It was roughly after my 12th birthday that we started the process of figuring out how I was going to have a transplant. My parents wanted to make sure that I didn't have to go on dialysis so they started the process early. The doctors wanted me to go on dialysis so that way I have a better appreciation for the importance of taking care of my new kidney. I knew the importance of a kidney because of the fact that I was sick all the time. All I could think of was how I was going to feel better and be just like the other kids. That was what drove me to keep positive during the whole process of getting a donor.
Both my parents wanted to try to donate their kidney to me. My mom was working a job where she knew she could get plenty of time off. My dad was working for the state and accumulated enough vacation time that it would be no problem. The first initial blood test came back that they both were a positive match for a transplant. After some careful deliberation it was decided that my Dad was going to be the donor. Of course one blood test wasn't enough for to be the deciding factor. He had to get a tissue typing test, some scans and a lot more blood work.
It was roughly May when all the test came back positive for my dad's test. He was given the OK to donate his kidney to me. The doctors decided that they were going to put off the transplant as long as they could. My function was still there but it was slowly declining. It wouldn't not be until late July that they decided that the transplant would take place on August 1, 2001. That day is the day that changed my life forever. At the time I thought nothing of my dad wanting to donate his kidney to me. I knew my dad loved me and he would do anything for me. It was not til looking back on it now that I realize how deep his love is for me. He put his life on the line to make sure that I was able to live a happy life. I love him so much for that. My dad is the greatest.
Next time...the transplant begins.
