Diana Byerly
I developed chronic renal failure at the age of 28. It took several years before it became bad enough to have to begin hemodialysis. At the age of 34, reality was here and I had to begin dialysis. Three times a week, I drove 25 miles to the nearest dialysis center and began my 3-hour treatment.After extensive testing, I was ready to be placed on the organ transplant list. A long wait for a phone call, telling me that a kidney had been found for me. Ron, my husband, went through extensive testing and was a good candidate to give me one of his kidneys. Very excited, we were ready to set a surgery date. Then, The BOMB HIT. My antibodies went from 20% to 50%. This meant I would reject Ron's kidney. He was no longer eligible to give me one of his kidneys. WHAT A BLOW! There is no explanation as to why my antibodies increased. It became very depressing to think of having to wait for a kidney. They told me that it could possibly be 2 years before finding me a good match. I couldn't bare the thought of being on hemodialysis for another 2 years. I began to pursue peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal is a dialysis done at home, 4-5 times a day, 7 days a week. I would have to have a cath placed in my stomach. A week later, I traveled to the hospital in preparation for peritoneal dialysis. Then a wonderful phone call was received at 3:00 A.M. from Dr. Shield, my transplant surgeon. He told me to pack my bags and get to the hospital as quickly as possible. A perfect matched kidney had been found for me. EXCITED, but terrified of the unknown. Ron and I packed our bags and headed to the hospital, which was a 4-hour drive. Upon arriving at the hospital at 8:00 A.M., they quickly whisked me away to prepare me for a new life. WOW!!! They poked and prodded and x-rayed and said it's a go. At 10:05 A.M., I was in surgery getting a new chance for life. The 3-hour surgery was a great success. The new kidney starting working immediately. I was put in intensive care over night, which was the worse night of my life. I awoke with Ron and about 10 or more of my family looking over me. I knew then that everything was going to be alright. TODAY, with the love of God and my family, no more dialysis. What a miracle. All because of the precious gift that Jen and her family have given me. I recently enjoyed a vacation to Ireland. Jen's memory and love will live on through me... Please visit my web site at: http://www.homestead.com/Diana_Byerly/index.html |
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