Back At Work Already?

Today is 6 weeks, (oops, I mean 5 weeks), post-transplant and I am back at work preparing for the school year. I've been in lots of meetings and planning sessions. There are no students on campus yet so it is a good ramp up period and a chance for me to build up my energy level. I am surprised at how good I feel. I have gotten tired for a few moments but then got rejuvenated. I was exhausted at the end of the day and went to bed early last night. It is good to be back and I feel like I am getting stronger everyday.

I need to walk more to build up my stamina. It takes very little for me to get winded. I know I need to be patient with my body to recover from major surgery. This is the only big surgery I've had other than child birth and I had too much else to think about to even remember my own recovery.

I continue to be grateful and amazed at the miraculous event that is transforming my life. Because I was able to function semi-normally while sick and on dialysis, I am gradually getting a better appreciation of how my health is being restored. I continue to thank God for sending Kristen into my life with a willingness to give of herself in such a huge way.

Posted by Staci

6 Weeks Post Op

I'm amazed how much better I feel every week. My energy is coming back. I'm back to a normal schedule for the most part. Sometimes I get a bit of a back ache if I've been driving or sitting for a while. Other than that, I am so surprised that six weeks after donating a kidney I almost feel (physically) like it never happened. But the emotional reward just keeps coming.

Posted by Kristen

5 Weeks Post Op - Yeah!

Since the end of last week my body has been healing quickly. The pain in my side is gone which I attribute to really honoring the pain, not pushing through it. Every time I felt the pain I would back off of whatever I was doing (sometimes just turning a certain way or using my abdominal muscles to get out of bed). I've been completely off of my pain meds for about 4 days so I'm feeling more "myself". I believe my body went through a bit of a detox or withdrawl coming off the pain meds. I felt like I had the flu. But I got through that ok and feel great now.

Like Staci, I'm just so surprised how little it takes to get me tired. I'm trying to do more and more now. My daughter went back to school yesterday so I'm back to being her taxi. And this week I'm starting to see a couple clients again in my office. So things are returning to normal.

I will never forget this time in my life. It's almost surreal now. There have been a couple times that I've just thought "Wow, I already donated my kidney and I'm getting back to normal life again!". But during the first four weeks of recovery I never felt like life had slowed down so much. Basically my life just paused for a month. And now some slow weeks ahead.

It's a very special time that I know will lead to many more special times, knowing Staci and her family now. I can't express enough the blessings of this journey. I know that being a kidney donor isn't for everyone. There are some like me though that will feel prompted to do this. I encourage you to follow your heart. Talk to another donor if you can. Allow your friends and family to help you through the post-surgery recovery. And share your story with as many people as possible. It'll bless their lives too...and who knows, maybe someone else will become a donor!

Posted by Kristen

Back At Work Already?

Today is 6 weeks, (oops, I mean 5 weeks), post-transplant and I am back at work preparing for the school year. I've been in lots of meetings and planning sessions. There are no students on campus yet so it is a good ramp up period and a chance for me to build up my energy level. I am surprised at how good I feel. I have gotten tired for a few moments but then got rejuvenated. I was exhausted at the end of the day and went to bed early last night. It is good to be back and I feel like I am getting stronger everyday.

I need to walk more to build up my stamina. It takes very little for me to get winded. I know I need to be patient with my body to recover from major surgery. This is the only big surgery I've had other than child birth and I had too much else to think about to even remember my own recovery.

I continue to be grateful and amazed at the miraculous event that is transforming my life. Because I was able to function semi-normally while sick and on dialysis, I am gradually getting a better appreciation of how my health is being restored. I continue to thank God for sending Kristen into my life with a willingness to give of herself in such a huge way.

Posted by Staci

Anniversaries

Today is a great day...it is not only the 4 week post op date for Staci and me, it also marks the 5 year anniversary of Jason and my father-in-law Rod's kidney transplant. That is the event that started this whole thing for me.

The picture above was taken on December 4, 2003...4 months after their surgery. Jason ran in the California International Marathon! We made shirts that said Kidney Power, which our whole family wore. We all ran across the finish line arm in arm with Jason as he finished the race. It was very cool. And ultimately, it was that marathon that inspired Dr. Perez to ask Jason to ride in the Race Across America and we all formed Team Donate Life. Now TDL raises awareness of organ donation and transplant to thousands through fundraising events and bike rides since 2005. Yeah!

Posted by Kristen

Red Letter Date - July 31, 2008

Today my dialysis supplies were picked up and returned to the warehouse. It has almost been five years! The time went by so quickly. It was so nice to see all of those boxes be taken away! When they were still here, I felt that there was a looming possibility that I would have to be on dialysis any day now.

I don't despise dialysis. In fact, I know that it was what God used to help keep me alive. It became part of the daily discipline for living, like eating and sleeping. I took it with me on a cruise and to Hawaii and even in the car while I was driving. Now, I feel the end of a chapter in my life. I affectionately referred to my connection to my dialysis machine at night as my umbilical cord. Now I have a new and improved support system.

Kris and I are bonding well and I feel her becoming a part of me. I am mentally more active than I am able to be physically but I am making good progress. It is hard to slow down because I want to be active. It is a test of patience so I am trying to stay focused on less physical and mentally challenging activities.

At three weeks and two days post transplant, all I can say is how amazed and grateful I continue to be. I continue to pray for Kristen's pain free recovery. I feel guilty that she has pain, especially when I don't...

Posted by Staci

Ouch...It Hurts

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Picture of my friends Mary Kay Anderson and Donna Fettig visiting me yesterday.

I haven't blogged lately, mostly because I've just been focusing on healing which for me means a lot of resting. My days go by very slowly. I'm still waking up a few times a night in some pain or just uncomfortable. Recently I've had a lot of pain in a new area on my left side so I'm constantly trying to find the best position for my body to be in. As it turns out, it's laying flat on my back on my bed. I've never spent so much time in bed. I was watching a lot of tv when I first came home but now I find that I'd rather have some peace and quiet. I haven't had a lot of visitors lately. Jason thinks I've discouraged everyone...maybe he's right. With the new pain I've been having, it's put me in a bit of a funk. I'm just really wanting the days and weeks of recovery to speed up, but real time is not cooperating. I talk to Staci often which helps. I can't imagine not having the relationship I have with her. It keeps everything in perspective for me.

I still have had meals delivered to our family every other night. That ends this week but I'm so thankful to everyone who helped in this way. Knowing that my family's dinner was taken care of made me feel good. It's a mom thing.

Next weekend I'd like to be able to be up and around more. I have some events to attend if I'm up to it so I'm praying for that to happen. However, I'm being a very compliant patient and keeping myself at rest as much as possible for maximum healing (Hi Dr. Perez!).

Posted by Kristen

After many days of silence...

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Well blog followers, I'm BACK! I have so much to share but its in bits and pieces.

First of all, thank you to everyone for your well wishes, prayers and concern for my life and Kristen's gift of life to me. I was in tears as I read your comments!

While at the pre-op appointment on the 7th, I walked away feeling secure that although complications could occur, Dr. Troppmann and the Transplant Team had a barrage of resources to deal with whatever came up. My parents and I were both pleased and all of our fears were put to rest.

Right before surgery, I went online and did a little research about what I could expect right after surgery, my findings created a sense of heaviness in me because of the numerous post-transplant medications and their possible side effects and future health complications. I felt the huge responsibility associated with caring for my new kidney and had dark thoughts that it could still reject. I had been so excited but those sobering thoughts helped balance my giddiness. I prayed for the hope and the peace that had kept me going all of these years and was ready to face the day with full-on optimism and trust in God to touch all concerned.

On the day before surgery, I had a procedure (a venogram) that required dye to be inserted into my right groin and a camera to examine my vein for any obstructions from prior dialysis treatment. Sounds simple enough, but NOOOO. The 10:30 a.m. procedure did not begin until 2:30 p.m., lasted for 45 minutes and then I had to stay at the hospital for 2 hours to make sure that no bleeding occurred. I DID NOT GET TO EAT THE WHOLE TIME! When I got home I was freaking out because I wanted my house to be perfect and clean and purged of all old junk when I got back with my new kidney. (Kind of like when you bring home a new baby.) Well it wasn't and that was not a good feeling but we had to get on the road to Sacramento.

On the morning of surgery, I woke up bright and early for my long awaited date. I had been counting down since day 80 something. I had the image of counting backwards and drifting off to sleep and letting the Transplant Team do all of the work. Kristen and I checked in together and were put into the same room to be taken upstairs. With all of the family and the laughter, it may have been why our rooms were at opposite ends of the floor after the transplant. I loved the group prayer in the room that day in addition to the many other prayer circles that I knew were praying for us and our caregivers and doctors. I truly felt the presence of the Lord.

I followed Kristen upstairs by about 30-45 minutes and went to pre-op. I waited and waited from about 8:30 to 11:45 before I left for surgery. I guess the day before was practice for me.I kept thinking, they are going to take the kidney out and I won't be there to get it!

The next thing I knew, it was 4:20 (I think) and I was in recovery talking to the nurses working on both sides of me. The first thing I remember saying was "Wow, I don't have any pain!" Who would on the drugs I was on? But anyway, it made me happy to be pain free.

Yes, I was still in recovery until 12:45 a.m. Had blood pressure so low I was surprised I was awake, received two units of blood but I was never afraid. When I got to my room, I was monitored all night every hour for vital signs and for breakfast I got red jello! I was a happy camper.

Stay tuned for post surgery thoughts and feelings. It has been an amazing ride!

Posted by Staci

It's the little things...

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Things I've noticed or been able to do since the transplant...

Make tinkle after about 3 years of not. (And lots of it! :-> )

Sleep on the window side of the bed with my windows open

Eat cheese, drink orange juice, & eat ice cream!!!

My skin is at least 3 shades lighter due to the decrease toxins trapped in my body.

I named my new kidney "Kris". A good androgynous name since its "man-sized".

I am learning how to manage the 10 types of meds that I have to take each day.

I have been blessed with no pain beyond muscle soreness.

I have made the most amazing new friends in Kristen and her family!

I am blessed to be surrounded by my parents and friends who are willing and able to pamper me. Special thanks to Carleton!

My kidney function (creatnine) was 1.3 as of 7/17 which is the top of the normal range! My hemaglobin and hematocrit are also normal. I've been severely anemic for the past 4 years. It takes me all summer to rest for the next school year.

I believe in miracles more than ever!

Posted by Staci

Post-Op Day 3 - Home Sweet Home

Friday, July 11, 2008

Today I woke up in my own bed after a very restful night of sleep, interrupted only a couple times by trying to get more comfortable. I'm used to sleeping on my side or tummy, neither of which is easy to do now. I took another shower this morning after having a couple peices of toast for breakfast. My appetite is still not very big but I know that'll return quickly enough. Although it's nice to be home, I really can't complain about my stay in the hospital. The entire medical staff that took care of me was exemplary. Everyone was so caring and thoughtful. I was told by one of my nurses that everyone was talking about the fact that Staci and I didn't know each other before our "kidney connection" story. Apparently it's uncommon to have cases like ours. But I know that at least 4 of our friends have told us that they want to be considered as a kidney donor now!

I think it's like anything in life...we're more inclined to do something if someone we know has done it. I hope that's the case with our story. My prayer going into this was just to help save one life. But now I understand the impact that our surgery has had to possibly save many others. In fact, I'm overwhelmed by the ripple effect of this whole journey. How truly awesome.

Well, today is just a complete rest day. Jason is waiting on me hand and foot. And my dad and step-mom are here at the house to help with household chores and anything else that I need. I'm a lucky woman. My friend Susan organized meals to be brought to us which is so nice. That takes some of the burden of my caretakers. And the rest of my family and friends have told me that they are there for anything I need. Hmmm...I could really get used to this. Ha!

My thoughts and prayers are with Staci now. I talked to her and she said she's feeling great, not even feeling sore. She's been up and walking around earlier and will try to do that again later today. The doctors really encourage walking around and she's following orders perfectly! It's still expected that she'll be discharged tomorrow. I know she and her family are looking forward to that.

Posted by Kristen

Kristen Caught Working??

Friday, July 11, 2008

OK... somebody needs to call Kristen's doctor! She was caught on the internet WHILE talking on the phone! Transplant surgery on Tuesday - caught working on Friday??

Of course, I made her get off the phone, close her computer... and go straight to bed (yeah, right...).

Post-Surgery - Day 1

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Tuesday Evening – Post-Surgery

The first few hours of post-surgery are often a funny thing. Kristen was no exception. She asked for her I-Pod while she was still in Recovery… because “it was a bit noisy in here.” As soon as she transferred to her room, my daughters and I almost rolled on the floor laughing at her expressions of excitement and joy from such a simple pleasure as ice.

The only thing that dampened our mood was knowing that Staci didn’t arrive from Recovery until after midnight. Although they told us not to worry, Staci’s blood pressure had been quite low and she was receiving a lot of fluids. When I finally saw Staci in her room about 12:30 AM, she said that she woke up from surgery feeling great!

As the night rolled into morning, both women struggled with a bit of nausea as a result of their pain medications… but pain seemed to be under control.

Wednesday – 24-Hours Post-Surgery

What an amazing day filled with the joy of new life! Kristen’s room seemed more like a florist department than a hospital, though. Starting with the surgeons’ rounds this morning, Dr. Troppmann informed Kristen that her kidney was huge… almost a man-sized kidney! She quipped later, “See… I may be a woman on the outside, but I’m all man inside!!”

Kristen took her first steps about 2:00 pm… a bit painful, more than she expected. Of course, she did so in style as she changed out of her regular hospital gown into an all-pink velcro wrap. She’s thinking about lobbying the hospital to make the change permanent for all women in the transplant wing.

The great news for Staci is that because Kristen’s kidney is working so well, her creatinine level is already 50% less. But it may take a while for her bladder to catch up. The first thing she said to Kristen on the phone this morning was “Girl, I’m peeing like a race horse!”

The day actually went very fast. Kristen had 27 visitors today! Many included friends from Team Donate Life that also work at the hospital. This hospital staff is an incredible and genuinely caring group of people, and we feel so fortunate to be associated with them. I even visited with the transplant nurse, Rex, who took care of my dad and me 5 years ago with our transplant surgeries.

In between visits, we read e-mails of friends, family, and work colleagues with precious words of support and prayers. Kristen’s favorite, of course, was a text message from Staci that said… “Thank you for being used by our Lord as a living sacrifice for me! You have represented Christ well throughout this whole process. I am so proud to share our testimony so that souls and lives can be saved.”

The highlight of the day, though, was when Staci suddenly showed up in Kristen’s room by walking across the transplant wing. After they embraced with hugs, I video-taped them as Kristen got out of bed and walked with Staci back to her room. It’s truly incredible to reflect that these two friends were total strangers until last Thanksgiving Day when a single phone call changed both of their lives forever. Staci now calls Kristen her “kidney sister.”

Today was a great day… and we lift our hearts to God in thankfulness and amazement toward the way He works in our lives and provides for our needs! Kristen is so grateful to be part of Staci’s healing… and we are hopeful that Kristen can go home by tomorrow evening. Staci will remain until Saturday as they continue monitoring for any signs of rejection and proper medication levels.

Posted by Jason Weckworth

Transplant Success!!

5:40 PM - Great news! Dr. Troppmann just came down to advise that Staci’s surgery is complete and Kristen’s kidney was a perfect specimen… already produced a quart of urine while she was on the operating table! Needless to say, the transplant has been a huge success. Both of our families are ecstatic.

At this time, Staci has just come into the Recovery Room… she is doing very well. Kristen has already seen a few family members, and she was thrilled to know that her kidney is working well. And of course, her remaining kidney is also functioning perfectly. Her biggest concern seemed to be what we did all day and if we ate enough…

Thanks again for everyone’s support, thoughts, and prayers. We have sincerely appreciated your e-mails and words of encouragement throughout the day, and I am saving them to read to Kristen tomorrow. It’s very touching. I’m sure that Kristen will dictate something for me to write for her some time tomorrow on the blog.

Posted by Jason Weckworth

One More Week

Wow...only one week until our surgery. I have to admit that even though I've been extremely busy, I think about our surgery all the time. And I've also found myself feeling very comtemplative about my life in general. I didn't expect this experience to be so life-changing for ME. But the closer I get to July 8th, the more I find myself examining my life, my relationships, and my faith. It's been an awesome journey!

I don't feel nervous about the procedure itself. I feel very confident that everything will go well. We'll be in the very accomplished hands of the UCDMC doctors. I'm just a bit anxious about everything I need to do before the surgery. You know, things like getting my hair and nails done (duh!)...and of course, lots of work stuff.

Tomorrow is our pre-op at UCDMC. Staci and I will be all over the campus together for our appointments. I can't wait to see her again. In the few times I've been able to see Staci since we found out I'm a match, I've been amazed at the deep connection we have. I love her dearly and feel so blessed to have this opportunity we've been given.

Posted by Kristen

Staci's Story

It all began for me in 1995 when I received a diagnosis of chronic kidney failure. I was shocked and saddened at first. I had only been married for a little less than 4 years and our son was only a year old. I turned to my faith and my family for comfort. I felt that through prayer, the Lord told me that I would experience healing. It would not appear to be immediate but it was already complete.

I was treated at Stanford and my doctor told me I should get a kidney transplant. In the year 2000, although I felt fine, I was put on a kidney transplant waiting list from deceased donor. I was told the wait time for my blood type was five to seven years. My sister was tested and was a partial match. We were excited but scared. I did not feel sick so I did not have a sense of urgency about getting a transplant. I clung to the promise of my prayer and went on with my life. I saw my kidney doctor every 3 to 6 months for the next three years.

I went on a 90-day herbal detox hoping that my kidney function would improve. I also began eating a vegetarian diet. I was finally convinced to go on disability. I began emergency dialysis in November of 2003 because my blood chemistry levels were at life-threatening levels. I still did not feel sick. While I was on disability, I went back to school and earned my teaching credential. I began teaching in September 2004.

I had transitioned to the type of dialysis that I could do at home every night. It was exhausting to work, go to school and need dialysis. I was severely anemic so I was tired all the time. I was also commuting about 35 miles each way. The school year was physically taxing but I felt like I had found the career I was meant to do. I took advantage of my work schedule and used the summer to recover and build up my energy level. I still felt fairly healthy and did not consider transplant an immediate need.

In the fall of 2007, I was getting tired of being tired. In November, I suddenly began considering which of my friends would make a good organ donor. I prayed on the day before Thanksgiving in 2007 for some very specific traits that I believed my donor should have. The very next day on Thanksgiving morning, I got a phone call at 8:30 a.m. from a woman that I had never met who told me that she wanted to give me a kidney. I was so taken by the sequence of events following my prayers even up to the day before, that all I could do was thank God and cry tears of joy. We had not taken a single test but in my heart I already knew that this was the part of my miracle that I had been waiting for for the past 13 years.

I met Kristen and fell in love with her spirit and her personality immediately.
I have been counting down the days to our scheduled July 8th transplant date and only have 21 to go as of today! I can't believe it!

Posted by Staci

Dalen said... Really loved hearing your story it brought tears to my eyes knowing what you have gone thru and how the Lord is faithful - what a blessing you are to me and to all who know you - I will be praying for you ALL as you go thru the next phase of your healing process. Love ya sister - Dalen

Staci,

You do not know me, and I do not know you. But I am praying for you just as hard as all of the people that love you in your life right now.

Before I was born, my mother provided my father with daily dialysis treatments. His kidneys were damaged due to his Type 1 Diabetes. He was diagnosed when he was 7 (and that was 1944). His health was deteriorating and he was no longer hoping for (another) transplant. He was giving up just as my mother found out she was expecting a baby (me). This was quite a surprise as my father and mother were told they would not be able to have children. My mom has told me many stories about how excited my father was about becoming a dad. She said he talked to me in utero and he would tell HER when I had the hiccups. He was blind (another disability from his diabetic condition) and his sense of hearing was extremely acute.

He died on March 5, 1979. I was born April 9, 1979. Sadly, he and I have never met, not yet at least.I don’t know why I have posted all of this on your blog. Just know many people love you and are praying for you.

It All Started for Me in 2003

Sunday, June 15, 2008

In August of 2003, my fiance (husband now) Jason gave a kidney to his dad Rod Weckworth. Having only known Rod with kidney failure, I was shocked to see him wake up from the surgery looking so good. It made me realize how sick he had been. In 2004 Jason and I got married, and I have had the blessing of a wonderful father-in-law in my life and in the lives of my children. I was so thankful for this gift - the gift that Jason gave to his dad who then blessed my family's lives - that I decided to donate a kidney to someone. I started praying for that person to come into my life. I really hoped that I could donate to another mom but knew that no matter what it would be the "right" person. In the summer of 2007 I heard about Staci Smith and by November I felt prompted to call her. On Thanksgiving morning, I called Staci with some awkwardness at first. "Ummm...your sister knows a friend of mine and I heard that you need a kidney transplant." I went on to tell her about Jason and his dad, and how we are a part of Team Donate Life. She told me about her medical journey and a little bit about herself (she's a mom...yeah!). I went on to tell her about my prayers for a recipient and said "I wonder if it's you!". On January 14th, 2008 I found out I was a match.

Posted by Kristen