I Have Been Mia For A Few Days But Am Back Now With New Kidney

Folks,
I finally got put on the 'Active' transplant list last week and got the call from Duke quickly since they prioritize the kidney transplant list based on how long you have been on dialysis (in my 8th year).

So last Monday, I set a new land-speed record for Hendersonville to Durham and made it on time. The typically kidney transplant operation is about 2-3 hours but since I had my one kidney and bladder removed about 8 years ago my operation required 6 surgeons, 55 staples on my stomach, and nearly 7 hours in the operating room. I got see the new kidney before they put it in, it was incredible.

The new kidney is being sluggish in coming up to full sped but is making headway.

We just drove back this afternoon and am getting settled back in now. I am on massive amounts of immunosuppressant, steroids, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial drugs. (I am justifying anything snarky I say to my wife with 'sorry, its steroids' but apparently I have already used this excuse too much!! Note that I might also try to use this excuse in this community too!!).

My wife and I are facing a huge number of follow-ups, lab tests, and examine over the upcoming year so please bear with me if my responses here (or Stamp Smarter) take a bit longer than usual.
This community support for us has been outstanding and has offered me great comfort when I can log in no matter where I am at and get my mind off of the ordeal. A huge thank to our community and I will forever be indebted to all of you.
Don

Congratulations Don! So happy for you. I had a feeling that something like that might be up when you were silent for a while. Not that you talk too much. (digging a hole) Not sure if you are on Prednisone but that one makes me feel like I am a Ferrari and Superman at the same time. What a blessing and beyond exciting. In my thoughts and prayers Don. You are loved by the SCF community.

Godspeed!!!

PS: The year will speed by. My wife has had her pancreas for 14 years now. It seems like a distant memory.

As we are to you.
Trust your new friend and you, have a long and pleasant relationship.
Bravo! to modern medicine.

Congratulations and welcome back. May your body love and embrace the new visitor.

All the best, Don.

John

Best wishes and hope all goes as well in your recovery and life with your new indispensable partner. And feel free to use the steroids as your excuse anytime you feel the need to keep us in line. You do so much for us and the stamp community in general with your work here and on Stamp Smarter. Godspeed from here as well.

Don, all my best wishes and you will be in our thoughts and prayers!


Peter and Virginia

Fantastic news!!!!

Fantastic news!!! Does that mean no more Dialysis?

Wishing you the Best. - Jim

Best wishes to you Don

Don,

Congrats and wishing you a quick and trouble-free recovery!!!

Thanks for all you have done for this community!

That's great news, Don! Woohoo!

Wishing you a rapid and sure recovery!

Welcome back. Good health and happiness for you is my wish.

Wonderful news. Here's to a quick recovery and improved quality of life.

Thinking of you, Don, in the hope that you have comfort and peace very soon. Your spirit is incredible and inspirational.

Chris

Congratulations, Don.

Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery.