Many friends have asked me to write a blog about
my experience while going through the process of a kidney transplant. Several
people have inquired into why I have kidney problems. I really wish I knew what
happened in 1988 while in child labor or soon after Ashley was born.
Unfortunately, we will never know the answers, and it is actually something I
have not dwelt on for the past 25 years. I have looked at the circumstance
as an opportunity to thank God for a second chance at life, because I was very
close to death.
I was 24 years old and the pregnancy was
uneventful with no concerns or complications. An ultrasound was not performed,
and we did not even know the sex of Ashley until she was born. The day I was discharged from the hospital, I started running a fever. A few days later I went to see the obstetrician and he prescribed an antibiotic. By the time Ashley was eleven days old, I was extremely ill. Ronnie told me he was afraid I was going to die in our home and took me to the emergency room. I was admitted to the hospital. I will always
be eternally grateful to family and friends that prayed for Ronnie and me,
as well as, took care of Ashley during the weeks I was in the hospital and when
I returned home. Jackie and Sue Floars stand out as far as making a
significant impact during those days. They took Ashley as a newborn to live
in their home and kept her as if she was their own. Through the
years, we have maintained a special relationship with the Floars family.
During
my time in the hospital, my family tells me how they stood over me several
times waiting for me to take my last breath, because I was so ill.
I was swollen with 40 pounds of fluid and unable to move, see or even
function. Ronnie was spending his time praying that he would not be a
widower with a newborn at the age of 25. We had only been married 20
months when this happened. After being at the hospital in
Goldsboro for a week, I was taken to UNC Hospitals. Within a couple days
of being admitted, I was diagnosed with Acute Tubular Necrosis and Minimal
Change Disease. The tubes to the kidneys were blocked and caused complete
renal failure, as well as, the urine spilled an excessive amount of
protein. With the assistance of dialysis and strong medications, I was
able to gain kidney function again. After about a year, my kidney
function was almost 100 percent.
While hospitalized
at UNC, I was assigned Dr. Ronald Falk as my physician. I have been very
fortunate to have him as my nephrologist all these years. He became the
Chief Nephrologist at UNC in 1993 and is known around the world for his
expertise. Over the years, my kidney function has continued to be
monitored by Dr. Falk.
During the
past 2 years, my kidney function has progressively decreased. On
June 14, 2013, I went to UNC for a kidney biopsy. Blood work and an
ultrasound were performed before I went into the operating room for the
biopsy. From the ultrasound, the doctor discovered my kidneys
were extremely scarred and had deteriorated over the years. The
biopsy could not be performed. I was
diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, which means the
kidneys do not filter blood appropriately. In July, Dr.
Falk talked with me about the possibility of having a transplant and in October
referred me to the transplant team. The pre-transplant process is very
involved and requires many medical tests/procedures. I have a couple
more tests before completing this part of the process. Once the tests are
complete and I am evaluated by the transplant surgeons, I should receive
approval for the transplant.
I appreciate everyone's
prayers, love, kind words and concern as I go through this journey. I will
continue to document my kidney transplant process on this blog. Happy New Year
to you, and I wish you a phenomenal 2014!
We love you Myra, I pray for you all the time. You are a dear friend who is more like family to me. Our kids love you and know you as Aunt Myra.....we pray for you here in the cottage as well as a huge family. You have 20 peeps here praying that God sends you just the right kidney.....Love you always my friend,
ReplyDeletesincerely Serving HIm,
Amy
Thanks Amy. You, your family and the children are always faithful to pray for me. It means more than you will ever know. Tell all the kids I love them and to keep praying. Hope to give you all good news about a donor before too long. Love you!
DeleteI think you are amazing. I did not realize how far back this went. I do not post much on FB guess I'm old school but know that you and your family are always in my prayers. You have the best doctors', best attitude, and someone even better looking out for you ( the man upstairs. :) Take Care
ReplyDeleteTerry
Thanks Terry for your kind words and prayers. It means so much. Can not even imagine to think how many years it has been since I have seen you. Very thankful to have FB to stay in touch. Take care and thanks again for such a caring message.
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job on your first post!! I am in awe of the strength and confidence you have shown since beginning the transplant process. You're amazing! You and the rest of the Jones clan remain in my prayers. This is going to be an incredible journey for all of us that love you. I'm here when you need me!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear friend for such kind comments. Going through this process is much easier with friends like you by my side. Love you too.
ReplyDelete