I have learned that the CT angiogram revealed no cysts on my kidneys at this time, good news....but,(I feel like there are always buts in this process) it has revealed that I have one kidney bigger than the other (somewhat normal) and caliestasis..I think that's how you spell it. It's a blockage of some sort in your calxy...I don't really know what happens or how it's fixed or anything and I can't find much info online about it, but it's what I have. I didn't expect this. It's weird, the stuff you find out about yourself when going through health screenings to be a kidney donor. My next step is to see a nephrologist and I still have to do genetic testing. Genetic testing costs a lot and they have to test like five other family members. So it can take some time. Then after that before I could donate I have to address this caliestasis issue...hmm. I don't know if my parents want me to go forward.
I don't think I am a typical potential kidney donor, if there is such a person. I feel so far through all this I have been taking things one step at a time and have been going with the flow. I haven't been the donation crusader telling everyone I know about this...except whoever reads this, it's a way to think aloud for me. I haven't cried about it or actually said "if we are a match the kidney is yours." I feel like each step is another experience for me to have that is supplemental in me making my decision. I have also read a ton of people's experiences on line. Those are very powerful. I feel like one day all the testing will be done and the doctors will say "ok when can we schedule the surgery?" and it will hit me.
One thing that does bring a tear to my eye is thinking about my parents and them growing old together. I want that for them. I don't want my dad on dialysis. I want to be able to grow old with whoever I marry and it's something I want for them. I want them to be grandparents that spoil their grandchildren. I know they will spoil.
In the mean time if anyone knows what calistasis in please feel free to comment. I am seeing a nephrologist next week.
3 comments:
Hi, B. Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope all has been going well with you, your brother and your dad.
Everything is going ok so far. We had another family member come forward to donate and they are currently going through the testing process. My dad is hanging in there and trying to think of things to keep him occupied while off work, he thinks he'll get bored. I hope that is all he has to worry about! How are things with your family? All of us are planning on going to the convention in Dallas in June.
In your latest comment, you said he's having surgery in 3 weeks. That's great news! Congrats! Who is the donor?
I understand the being nervous, but for me it wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. Not that it's something I'd look forward to doing again, but I was surprised how quickly I was able to get back on my feet. The first couple of days are the most difficult, but they gave me plenty of pain meds. :-)
I'm sending my positive thoughts your way.
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