I am now 24 years out from my kidney transplant. I remember it as if it were yesterday! Getting the "call" at 2:30 AM and having to be at transplant center by 5:30...and then not taken to surgery till 3:00 PM. Had a lot of time to "stress out".
Picture is of me hiking in Arches National Park in September. Went on a family trip with my youngest daughter, her husband and my husband. Also visited Bryce Canyon National Park. Great trip, all possible because my "hero", Ryan said YES to Organ Donation.
What have I done in the last 24 years? Saw my daughters marry, now have two grandsons, had a full career in Milwaukee as a director of a non-profit helping seniors get the services they need, traveled to Europe, Caribbean, and US visiting friends and family. I try to give back by being an Ambassador on HealthUnlocked, Kidney Advocate in WY for the NKF, Volunteer and public speaker with Donor Alliance CO/WY. With the help of my WY Representative, we were able to have our Governor sign the Living Donor Protection Act into law in Wyoming.
Had my nephrology appointment last week with labs. My creatinine remains "...unexplainable" according to my doctor...at 0.7 with a eGFR of 90. He said that someone with one kidney should not be doing this fantastic!! God has indeed blessed me with Ryan's kidney!
Written by
WYOAnne
NKF Ambassador
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Wow congrats 👏 that's amazing drs had said that as years pass we lose protein in urine and kidney starts to loss strength but ur s still intact that's amazing I will talk to my dr about ur story
Thanks so much. I think it is because Ryan was 16 when he died...so got a 16 year old kidney. Now it is a 40 year old kidney. Boy, is it still "chugging" along!!
My nephrologist said he has a patient that is 28 years out from his transplant, but his mother was his living donor. His mom is now 83 and his kidney is failing. His creatinine was 3.8.
You are truly blessed. God is so good! Praise Him for His miracles! I, too, am one of His miracles. Just celebrated 29 years with my kidney/pancreas transplant on the 11th. However, I'm in stage 4 now as my kidney is getting old, but I have been here for over three years and praise God for keeping my organs working! Have a blessed day!
Would like to know what's ur diet what u do I forgot to mention my trsnplant is 22 years old and I'm between stage 3 and 4 right now I been doing well for many years but like I mention or doing amazing ur story is amazing 👏
CONGRATULATIONS!! FANTASTIC NEWS!! I've never had a transplant but I have been on dialysis for a long time -- in my 22nd year. It makes me feel like I'm a miracle as well.
Simply amazing news. You have a rare and wonderful match! You're so very fortunate to have found "Ryan", with his generous gift-giving spirit. And you've lived, and are living, purposefully and well! Go WYOAnne! More experiences await!
Thank you so much for those great words! My parents were deceased when I was diagnosed. So, for a long time I have felt that I have a cheering group for me in Heaven - Ryan and my parents! My transplant is indeed a blessing and a miracle!!
Wow what an amazing story thank you for sharing. I'm so happy you have done so well. And it's so incredible what your gfr etc is at absolutely mind blowing good for you!!!!
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Lithium damage, need support
Seeking advice and comfort, please help. 
Feeling isolated & depressed
Stage 3 chronic kidney 
Dangerous Transplant or Dangerous HD. That is the Question.
