Paul and I had been married almost 45 years when we found out he would have to have a kidney transplant. Three years earlier he had the first of 2 abdominal aorta aneurysms and was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease.
Paul was under the care of Vancouver General Hospital and had had a fistula created in the summer of 1999. When we asked how long a wait for a kidney, the answer was 7-9 years. I just knew that I was meant to donate, so asked the question, “How about testing me?” Just before our planned 45th wedding anniversary trip we found out not only were we the same blood group, but a 4/6 match! Fantastic news.
The testing started once we got back the end of October 1999. Such a hopeful Christmas for us and our family.
Paul started dialysis February 14, 2000 and more tests for me, the last being the psych test (do all donors dread that or was it just me?). How many times had I been asked “Why?” by friends and now the psychiatrist was asking the same question! I was quite miffed to say the least, surely it was obvious I would doing anything in the world to not have him tied to that machine 3 times a week, to have him live, really live, once again? I told him I was selfish … he raised an eyebrow … that we had been married over 45 years and that I wanted Paul around a lot longer. Our
transplant was scheduled for Monday, June 5, 2000, the day after Paul’s last dialysis treatment.
I well remember the theater nurse telling me what a beautiful plump kidney it was and that it made pee right away. No pictures were taken, but last month I got to see that little old kidney doing her stuff via an ultrasound they were doing of Paul’s kidneys, so emotional for me I cried. It was beautiful.
Many people name their donated kidney. I have been asked, “Have you made a name?” I always answer yes: “His.”
Even though I had an open Nephrectomy and the recovery is longer, would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat. This is not something one has to mull over or think about, we do it.
So are we “rockin’ 1 kidney”? You bet! Life is beautiful.
We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary last September and the picture is of Paul and I standing in front of the same altar, where we had said our vows 60 years before on the same date. “For better, for worse from this day forward, amen.”
What an incredible story of true love and compatibility! Wishing you and Paul all of the best! Rock on, Maureen!
May You Both Share Many….. More………… Precious Days Together.
Absolutely beautiful photos Maureen!! Then & now xoxo
Good on both of you.
That is a beautiful story ???? Happy Anniversary????
Your story mirrors my husbands and mine except he has type 2 diabetes. I said the same I’m doing it for my own selfish reasons. I want my husband around living life and not hooked up to a machine. We were a blood match as well. And as you I’d do it for him again if I could. Congrats to you both. ????????????????????
Maureen, You do rock 1 kidney! Such a incredible story of love and selflessness.
That is a beautiful story!!
Beautiful!! I see you on the living donor page but I never knew your story. So touching!!
That’s a wonderful account, Maureen. One that closely mirror’s our own, especially when you mention you were being “selfish”. This is what Leta told me and her doctors.
She wanted me around longer.
Personally I think in this case, “selfish” should be spelled “S-e-l-f-l-e-s-s”. A selfless act is never wasted.
I’m sure you both treasured those extra years you had together.
I just read your story and found it very inspirating.My wife Doris & I are coming up on our 40 wedding anniversary this June 3/18.And I am waithing for my second kidney transplant as my 1st began to fail in2015 after a 10 year run.Forced back to dialysis in December 16 till present.This time doing the Living Donor Exchange which my wife was going to do till oyr 33 year old daughter
got word of the news.And told she didn’t want her Mom doing it.Sp I said that is a discussion for you & your mother to have.That discussion took place back in April and I was told by my daughter I’m going to be your exchange.I have never asked either of them why the change.My daughter have to this to my knowledge completed all the owrk-yps for the surgeries.I’ve a conversation with the surgeon at TGH back in September.To my knowledge when the rest of the details come together we will be getting a call with a time date.At that time I was told 8 months -1 year but also possbly sooner if things were to happen So fingers X soon.Have agreat day Ron Newman/The Dialysis Dude & Loving daughter Karen Newman P.S I did ask Doris to marry me again on Valentines day 2008 30 years after our 1st one on June 3/78.Same church different Minister as ours had passed away. Our son Kyle was my Best Man & our Daughter Karen was our Maid of Honor.So not sure what I can plan for this 40th if this transplant happens.We shall see and whatever may happen I will share the story.Thank-you
OMG!!!!! Your story brought tears to my eyes….. My sister and my husband was willing to donate to me also… I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Someone just willing to give up a major organ for you… can’t even talk about it because no words can describe how Amazing that is and how selfless it is. The doctors decided to stop the testing on my sister to be a donor because they saw something different …. they found out I had a very rare blood disorder so they could not donate, but on August 21, 2017 I received a new kidney from a cadaver donor… my new kidney is working as good as a normal kidney.
Take care and thank you for sharing your story…loved reading every word..xo