I started writing this Blog in October 2010, so this is the 10th anniversary of my writings. I called it "Roy's Journey," and hoped to chronicle some of my stories, thoughts and ideas. Through out my 65 Blogs, I have written about "the Real Story," chronicled a "Fat Man's Journey," raved about our grandchildren, ranted about politics, called out tRump's lies and misdeeds, discussed my love for Jazz (the music and the dog!) and even reviewed restaurant hamburgers!
This past year alone has certainly been a journey in itself!
The year started as I got out of the hospital, having been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and having a port installed in my abdomen so that I could have peritoneal dialysis in the comfort of my home. I went through evaluation testing at Jackson Memorial Hospital/Miami Transplant Institute, in order to be put on the National Register for a kidney transplant. After finally getting approval, I was told that the wait for a kidney could take 3-5 years unless I found a live donor. In order to increase my odds of getting a kidney sooner, we travelled to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, so that I could be put on their list as well.
The Doctors at Jackson told us that the chances of the disease attacking a new kidney could be as high as 80%. The Doctors at Mayo were a bit more optimistic and set the odds at 50%. Meanwhile, having put out an appeal to family and friends, one person that was tested was deemed to be a match. However, Covid hit the hospitals and there was a moratorium on "elective" surgeries. Additionally, my donor, understandably, wanted her support systems to be permitted in the hospital when she underwent surgery. And since the hospitals had a no visitors policy, we had no choice but to wait! And to make matters worse, with Covid running rampant, we began our quarantine like many others...especially the over 60 group.
I think the toughest part of the wait was the isolation from family and friends. Although Zoom and FaceTime gives an opportunity to see others, the loss of physical contact (especially with grandchildren!) is particularly hard. I know many that have not had the medical problems, also have suffered through the isolation and boredom. There're only so many Netflix programs, books and jigsaw puzzles that one should endure over a year!
BUT, to our surprise, good things DID happen! On October 17th, Connie and I had ordered in take-out burgers and I was settling into my recliner to watch the Georgia-Alabama game when my phone rang. Not recognizing the number, I guessed it was another annoying telemarketer or scam call...but I had gotten in the habit of answering EVERY call just in case it was a notice of an available kidney. And, in fact, that is what the call was all about..."Mr. Cohen, this is Jackson Memorial Hospital and we have a kidney for you. Please hold and I will connect you with the doctor." The Doctor then explained that there was a tiny tumor on the kidney that he was removing and that the margins were all clear and it was a viable kidney. He asked it I wanted it? After consulting with my nephrologist who encouraged me to accept the new kidney, we drove to Miami, where Connie dropped me off at the front door of the hospital...no visitors allowed!
I was transplanted at 3:30 AM on the 18th and was moved to ICU by 7:30...a mere 4 hours to give me a new lease on life! The donor was a 55 year old gentleman who had passed away from a cardiac event...I was told that I got moved up the list because they wanted a recipient that was older than the donor...(or was it because the squeaky wheel gets the grease?...we'll never know!) I figure I picked up 14 years in kidney longevity! I was moved to a room on the transplant floor a day and a half later and was home 2 days after that!
The recovery has been relatively uneventful. While I am not suppose to do much for 90 days, Connie has been my chauffeur to my many doctor appointments and lab appointments. While my "numbers" are not exactly where they should be YET, everything is moving in the right direction. This week, I had a biopsy of the new kidney and it showed I was NOT rejecting the kidney and, so far, have shown no return of the disease. The drug regiment that I will be on for the rest of my life is bearable...anti rejection and anti-viral drugs precludes me from having the Covid vaccine yet, so I have to be careful as my system is immune-suppresent. So, I will continue to limit my exposure to the outside world!
Yes, it HAS been a Journey. But I feel especially fortunate to only have waited less than a year for a new kidney that allows me to continue the bigger Journey. Thanks to all that have reached out, said a prayer for me and generally shown their concern and love. That, in itself, makes the journey a lot easier!
Wishing all my friends and family a Happy and Healthy New Year and wish all to stay safe in these trying times.
And The Journey continues.......
