same questions, and to be honest I did not like her at all and I am sure some
of it was because I was really tired and was sick of being asked the same
questions over and over again. I kind of felt like she was trying to get me to
admit I didn’t want to do the surgery, but I am sure she was just doing her
job. I am glad I do not have to see her again.
After this I thought I was done, but I forgot I had to get a
TB test. They stick something under my skin and it forms this gross red bubble.
If it stays for longer than few hours I have to come back. Thankfully it went
away! I am TB free!
That was Day 1! Can you believe it? It was a long day, but I
finished it with sushi with Hayden and Judah!
I will post day 2 tomorrow!
Friday, April 20, 2012
My Family
This is my beautiful family! My wonderful husband, Hayden and our son, Judah Daniel. I was nervous about having a child, but who isn't? I was worried about how it would affect Hayden and I. Would our relationship suffer? Would we grow closer? We definitely grew closer! Hayden is a wonderful father. I love hearing him talk to Judah and play with him. He adores his son and he still has time to shower me with affection and love. He is superdad! I am so lucky, and blessed.
These are a few of Judah's newborn pictures. He is 8 months old now but I still love looking at these. He is so handsome, and I love him more than I ever could have imagined. My sweet baby boy!
Hillary's Surgery
Hillary had surgery to repair the blockage in her kidneys, and to remove the cist on April 12, 2012. The doctors told her she needed to have the surgery as soon as possible because there was no way of knowing if she was born with the blockage and cists, or if she developed them six months ago.
The night before the surgery Hillary came and ate with Hayden and I. She had a ton of homework and errands to run, but she made the time to come see Judah, her monkey (that is what she calls him). He loves her, absolutely loves her. Hillary just cracks him up! Hillary is a little scatterbrained (sorry Hillary), she was asking Hayden and I what the soap was called that keeps you from getting an infection in the hospital. We didn't know, but Hillary kept trying to pronounce it and we had no idea what she was talking about. It was pretty funny, turns out the hospital requires her to bathe in this soap TWICE before her surgery. Weird, but Hayden googled it (of course) and found it for her. Hayden saves the day again. Turns out, the soap was called hypoclense but Hillary kept calling it the hippocratic soap, and "Hippocratic" comes from doctors taking the "Hippocratic Oath" which is what doctors take to say they will always take care of their patients. Haha! That is why Hayden was looking at her like she was crazy. I am sad to admit, I had no idea she was saying it wrong!
Hillary's surgery could have gone one of two ways. The first would be laparoscopically, which means they would make 4 tiny incisions that would be used to insert cameras and the other tools they use. This way would be ideal. It would involve a shorter recovery time, and be way less painful for Hillary. The second way would include a 5th incision just below the waistline and would be a few inches long. This fifth incision is basically like a c-section scar. If this 5th incision was needed, she would be in alot more pain, and of course she would have a much larger scar.
Surgery Day
Hillary checked into the hospital at 9:30 a.m. with Tyler, her fiance, my mom and my dad. She was a little irritable because she was hungry. You cannot eat past midnight the day before a surgery. So she wouldn't be able to eat until the surgery is over. They do this for anesthesia purposes, and also because they pump her stomach full of gas to have room to work on the kidneys. So no food for Hillary equals anger. I believe on Pinterest they call this state "Hangry", being angry out of hunger! Lol, perfect word to describe Hillary that morning. My dad was not helping much with the "hangry" emotion. He and Tyler got Starbucks on the way (Hillary's favorite), and all my dad kept saying (joking of course) was "Dang Hillary, this coffee is so good!". He loves to get a rise out of Hillary and I. He cracks us up!
My mom was the usual rock of the situation. Sitting in the corner with her IPAD and her lollypops. She is quitting smoking, so lollypops are helping her through the process. So proud of her. She didn't say much but she was supporting Hillary, and I love her for that. My mom is always a steady support, I love her. I know she is scared for us, but she knows we love our dad, and that is enough for her. Everytime she gets worried or upset, I think "What if this was Judah?" how would I feel. It helps me understand where she is coming from.
They took Hillary back to surgery around 11:00 a.m. but she sat in the room for an additional hour or so because her doctor had not shown up. I am sure her "hangry" emotion was at an all time high. I know she just wanted to get it over with. The waiting is the worst part. Her doctor was late because he was coming from another hospital. He is a little slow moving right now because he fell off a ladder a few weeks ago and fractured both ankles! That is also why Hillary's surgery was rescheduled for the 12th, it was originally the 9th of April. This doctor operated on Hillary from a power chair with casts on both ankles. He is a rockstar! Oh and by the way, when he came out after the surgery, he had a superman cape attached to his power chair! Too funny!
Hillary's surgery started about 1:00 p.m. and was over by 3:00 p.m. The doctor came out and said he was able to complete the surgery laparoscopically, so no additional 5th painful scar. He said the cists was bigger than anticipated and was sitting right on her uter. This may have caused the blockage of her urine. He removed the cists and the cut out the other blockages. Hillary did well and was in the day time recovery room. This was such an answered prayer. She went from thinking there would be 5 scars and a two day stay in the hospital, to 4 small incisions (these are covered with a type of glue and barely scar) and getting to sleep in her own bed. Praise God. Hillary's kidney's are functioning normally, and she came through the surgery without complications.
Recovery
I didn't get to be with Hillary during the days after her surgery. I had to work but thankfully she has a wonderful fiance and an incredible roomate, Sarah. They switched off taking care of her this past week. I spoke with her everyday. I think the recovery was a little more problematic than anticipated. I am sure she would not like me to share all the details, but she had a few little bumps in the road. As of today, she has gone back to work and will start school on Monday.I am so thankful that she is healing well. Praise the Lord once again.
The night before the surgery Hillary came and ate with Hayden and I. She had a ton of homework and errands to run, but she made the time to come see Judah, her monkey (that is what she calls him). He loves her, absolutely loves her. Hillary just cracks him up! Hillary is a little scatterbrained (sorry Hillary), she was asking Hayden and I what the soap was called that keeps you from getting an infection in the hospital. We didn't know, but Hillary kept trying to pronounce it and we had no idea what she was talking about. It was pretty funny, turns out the hospital requires her to bathe in this soap TWICE before her surgery. Weird, but Hayden googled it (of course) and found it for her. Hayden saves the day again. Turns out, the soap was called hypoclense but Hillary kept calling it the hippocratic soap, and "Hippocratic" comes from doctors taking the "Hippocratic Oath" which is what doctors take to say they will always take care of their patients. Haha! That is why Hayden was looking at her like she was crazy. I am sad to admit, I had no idea she was saying it wrong!
Hillary's surgery could have gone one of two ways. The first would be laparoscopically, which means they would make 4 tiny incisions that would be used to insert cameras and the other tools they use. This way would be ideal. It would involve a shorter recovery time, and be way less painful for Hillary. The second way would include a 5th incision just below the waistline and would be a few inches long. This fifth incision is basically like a c-section scar. If this 5th incision was needed, she would be in alot more pain, and of course she would have a much larger scar.
Surgery Day
Hillary checked into the hospital at 9:30 a.m. with Tyler, her fiance, my mom and my dad. She was a little irritable because she was hungry. You cannot eat past midnight the day before a surgery. So she wouldn't be able to eat until the surgery is over. They do this for anesthesia purposes, and also because they pump her stomach full of gas to have room to work on the kidneys. So no food for Hillary equals anger. I believe on Pinterest they call this state "Hangry", being angry out of hunger! Lol, perfect word to describe Hillary that morning. My dad was not helping much with the "hangry" emotion. He and Tyler got Starbucks on the way (Hillary's favorite), and all my dad kept saying (joking of course) was "Dang Hillary, this coffee is so good!". He loves to get a rise out of Hillary and I. He cracks us up!
My mom was the usual rock of the situation. Sitting in the corner with her IPAD and her lollypops. She is quitting smoking, so lollypops are helping her through the process. So proud of her. She didn't say much but she was supporting Hillary, and I love her for that. My mom is always a steady support, I love her. I know she is scared for us, but she knows we love our dad, and that is enough for her. Everytime she gets worried or upset, I think "What if this was Judah?" how would I feel. It helps me understand where she is coming from.
They took Hillary back to surgery around 11:00 a.m. but she sat in the room for an additional hour or so because her doctor had not shown up. I am sure her "hangry" emotion was at an all time high. I know she just wanted to get it over with. The waiting is the worst part. Her doctor was late because he was coming from another hospital. He is a little slow moving right now because he fell off a ladder a few weeks ago and fractured both ankles! That is also why Hillary's surgery was rescheduled for the 12th, it was originally the 9th of April. This doctor operated on Hillary from a power chair with casts on both ankles. He is a rockstar! Oh and by the way, when he came out after the surgery, he had a superman cape attached to his power chair! Too funny!
Hillary's surgery started about 1:00 p.m. and was over by 3:00 p.m. The doctor came out and said he was able to complete the surgery laparoscopically, so no additional 5th painful scar. He said the cists was bigger than anticipated and was sitting right on her uter. This may have caused the blockage of her urine. He removed the cists and the cut out the other blockages. Hillary did well and was in the day time recovery room. This was such an answered prayer. She went from thinking there would be 5 scars and a two day stay in the hospital, to 4 small incisions (these are covered with a type of glue and barely scar) and getting to sleep in her own bed. Praise God. Hillary's kidney's are functioning normally, and she came through the surgery without complications.
Recovery
I didn't get to be with Hillary during the days after her surgery. I had to work but thankfully she has a wonderful fiance and an incredible roomate, Sarah. They switched off taking care of her this past week. I spoke with her everyday. I think the recovery was a little more problematic than anticipated. I am sure she would not like me to share all the details, but she had a few little bumps in the road. As of today, she has gone back to work and will start school on Monday.I am so thankful that she is healing well. Praise the Lord once again.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Living Kidney Donation: Our Journey
This post will be pretty long, so get comfortable! I will be giving everyone a little history on my dad's medical situation, and how we ended up doing Living Kidney Donation.
My dad, Gary Hunt, is in kidney failure and has been for the last few years. He is 57 years young, and he now needs a kidney transplant. When he first told us his kidneys were failing it was about 5 years ago, but we never considered he would need a transplant. Hillary and I were both in college and it didn't seem like something that was an immediate issue. It just became something we were occasionally updated on.
About two years ago, my dad's kidney function dropped to a level that started to effect his everyday life. This was hard for Hillary and I. A little history, my dad is one of those thousand-mile-an-hour people. He could work all day then take us out to eat and then go to a movie! He could outlast his 20ish old daughters! My dad is wonderful, absolutely wonderful! But more on that later :)
He started to get nausea, headaches, and suffered from fatigue. I am not a doctor but these symptoms come from his blood not being filtered of toxins.These symptoms started to really slow him down. He may start dialysis soon but fortunately he has not had to, which is such an answered prayer. He was put on the transplant list a little over a year ago, and as I a understand it, the normal wait time is 3-5 years for a donated kidney.
I think this brings us up to date. Dialysis is the next step for people in kidney failure but it has it's risks and inconveniences. My dad works everyday and owns several companies. He is also married with a young child, my step-sister, Love. He doesn't have time to go to the hospital 3 times a week for four hours. He could get an number of infections, have a heart attack, and since this machine is filtering your blood to an exact scientific level there is room for error. Also, every year that he is on dialysis lessens the likely hood of his body accepting a cadaver kidney, which is why my sister Hillary stepped up to donate her kidney to my dad.
Before you freak out, let me explain. Live kidney donation from a blood relative is my dad's best option. His body has a higher chance of accepting it and it will last 15-20 years for him. My dad is 57, we are not ready to say goodbye yet. Some of you may say, "How could your dad ask for your kidney?", well he didn't. He never asked Hillary. She wanted to help. I think this process is even harder for my dad and mom. My dad needs a kidney, and he knows it, but he does not want us to be in pain. What parent would? My mom has been super supportive of my sister and I. She is great. Always there when we need her.
My sister started the testing process and came back a match! This part scared me, it's one thing to say you will get tested, but to be a match, that's serious stuff. She was fearless, or seemed to be. Hillary said she had a peace about it and was ready to have a healthy dad again. I was in awe of her, here is my baby sister stepping up to do something so selfless. But she felt like this is what God wanted. She is amazing, and I was so proud of her, yet so scared at the same time. Everything seemed to be set, she is 23 with no medical issues, no one thought her other tests would come back with any issues. The surgery was supposed to happen over spring break, but a few weeks before, her kidney function test came back with some problems.
She has Hydronephrosis. Which means her kidneys were swollen from urine backing up into them. Once again, I am not a doctor! But basically there was blockage in both kidneys and a cist the size of a baseball. The blockage was causing her kidneys to not filter at 100%, which is a criteria in order to be able to donate. The testing process is very detailed. They do not want to take one off of dialysis just to add the donator to the list later.
She was out on the donation. She was devastated, not for herself but for my dad. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how completely selfless she was. She didn't care about her problem, she just wanted to help my dad. Wow, this is getting tough to write. I remember her saying "I don't want dad to die because of me". Wow, this is real life stuff. Hillary thinks my dad's life rests in her hands, but it doesn't, it's in Gods. Which is why I think she tested first. The testing process showed a potentially life threatening issue, which would have not been detected until her kidneys were failing. Praise the Lord, her life was saved because of this crazy situation. She is my hero, my best friend. I wish I was so fearless. I guess she isn't much of a baby anymore!
So that leaves me or my brother Chris.
Chris is pastor and lives in Missouri with his wife and young daughter, Olive. He is also not a blood relative of my dads, and the odds of me matching are much higher. I know this has been tough on him, not being here to be the big brother but I know he wishes he was. And sometimes, I really do too. Being the oldest kind of sucks sometimes. I miss him, really miss him. I wish he was here to tell me what to do. I know there are phones, but it isn't the same. But I am glad he is serving the Lord where he is needed!
I would like to say I didn't hesitate but I did. I have a young son, and well I naturally like to worry...like alot. My dad is dying, you would think there wouldn't be hesitation but there was.I feel so much guilt for having this feeling, but I think it is becuase I am scared. But who wouldn't be? I think it would be strange for me to not be cautious. I am scared of having a surgery that keeps me from picking up my son for 6 weeks, that immobilizes me, and to be honest I was thinking "what if I need it?", but my extremely wise sister said that this is all short-term. Think long-term, dad will be healthy and you will recover....sounds simple enough but the worrying thing takes over! Also, I have a husband that I love and I couldn't imagine leaving him and Judah too early. I kept thinking "what if I die so my dad can live?". Weird I know but this is a major surgery, so Hayden and I had alot to talk about. More on that another time. I love my dad, I am a daddy's girl for sure but what girl isn't. I sure do love my momma, but I am a daddy's girl. I want to help him, I really do. He has given me more than I could ever have dreamed of. He is loving, wise, and thoughtful. Everything I hope I will be with Judah. I am not ready to lose my dad, I am just not. Not ready to not see his silly laugh he does where he looks like he can't breathe, not ready to say goodbye to all his great stories (even though some are inappropriate, haha). I want him to see Judah grow up, to walk Hillary down the isle, and more than anything I still want to hear "Hey Whitter" when I call. Love my daddy.
So I filled out my application, and yes you have to apply like you are trying to get a job, crazy huh, and sent it in. Approved! Yes,...I think. Worry kicking in. Then I started the weeks worth of tests on April 9, 2012.
I am going to stop here for this post but I just wanted to update you on what's going on with my family. Check back if you would like to read about our journey of live kidney donation. Thanks for reading!
My dad, Gary Hunt, is in kidney failure and has been for the last few years. He is 57 years young, and he now needs a kidney transplant. When he first told us his kidneys were failing it was about 5 years ago, but we never considered he would need a transplant. Hillary and I were both in college and it didn't seem like something that was an immediate issue. It just became something we were occasionally updated on.
About two years ago, my dad's kidney function dropped to a level that started to effect his everyday life. This was hard for Hillary and I. A little history, my dad is one of those thousand-mile-an-hour people. He could work all day then take us out to eat and then go to a movie! He could outlast his 20ish old daughters! My dad is wonderful, absolutely wonderful! But more on that later :)
He started to get nausea, headaches, and suffered from fatigue. I am not a doctor but these symptoms come from his blood not being filtered of toxins.These symptoms started to really slow him down. He may start dialysis soon but fortunately he has not had to, which is such an answered prayer. He was put on the transplant list a little over a year ago, and as I a understand it, the normal wait time is 3-5 years for a donated kidney.
I think this brings us up to date. Dialysis is the next step for people in kidney failure but it has it's risks and inconveniences. My dad works everyday and owns several companies. He is also married with a young child, my step-sister, Love. He doesn't have time to go to the hospital 3 times a week for four hours. He could get an number of infections, have a heart attack, and since this machine is filtering your blood to an exact scientific level there is room for error. Also, every year that he is on dialysis lessens the likely hood of his body accepting a cadaver kidney, which is why my sister Hillary stepped up to donate her kidney to my dad.
Before you freak out, let me explain. Live kidney donation from a blood relative is my dad's best option. His body has a higher chance of accepting it and it will last 15-20 years for him. My dad is 57, we are not ready to say goodbye yet. Some of you may say, "How could your dad ask for your kidney?", well he didn't. He never asked Hillary. She wanted to help. I think this process is even harder for my dad and mom. My dad needs a kidney, and he knows it, but he does not want us to be in pain. What parent would? My mom has been super supportive of my sister and I. She is great. Always there when we need her.
My sister started the testing process and came back a match! This part scared me, it's one thing to say you will get tested, but to be a match, that's serious stuff. She was fearless, or seemed to be. Hillary said she had a peace about it and was ready to have a healthy dad again. I was in awe of her, here is my baby sister stepping up to do something so selfless. But she felt like this is what God wanted. She is amazing, and I was so proud of her, yet so scared at the same time. Everything seemed to be set, she is 23 with no medical issues, no one thought her other tests would come back with any issues. The surgery was supposed to happen over spring break, but a few weeks before, her kidney function test came back with some problems.
She has Hydronephrosis. Which means her kidneys were swollen from urine backing up into them. Once again, I am not a doctor! But basically there was blockage in both kidneys and a cist the size of a baseball. The blockage was causing her kidneys to not filter at 100%, which is a criteria in order to be able to donate. The testing process is very detailed. They do not want to take one off of dialysis just to add the donator to the list later.
She was out on the donation. She was devastated, not for herself but for my dad. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how completely selfless she was. She didn't care about her problem, she just wanted to help my dad. Wow, this is getting tough to write. I remember her saying "I don't want dad to die because of me". Wow, this is real life stuff. Hillary thinks my dad's life rests in her hands, but it doesn't, it's in Gods. Which is why I think she tested first. The testing process showed a potentially life threatening issue, which would have not been detected until her kidneys were failing. Praise the Lord, her life was saved because of this crazy situation. She is my hero, my best friend. I wish I was so fearless. I guess she isn't much of a baby anymore!
So that leaves me or my brother Chris.
Chris is pastor and lives in Missouri with his wife and young daughter, Olive. He is also not a blood relative of my dads, and the odds of me matching are much higher. I know this has been tough on him, not being here to be the big brother but I know he wishes he was. And sometimes, I really do too. Being the oldest kind of sucks sometimes. I miss him, really miss him. I wish he was here to tell me what to do. I know there are phones, but it isn't the same. But I am glad he is serving the Lord where he is needed!
I would like to say I didn't hesitate but I did. I have a young son, and well I naturally like to worry...like alot. My dad is dying, you would think there wouldn't be hesitation but there was.I feel so much guilt for having this feeling, but I think it is becuase I am scared. But who wouldn't be? I think it would be strange for me to not be cautious. I am scared of having a surgery that keeps me from picking up my son for 6 weeks, that immobilizes me, and to be honest I was thinking "what if I need it?", but my extremely wise sister said that this is all short-term. Think long-term, dad will be healthy and you will recover....sounds simple enough but the worrying thing takes over! Also, I have a husband that I love and I couldn't imagine leaving him and Judah too early. I kept thinking "what if I die so my dad can live?". Weird I know but this is a major surgery, so Hayden and I had alot to talk about. More on that another time. I love my dad, I am a daddy's girl for sure but what girl isn't. I sure do love my momma, but I am a daddy's girl. I want to help him, I really do. He has given me more than I could ever have dreamed of. He is loving, wise, and thoughtful. Everything I hope I will be with Judah. I am not ready to lose my dad, I am just not. Not ready to not see his silly laugh he does where he looks like he can't breathe, not ready to say goodbye to all his great stories (even though some are inappropriate, haha). I want him to see Judah grow up, to walk Hillary down the isle, and more than anything I still want to hear "Hey Whitter" when I call. Love my daddy.
So I filled out my application, and yes you have to apply like you are trying to get a job, crazy huh, and sent it in. Approved! Yes,...I think. Worry kicking in. Then I started the weeks worth of tests on April 9, 2012.
I am going to stop here for this post but I just wanted to update you on what's going on with my family. Check back if you would like to read about our journey of live kidney donation. Thanks for reading!
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