Hello everyone.
We are adjusting to home dialysis and it's been pretty smooth, except for a few small things that we've dealt with. We were even able to travel to Arkansas to visit Victor's parents. We just load up the machine and TONS of supplies and go. It's a pain, but so worth it to be free of the clinic.
I've turned in my paperwork to start the process of getting the transplant. I should here from the transplant center in the next few weeks to go to an orientation. After that, I will start the testing process for myself to see if I'm a candidate to receive a kidney. If I'm healthy enough, small enough, no dental problems, no cancer cells, etc, they will start testing any family or friends that would like to see if they're a match for me. Giving 'the gift of life' is an amazing thing for someone to do. I'm not sure there's anything better than saving someone's life. I'm hopeful that someone close to me is a match because that would mean getting the transplant sooner and off of dialysis (as long as there are no complications). But if not, I'll be on the waiting list. From what I've read, people are on the list for an average of 5-7 years. I don't want this to sound morbid, but the sooner I get a kidney and off of dialysis, the longer I will live. It's not something I try to thing about often, but it's the truth.
I'm about to start figuring out some fundraisers to help with some of the cost. Insurance will cover A LOT of everything, but I didn't have insurance when this all started so I have thousands already racked up. I'm not too worried about that part. It's the future that I will need to save for. Without talking to the transplant center, I'm not sure exactly how much I will need yet, but I do know that the anti-rejection meds will cost approximately $500-$700 per month (that's with insurance). I'll be on meds forever, but I believe that cost will go down after a while. I'm still trying to figure all this out, but I need to be prepared. My great friend Stephanie already set up a fundraiser site to start the process. It's linked below. I'm planning a garage sale and possible bake sale. I have a lot of doctor things going on now, so I probably won't start these until after the holidays.
https://www.crowdrise.com/help-misty-parras-live-with-esrd
I had a sono of my fistula today and will get the results Thursday. If it's healed and ready for use, I'll go through another month of training to place my 'button holes' and learn to stick myself with 2 large needles in my arm just above my wrist. I know what you're thinking, but it is what has to be done.
I see a cardiologist Tuesday. Please pray that what's going on is minor and has nothing to do with my kidney disease and doesn't affect getting a transplant in the future.
Things are going good physically for me except for some fatigue. The State Fair is offering free tickets to officers and their family this Friday so we will go. I'll be pulling the wheelchair out for this one. But that's ok. I'm staying as positive as I can. I'm very lucky to have so many people in my life that love me and want to do so much for me. I love all of you so much!
