February 2012

Mom and Patrick at Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant, Raleigh

Since the last post there's not much progess to report.  Patrick's kidney donor-to-be, Morgan, is still waiting for appointments to be scheduled for additional testing before the transplant can occur.   It seems like the surgery is near, yet so far away, because nothing is yet conclusive.  The only expectation that we have is that when Morgan is approved and the UNC Transplant Center is ready to perform the surgery, it will happen.  And it may be scheduled on very little notice.  That's what we hope anyway, for Patrick and Morgan's sake.

They are both healthy and doing well.  Morgan was married to his long-time girlfriend, Michele, last week!  Love abounds between these two, and Patrick is extremely blessed to share their friendship and support during this time of meaningful changes in all their lives'.

Waiting for a transplant has been challenging because for Patrick because it means the chance regain a healthy life.  The medical and self care follow-up after the surgery is critical for transplant recipients.  For the rest of his life, Patrick will be monitored closely for signs of complications- either a possible rejection of the organ, or a occurrence of FSGS, the renal disease that he was diagnosed with in November, 2009.  He will have rigorous supervision from the renal transplant team at UNC, especially during the first year, then gradually waning in regularity to once per week, to twice per month, or possibly less as time goes by.  The website below describes the life-long importance of properly taking medicine, diet, healthy lifestyle and exercise for kidney transplant recipients.  After Patrick receives the amazing gift of a new kidney, the journey to wellness will begin with healing of the mind, body and spirit.  Now is a time to be optimistic and continue to offer prayers and support for Patrick and Morgan.  With all of our love ~ thank you

The Kidney Transplant Experience