Kidney donors (updated 2017)

#51
Re: Kidney donors?

So as Dad and I left the doctors office yesterday, we had a minute to chat while we waited for some stuff. And Dad askes me out of the blue what kind of rifle he should build.
My dad is more of a shotgun junkie, he shoots twice a week (normally) at the gun club here at the AFB, he spends time and money on shotguns like we do on rifles. I like em too just not THAT much, and he is always telling me to get a nicer shotgun(ie franchi,ludig,rizzini) but I just cant justify it on a gun I dont use very often, that and I always hit what I aim at with the old 870 in the closet.
Anyways, a couple years back he was at the gunshop and saw a NIB 700 sps .243 on sale for 279.00. he called me and I made him pick it up. Well its been sittin there for a long time, and now out of the blue he thinks he needs to build something out of it. GREAT! is what I say, he has a couple rifles already (2 sporterized 1903's 30-06 and 300wm, a savage12 .223, and a Ruger MKI 220swift) I even stretched him out to 700yds last year with the .223 shooting 69gr smk's and holding over with his Zeiss victory. He would of never believed it, or tried it if I hadn't made a coldbore hit on the same rock with mine. Anyhow, now he knows what can be done, and I wonder if he wants to start something more.
Anyways, we started talking about a .260, or maybe a 7-08 which he likes because he's been reading about the high BC 7's. It sounds like alot of fun, we may be staring something fun
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I wonder if the viral infection that WE here all share was somehow transplanted via kidney into my Dad. I can only hope so. . . . . .
 
#52
Re: Kidney donors?

Oh, great,....now you got him pissing up a different tree!!!!!


Did you ask him if he now gets a boner at the drop of a hat like you young guys do????? Again........not trying to be creepy.
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#54
Re: Kidney donors?

Both plumbin systems use the same faucet so I am just trying to educate myself as well as be concerned! LOL

What would really be 'creepy' is if I was playing 20 questions with how yer plumbin was working/affected.
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#55
Re: Kidney donors? (update 7-6-11)

So it's been 8 months now, still doin great. Thought I might give a little update for those that are curious, and extend a heartfelt Thank you again to those who prayed for us.
Things are pretty much back to normal, with a few differences. I was unaware of the relationship between your kidneys and sleep. I have a good friend who is a nurse and deals with this very subject. Apparently when you have kidney problems you have sleep problems, and when you dont sleep well, it's hard on your kidney's. Who knew
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??
Anyways, I've always been an early riser/morning person, well I soon found that my body doesn't want to wake up like it used to. I find myself draggin ass like a drunk after a long night every day, I suppose if I try and retrain myself I can get back to that, I hope.
The scars have all healed up, but they are a little worse than I had imagined. My belly button is basically screwed up now, while I never drew the attention of all the girls at the beach, it is certainly not gonna happen now. Not only is the scar a little discolored but my bellybutton seems to be attached differently now, if you can imagine that. It doesn't move together with the rest of my stomach, it seems to be anchored in one spot. What once looked like just a normal inny, now looks like a skin colored cinnamon roll with hair on it, sorry for the mental image.
I still have to go back in for my "six month review" (eight months later) I have no reason to believe they will find anything wrong with me. Other than having to rebuild alot of muscle's that seemed to just disappear for lack of use, I think everything is fine.
My Dad has had it a bit tougher, while his recovery was doing great at first, he had a few hiccups.
They had a hell of a time trying to get his medications evened out. After all the years of taking med's with a bum kidney, his body and med's didn't work to well together for some time. They had to work out new heart medicine and anti-rejection and all that stuff. The combination didn't go well for a while, he actually had a couple of close calls and we had to take him in to the hospital to get him back.
My mother was quite worried about him not being able to work after the surgery, they both worried that his company wouldn't want an old semi-retired, cut up, pipeline inspector back. Luckily they did, and my Dad couldn't wait to get back to work. I think he may have been a little too anxious maybe, his first week back to work, on his way home in his brand new issue company truck he started getting light headed and while trying to get off the freeway he crashed into a parked car. It was scary, but he was just roughed up, the EMT's had to get him back out of shock though. After a short leave from work to make sure he was ok, he went back again. This time, his truck broke down on it's own, but he forgot to get his lunch out of it before they towed it off to the shop. Without eating regularly he can drift off into never never land real easy, and did so right in front of the boss. I guess it was then that they decided it would be safer for everyone if he just retired completely.
It was very sad, I felt horrible for both him and my mom. My dad had worked at the gas company since I was born, and he is a hard working guy. I'm sure he feels a bit insecure/embarrassed about the whole thing, but he shouldn't.
He's pretty much got it under control now. But he still is much weaker than I had hoped. The doctors said he would be in much better shape after the surgery, but it doesn't really seem that way. I guess you could say he is more stable, but doesn't seem much better. I put him in for a deer and elk tag this year hoping he would be good enough to go. We'll see how that pans out, all he has to do is ride around his four wheeler, and we can do the rest
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My mom has been preparing for this since I was a child, she spent the last ten years or so making sure my Dad enjoys his life. While not a rich couple, she has made it possible through her job to take him all over (Mexico,Hawaii,Costa Rica,Panama, and one of his favorites Louisiana) He loves to fish, and that seems to be what he spends alot of his time doing and preparing for. While in years past he would go all over to do it, now he just does what he can where he can. I took him down to Utah Shootouts match a couple months ago, he thought that was kinda fun. My score sucked
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Any how, we'll see how things keep going. I'm looking forward to the upcoming hunts with my dad, and just enjoying what we do have. Thanks for reading.
 
#56
Re: Kidney donors? (update 7-6-11)

CBM - glad the kidney you gave your dad is holding up. Those anti-rejection meds are not always easy to tolerate, especially on top of diabetes. How his employment ended sounds sad - but if he was a longstanding employee maybe they were just trying to lead him into a "early retirement", whats important is that he just stays busy every day with something to keep him occupied.
Sounds like you may be slightly bummed that he is not 100%; and that you aren't either. You have to see the big picture - you kept him from being leashed to a dialysis unit. He has freedoms he wouldn't have had without you. I find it interesting in that original link I sent you on donation 11% of living donors end up on anti-depressants after their donation.Did you ever go back to that site - they have some blogs for individuals with ongoing issues post-donation - you are definitely not alone on that.
Did you mention to the surgeon your issues with fatigue? Typically, the pain from a "deep" surgery like you had last 8-12 weeks, but it sounds like you have some low-energy issues. The kidneys do make erythropoetin, a protein that stimulates red blood cell production - usually the remaining kidney kicks in into overdrive, but make sure they have kept an eye on your RBC count, as well a reticulocyte count (how much of new red blood cells your making). Do keep in mind the fatigue can be unrelated - get a good thorough physical, have your thyroid and testosterone levels checked...
You did a really awesome thing. God Bless.
 
#57
Re: Kidney donors? (update 7-6-11)

Thanks alot UKD, I hadn't even thought about it till you mentioned it. I thought that maybe my fatigue was just the heat of summer, or maybe I'm just getting old. But now that you mention it perhaps it could be related, or something else entirely. I will look into the things you mentioned, and maybe look into some sort of supplement maybe that would help stimulate red blood cell production? I certainly don't have any problems with depression or anything, I feel fine as far as emotions go. Thanks for the help and concern
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#58
Re: Kidney donors? (update 7-6-11)

You know, i might have actually bumped into your dad before at the rod and gun club on base. Small world.

Anyway, good to hear you both are doing much better months afterwards.
 
#59
Re: Kidney donors? (update 7-6-11)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You know, i might have actually bumped into your dad before at the rod and gun club on base. Small world.
</div></div>

You may have! he likes to go up there wed. and sat.
 
#60
Re: Kidney donors? (update 7-6-11)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I will look into the things you mentioned, and maybe look into some sort of supplement maybe that would help stimulate red blood cell production? </div></div>

Get the baseline labs (CBC + reticulocyte count,metabolic panel, TIBC,Ferritin, B12,folate, TSH, free testosterone, 25 OH-VitD) before starting supplements; otherwise the doc might not get the right picture. Usually the doctor can tell from the hemaglobin & reticulocyte count if the energy issue is from the lack of erythropoeitin (yes, it can be supplemented, but its a shot you're trained to do to yourself). The size of the RBC is reported on a CBC - if its small you may need iron, if large you may need folate or B12... a good super B complex, Vit D, and a prime cut steak would be my first thoughts..
 
#62
Re: Kidney donors?

1 year ago today, seems like it was forever.

So far Dad and I are still doing well, he finally got semi stable after quite some time, and yet he still lacks the energy he used to have. I'm just happy that he is stable and not having weekly visits from EMT's. Many of you read of the piss poor hunting trips I took Dad along with , he also got to go to south Dakota pheasant hunting, and a couple trips to Lake Powell fishing, and he's down in Phoenix with my mom right now enjoying some warmer weather. I'm really glad that he is able to enjoy his retired life a little more. I hope we have many more anniversaries to celebrate, and this time of year makes it special too.

My condition has been pretty good too, nothing to complain about really. I did notice something a couple months back, a remarkable difference in the size of "the twins". I talked to one of the doctors, and even had them inspected, the doc said it doesn't seem to be a problem, and that more than likely it is a plumbing issue. It would seem that both the bean and the nut share a common return line to the heart, and he believes the restriction in removing the kidney's return line has caused a spike in my chamber pressure, causing blood to pool, and thus the size. I was then told that the body can re-plumb itself with time, and hopefully that will take care of the problem. I hope so.

I'm expecting a call soon from the transplant center to come in for my annual checkup, to see how everything is working. With any luck, I'll get out with no more than a band aid
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#63
Re: Kidney donors?

Glad to hear you both are doing satisfactory. It is really amazing what can be done now days. Sis' donor from brother is on the downhill and she will be getting on the transplant list after the 1st of the year.

I was not aware until a few months back when she told me a donor transplant is only expected to last 10yrs? Hers has been 20 now this last October. I think they have new and better rejection drugs etc now? Part of her issue was still having to give herself insulin injections for 4-5yrs before she finally received a pancreas.

As for your "other issue", hmmmmm.....uhhhhhhh....do you 'check the twins' real often??? Kinda creepy you know, to tell us that?
frown.gif
Do you have any other skeletons in the closet that you let out of the closet that internet surfers can collect into what you are really like or into????
wink.gif
Maybe 1 hand is smaller???

Anyhoo, sincerely wish you and your Dad a very Merry Christmas.

Respectfully,
Dennis
 
#64
Re: Kidney donors?

That's a heck of a way to drop a couple pounds CBM!!!
I tip my hat to you for what you did for your dad and family, that is huge.
Glad to hear you are both doing well and I hope that the two of you have many years left together.
 
#65
Re: Kidney donors?

So today makes two years since the transplant, we both are still alive and kicking.
Another year full of great experiences and memories made. Mom and Dad actually just moved to southern utah, which kinda bums me. The best part of having someone around is seeing them. Dad seems to have stablized quite well now, no incidents to speak of, just the occasional doctor visit.
I on the other hand have had a couple issues; I mentioned last year the difference in size between my boys, well I finally got that figured out. The doctor says its a hydroseal, a fairly common problem I guess. The membrane around ya nut fills with fluid leaving the nut unharmed like an egg yolk inside a giant skin colored avocado. Its uncomfortable (particularly when prone) but not painfull. The only way to fix it is with a knife, the membrane must be removed.
Ontop of that embarrasing issue, I just noticed a couple months ago, a lump right next to my navel. When I push on it, it pops into my stomach. Pretty sure its a hernia, as I can feel a hole when it goes in. Ive talked to the surgeons and they are going to fix both problems, Im thinkin about doing both surgeries together to avoid downtime.
What do you guys think? Together or separate?

What a fun experience!
 
#67
Re: Kidney donors?

Glad to hear things are good ColdBore with you and father. Hopefully you can get the other 2 issues resolved with no trouble!

Sis received a kidney from her husband on Nov 6 which was her second transplant!(about the only thing that went good on that date). He was out in 3 days and her dismissed and home in 3wks. Things have been just great progress wise for the both of them. See she posted this morning that her creatinin(sp?) is down to 1.33?, so near normal.

Amazing what modern medicine can accomplish nowdays! If you have enough money or insurance of course!

Again, glad to hear you both are doing so well! Merry Christmas.
 
#68
Re: Kidney donors?

Thanks guys, I'm not looking forward to any more surgery, but I sure as hell dont wanna deal with this for much longer. Glad to hear your sister is doing well SD. It sure is nice what medicine can do, its terrible to see loved ones suffer from disease's like this.
 
#69
Re: Kidney donors?

With the advancements in laproscopy they could probaly do both at the same time while being minimally invasive. I would think doing both at the same time would be better recovery wise but you will of course have to go with what the surgeon recommends.

Aside from these and the other issues it's good to hear you and your dad are both doing well.
 
#70
Re: Kidney donors?

Well, unfortunately the doctor told me that the problem down under requires some semi intensive surgery. Much more than a simple small cut. They say it'll take 7-10 days to get over it
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The hernia surgery I dont know about, I guess that could be done laproscopically.
 
#71
Re: Kidney donors?

So here I am laying in bed, recovering from surgery. The doctor told me no good deed goes unpunished, he is right about that!

So yesterday morning my wife took me in for the sceduled surgery to repair the hernia, as well as the hydrocele (I guess thats how its spelled) I was a bit worried about the pain, but it wasnt anywhere near as bad as last time. Still, no walk in the park.
They fixed the hernia by going through the same scar from my last surgery, it hurts a little bit, but not too bad. The real pain as you would imagine comes fumunda. They had to remove the oversized fella, and remove the membrane that had inflated around it. Then stick it all back Inside. They left a little tube hanging out so any additional fluid will drain. Very unpleasant, but it'll be gone in a few days. I hope to be able to go back to work sometime next week, but that'll depend on what the doc says.
With any luck, I'll be up and walking in a day or to so I can finish Dad's .264wm, cant wait to get it all done.
 
#73
Three years ago today! were both still alive and kicking. Life has certainly gone on. Dad and I both are doing well, so well in fact that Dad came along on the deer hunt this year, and managed to shoot the first deer in 21 years with the rifle I rebuilt for him:


He has spent the last few years enjoying retirement in southern Utah, he gets up to the trap/skeet club three times a week. It warms my heart to see him happy, and doing the things he loves. I hope there are many more years to come.
 
#74
I just re-read this whole thread again, and have to say an expressive "Good Job" man for what you've done. The whole ability to continue to have your father and share things with him, is fantastic. You are blessed.
 
#79
Seven years ago! This is my Dad now, its hard to imagine him in a happier setting. Relaxing on a comfy hillside, enjoying the warm rays of sun despite the cold October morning. You can see the satisfaction on his face, having just shot another great mule deer with Grandpa’s rebuilt rifle. His wrinkly hands show years of living, and today crusted with the dry blood from cutting up his own deer. Were it not for the miracle of medicine and the brilliant hands of a surgeon, we would have lost this kind, gentle and loving Father years ago. Today marks seven years that Dad received a new (slighty used) kidney, making his survival an option. I am forever grateful that my kids, nieces and nephews have been able to enjoy their Grandpa the same way I did as a kid. We almost lost him once, so I never miss a chance to enjoy his company, and share another adventure with the man that introduced me to adventuring.

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They have been great years:



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#80
I hate to hear that CBM. I had a good friend get a kidney transplant back in 2000. He was low 60s at the time, in 2006 he had to get back on dialysis and died in 2008. He was an F4 pilot in Vietnam then went on to be CLEO. Died before he could retire =/ Things were great in the interim, though. Dialysis fucking sucks from what I've heard.
 
#81
QuickNDirty said:
I hate to hear that CBM. I had a good friend get a kidney transplant back in 2000. He was low 60s at the time, in 2006 he had to get back on dialysis and died in 2008. He was an F4 pilot in Vietnam then went on to be CLEO. Died before he could retire =/ Things were great in the interim, though. Dialysis fucking sucks from what I've heard.
Click to expand...

That is a shame. Luckily my Dad has taken good care of himself all these years. Look forward to as many more years as we have.
 
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