Drumroll, please! Twenty years ago today, my adult son, Paul, and I walked into the UNC Transplant Center with four kidneys between us. When we left a few days later, we still had four—but he had (has) most of them. I’m happy to report that my two are doing well in their respective current homes. To celebrate I’m offering the book I co-authored with Betsy Crais, The Insider’s Guide to Living Kidney Donation, at 30% off (use promo code 20YEARS at checkout)!
The intervening years have presented their challenges for Paul—particularly due to his suppressed immune system, which keeps him from rejecting my kidney. But today my left kidney–the one we affectionately call his “comeback kidney”–is doing a masterful job.
And my “righty” is doing well! I have normal kidney function, and, at 78, I’m healthy and active. Just ask my Zumba classmates! I need to remember to stay well hydrated and to eat well. I have annual lab work to check my creatinine, which reflects how well my kidney is filtering toxins. I don’t have kidney meds, I don’t have a special diet, I don’t see a nephrologist (kidney doctor).
My right kidney got bigger and took on much of the job of the one I gave away. For more information about Righty, check out my playful homage to “her.”
Congratulations, Paul!
You can learn more about kidney donation by exploring this website and checking out my book, The Insider’s Guide to Living Kidney Donation, and my blog posts.