A few days ago, upon our arrival at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville for my annual pre-transplant evaluation, we were pleased to learn that I'm now fifth on Mayo's kidney transplant list. Having moved up five spots in barely 60 days , I could be transplanted in the near future- subject to the complexities of tissue matching, which involves testing the similarity of certain proteins (antigens) between potential organ donors and recipients.The immediacy of my situation became more apparent when my transplant coordinator and social worker engaged us in a discussion of some practicalities - the importance of accurate alternative telephone numbers, what to expect upon arrival at the Mayo Emergency Department, clarification of post-transplant immunosupressant and preventive medications, plans for remainig in the Jacksonville area following the transplant (to monitor and treat any signs of organ rejection), and so forth.
Mosts of the tests durng this three-day period focussed on my heart and its ability to tolerate the transplant surgery. No significant abnormalities were found and other clinical and laboratory tests indicated that my kidney condition is essentially unchanged. We had a lengthy meeting with my Mayo physician, Dr. Martin Mai, on the precarious nature of my "stable" condition and the advantages of a pre-emptive kidney transplant.
Given the immediacy of my situation, we decided to forego our plans to attend President-Elect Obama's Inauguration on January 20th.
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3 comments:
We will miss you on Jan 20th in DC but are very excited about the transplant. Of course we are praying. Thom promises to takes lots of pictures of the event and we will send them on. Excitment is growing for new beginnings for a kidney and our government--exciting times.
Emily and Thom
Lloyd - good to be back in touch, and you will be in my prayers -- I hopethis works out! I had heard you might be in DC for the inauguration and am sorry to know you won't be -- but this news is good too.
Glad to have this blog address so we can keep up to date. Lots of loving prayers and hopes for new beginnings, as Emily & Thom say, going into 2009!
KATHY
Al - Very good news to hear that you have moved up on the transplant list. My prayers for you are that the perfect donor and match becomes available soon, and for a successful surgery and recovery.
Keep the faith. Love and blessings.
Sonia
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