My sister was 25 when her kidneys failed. She was on dialysis for a year before asking family members to be tested as a match for donation. I was the lucky one who was a 3 match. I had just turned 21 and was engaged to be married. Our surgery took place on December 9th, 1993. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years!
It took me a good year to recover. I am in complete awe of the advances in the medical procedure since then. A month recovery is now common! SO wow!!
Since then I did marry my sweetheart. We are about to celebrate 20 years of marriage. I have 3 beautiful kids. I do Zumba 4-6 times a week. I didn’t know until about 2 years ago about staying away from Ibuprofen, so I now only take Tylenol for pain. I have had kidney stones in my remaining kidney but I know the signs well and I get my kidney levels checked at least yearly or if I am in any pain. I drink a ton of water and I stay away from too much protein and caffeine. I have never ever regretted my decision!!!
— Kristy Oblad
Thank you for sharing this terrific donor story, Kristi! Rocking one kidney for 20 years – awesome! So often people ask if you can still have children after donating – and you have three beautiful ones since donating! Congratulations to your entire family! Rock on!