First things first!

If you’re just tuning in, everything with my living kidney transplant last Wednesday went Perfectly and so I guess three times a charm is fitting as most of you have claimed. Marcus was a brave soldier as we have always known him to be and shared his spare with me. I didn’t have much of a choice so not sure we can classify my participation as courageous, LOL.

Marcus recovered two days in the hospital before being released to the care of my parents where he will continue to rest and recover for a week or so. I was released Saturday night after several observations and trials with building the proper care plan with education with new meds and new restrictions going forward.

At the moment, I’m feeling weary from lack of sleep and some allergic reactions to the rejection drip therapy which will give my system a kick start on accepting Marcus’ kidney into my everyday routine. All signs point to success as my urine is consistent and light colored which means there are no blood leaks or damage to the kidney. The stomach is pretty bloated and swollen, stiff and very sore as expected. And yes, it hurts about as much as it looks it should. Laying any which way is uncomfortable and also contributes to the broken sleep.

But my recovery progress is ahead of schedule as I was not expected to be discharged until today. I have follow up visits all this week to keep a close eye on symptoms, medicine levels, urine clarity, and overall renal function among other things. When I left Saturday evening my renal function had a creatine level of 1.5 compared to 9.3 Wednesday morning. Think golf, the lower the better where 9.5 was the peg for requiring dialysis.

I’ve shared my story now with countless people and I know many have shared it with even more. Someone recently asked me if I ever ask myself “why me?”. I honestly feel favored to have had these experiences and focus on the blessings necessary to endure successfully.

My health journey began July 4th, 1996 when I was elbowed playing basketball and ended up on an operating table needing two craniotomies(brain surgeries). The Lupus Nephritis/Chronic Kidney disease over the last three years has not been a breeze by any stretch of the imagination, but I was well prepared for the battle. My response to the question is ‘I think its disrespectful to ask ‘why me?’ when things don’t go your way but not ‘why me?’ when they do’.

I’ve had things pretty much going my way since 5:38pm on January 7th, 1981. Two great parents, 4 loving and supporting siblings, a decent education inclusive of athletics, a personality conducive to assimilating well in modern day America, a diverse and vast group of friends and extensive international exploration, as the list goes on. I had everything I needed every step of the way 25 years ago and thanks to many of you, I’ve had everything I’ve needed again. I feel confident that I will be afforded the essentials to take on this recovery and resume some resemblance of how my life was before.

So, I sit here and ponder on the dozens if not hundreds of scenarios that could have played out differently over my lifetime whereas I may not be able to display my scars and say “Lucky Me”.

Your prayers, positive vibes and persistence in keeping me uplifted have been vital.

Thank you!

Aaron

Lucky Me!