Kidney 4 Honey

02/07/2025

Yesterday was the big appointment with my regular Nephrologist. While I didn't lose as much weight as I had hoped, my labs definitely improved!

There is a "summary" of kidney function called the eGFR. As you age, you normally lose some kidney function. It can be impacted by many things including weight, hydration, medication and other health issues like Diabetes. A person my age would typically be around a 70 out of 100. Last year, when I started the testing at MUSC, I was at 22! Yesterday it was 28!

So, we will be canceling any further testing at MUSC for transplant consideration for the time being. The tests are only good for one year and can be expensive, so no need to keep going until I really have to.

I want to thank everyone who has been so incredibly supportive, in particular the people who offered to be tested to donate a kidney. They are absolute rock stars!! Truly, truly heroes!

This doesn't mean I'll never need a transplant, it just means I'm stable for now and I hope to continue to stay stable as long as possible.

01/14/2025

On a good note, I finally found a dietitian who specializes in kidney disease. Back in December I attended a holiday party organized by the Transplant Department at MUSC. One of the ladies I was sitting with told me about a dietitian she used through her dialysis clinic in North Charleston. Long story short, we finally connected. As soon as I get my next round of labs, she and I are going to set up an appointment to review what I should and should not be eating to stay kidney healthy. The regular dietitian at MUSC sent me a print-out but could not answer questions about specific foods. The information online is not consistent from one place to another, including the National Kidney Foundation. This lady has been working specifically with renal patients for over 20 years. I’m really excited to get some clear and accurate information.

01/11/2025

Less than four weeks to go until my next visit to the Nephrologist. I haven't had any red meat since October. I'm watching sodium and potassium. Going to the gym three times a week. And drinking lots and lots of water. Based on this visit and the results of my lab work, it will determine whether or not I will continue the tests to be considered for transplant. Yesterday, I finally found a dietitian who specializes in kidney diet. Once i get my next round of labs, I'm going to meet with her to get clear information on what I can and cannot eat. Onward and, hopefully, upward.

11/24/2024

On Thursday, I met with the Transplant Surgeon at MUSC and, based on my previous lab results, he told me I do not qualify for a transplant at this time. I am considered “too healthy” based on the criteria they use to measure kidney function. After my last visit, the nurse indicated this might be the case and they all agreed that my Nephrologist may have jumped the gun, so to speak. He cancelled the stress test and has put any further evaluation on pause.

I have my regular quarterly appointment with my Nephrologist in February, and they perform urine and blood tests at every visit. If my numbers dip back down, evaluation at MUSC will begin again. If they stay steady or improve, then the whole evaluation process will be cancelled for the time being. Many things impact kidney function including weight, diet, hydration and even the weather. The surgeon suggested I try to lose at least ten more pounds and stick to a strict renal diet.

I’m kind of angry that, in the 12 years I’ve been seeing him, my Nephrologist never discussed diet other than low sodium. And even at that, he’s told me that I didn’t have to be as strict with it as I was. I would have given up eating red meat over ten years ago, less protein in general, and limited high potassium foods. No matter what you are battling, you must advocate for yourself. I can’t get back the time, I can only move forward. So, I guess this is my wake-up call to make big changes and, hopefully, put off this surgery as long as possible.

Very grateful to everyone who has reached out to me offering all sorts of support, and especially to those who have offered to be tested to donate. This Thanksgiving will mean more than ever.

11/20/2024

Tomorrow is my next appointment with the transplant team including more labs and a stress test. I was envisioning myself having an embarrassing run on the treadmill, but I’ve been notified that it’s now done chemically. So, in addition to all of the other items on my list to worry about, now I’m picturing them giving me too much of whatever it is they give you and going into cardiac arrest. Anyone else ever have one of these chemical stress tests? Should I opt out and request the treadmill test (which I can do) or am I overreacting?

11/13/2024

My next appointment with the transplant team is coming up later this month. A little information that many might not know is the new kidney is added, it does not replace. The only reason to remove the "old" kidney(s) is if they have cancer or a disease. Otherwise, they stay put and the new one is added in the recipient's abdomen with new "plumbing."

11/03/2024

A bit of an update on things. I have recently learned that my insurance will not pay for any potential donor’s testing until I am officially on the waiting list. My doctor may have “jumped the gun” a bit encouraging me to start the search so early. My next appointment is right before Thanksgiving, and I have at least one more after that before they will present my case to the board to be approved for the list. Based on the length of time it takes for things to happen with medical care these days, I can’t imagine anything will happen before the holidays. So, if you have already stepped forward, or are considering it, there aren’t enough words to express my gratitude. However, I just ask that you please stick with me a little longer. As soon as I am officially on the list, you can move forward with the initial testing to see if you would be a good match. Thank you to everyone for your patience and support while I navigate this new journey.

Send a message to learn more

10/28/2024

A question has come up several times regarding my blood type. Since it can be so difficult to find a living donor to begin with, and hope they are a match, the transplant centers have come up with a new program. If someone comes forward to donate for me and they are healthy and cleared to donate but they don't match me, the hospital tries to find another mismatched pair and we "swap." They can do the same thing, even if it takes several mismatched pairs. Otherwise, if they simply can't find one for me, the other donation goes forward and it moves me to the head of the list when a compatible one becomes available. I may not be explaining it well so, more information here:

Featured Topics Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Tests to Check Your Kidney Health Understanding Your Lab Values and Other CKD Health Numbers See All Kidney TopicsBrowse By Category Diet and nutrition Diseases and conditi...

10/27/2024

I'm not going to lie, my current health challenges are scary. There have been days where I have panic attacks and cry but there are also days when unexpected acts of kindness lift me up. 💚

10/26/2024

https://www.kidneyregistry.com/for-donors/i-want-to-learn-more-about-living-kidney-donation/kidney-donation-facts/

Get the facts about kidney donation, including life expectancy after donating a kidney, who can donate, and how your life will (or won't) be affected.

10/26/2024

Many of you know that I’ve been battling kidney failure for many years. I’ve now started the journey to get a kidney transplant, and I’m asking for help.

Finding a kidney is not easy. There are more than 100,000 people already on the waiting list. The wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor can be five years or longer. Many on the waiting list will pass away before a kidney is available.

A kidney from a living donor typically lasts longer and functions better. That’s where I’m asking for help, if either you or a colleague could consider being a donor. You only need one kidney to live a long, healthy life. You need to be between the ages of 18 and 75.

With modern medical advances, donor surgery is not as difficult as it once was. It can be done laparoscopically, and the recuperation is fairly quick.

If you don’t live nearby, you can have all the testing done at your local hospital and will only need to come to Charleston for the actual surgery. My insurance will cover the costs of your evaluation and surgery.

If you can’t or don’t want to do this, I understand. It’s a really big ask. But passing the word to others also helps. You never know who might step forward.

I can be reached by via email at kidney4honey@gmail.com

If you have any questions and would like to learn more about the process, you can call my Transplant Hospital at 843-792-5097.

More information is also available at: www.muschealth.org/livingdonor