Update: 4.5 months post-op

Well, it's been about 4.5 months since I donated my kidney. I wanted to update those of you that read this regularly. I haven't written in a while, and I apologize. Things have been a little hectic.
About 3 full months after the surgery, I finally started feeling like myself again. The only thing I've noticed is that I've gained some weight. I think it's b/c I was really tired for a while and didn't do much.
Now, I have my energy completely back. I feel great! I haven't gone for my 3 month check-up yet to check my Creatinine and blood pressure. I really need to do that. I will after the holidays. The last time I had my Creatinine checked, it was still pretty high. it's supposed to come down after 3 months though.
I also wanted to mention that if anyone is interested in talking to me about the donation process and/or how to find someone to donate to please email me at melswanson502@yahoo.com. That's my new email address. I'll be glad to walk you through the entire process. I still, to this day, get emails from new people asking how the whole thing will play out.

"Update on 11-month-old needing liver"

I wanted to update everyone on the last post. I let everyone know that there was a family looking for a liver for their 11-month old boy.

I have wonderful news!

The night of this post, early in the morning, he received a cadaver liver.

The last I talked to the family, he was doing well.

Thank you to everyone that contacted me regarding this. I'm sure I'll be contacted about more in the future.

Melissa

"Should I Donate?"

Hey everyone! I wanted to update everyone on what's going on in my life. I've gotten a lot of emails from readers asking how I'm doing and what's going on. I really appreciate people caring enough to check on me. Keep sending me emails. My email address is melswanson@gannett.com. There really hasn't been a whole lot of change since the last post. I'm doing very well. I can't complain. Othere than being tired, I'm not having any major complications.

I've had several people contact me b/c they're thinking of being a live donor. If anyone is interested in learning more about the donation process and how it works, feel free to email me. I will be glad to help you out in any way I can. My goal is to bring as much attention to living organ donation as possible.

I got the most heartbreaking email yesterday. A lady wrote me asking if I would consider donating part of my liver to her 11-month old son that's dying of liver failure. Unfortunately, liver failure is very progressive with no real treatment. So, he doesn't have much time. It is possible to donate part of your liver and your liver will regenerate itself. They put part of your liver in the recipient, and it also grows to a full liver. Anyway, it broke my heart to have to tell her that I was not able to donate part of mine at this time. I can't even consider something like that for another year. I wouldn't pass the tests since I just donated part of my kidney. Otherwise, I would definitely do it.

The little boys blood type is A+. So, if you're type A or type 0, you may be able to donate. If absolutely anyone that reads this is interested in learning more about donation or donating to this child, PLEASE contact me. I am working on getting some pictures and more information about the family. All I know right now is that they will probably be sent to Children's Hospital in Dallas if he gets a transplant.

I told the family that I would help them find a donor. So, I'm going to post updated information as I get it. PLEASE email me at any time with questions.

Melissa

"Update: 5 weeks post kidney donation"

Hi again! I wanted to update everyone on what's going on post-transplant. I have been moving for the past 2 weeks and haven't had much time to blog.

I've had one scare recently with dehydration, but nothing too serious. Honestly, I'm doing very well considering all the stuff I'm able to do now. I'm pretty good at overdoing it too soon. I did that after this surgery and paid for it for a while. Now, things are much better.

I've talked to Masud and his wife, Sharmin, several times recently. Masud is doing very well! He gave me some really good news 2 days ago. He said that he was able to play with his kids for the first time in a long time. That almost made me cry. It was so important to his older son for him to be able to do that. Anyway, he's doing great! His kidney levels are in normal range (on the high side of normal). The doctor's said they are very happy with his progress. He's no longer having pain and not too tired anymore.

"Update: 3 weeks post kidney donation"

Hey everyone! I haven't written in a week or so b/c I've been busy trying to catch up at work. I'm also busy packing b/c we're moving soon. I'm not moving away; just to a new house. I know, I know....bad timing. I'm great at that, lol.
So, the only thing that's changed since the last post is that I'm getting better each day. I'm finding that I tire very easily, but that's expected. Until my kidney functions gets back to normal, I will be tired a lot. I should be back to normal in about 3 months or so. It's a small price to pay for someone's life, so I try not to complain too much.
I appreciate all of you that have sent me your well wishes, kind thoughts, and especially for those of you that prayed. Where would we be without prayer? I don't even want to think about it.
In other news........My baby started Kindergarten yesterday. I thought for sure that I would cry. But, I surprised myself. Instead, I dropped him off and told him to have a seat. Then, I turned around and ran as fast as I could, LOL!

"The Times Story"

I forgot to add this story to my blog. The Shreveport Times did some short stories a while back. This is one of them:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080806/NEWS01/808060363

"Pictures from the surgery"

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm now home and doing very well. I wanted to share some pictures from my "trip". Here goes:

Here's a picture taken of Masud (the recipient), left, and his friend at the hospital right before surgery.









This picture is, from left to right, of me, Masud, and my aunt Carolyn right before surgery. Sorry, I wasn't allowed to wear make-up.










This picture is of, from left to right, me, Masud, my aunt Carolyn, and Sharmin (Masud's wife).










This picture was taken after they took Masud and I to the pro-op area. That is my aunt Carolyn, me, and Sharmin. You can see Masud over to the far right of the picture. We were all cracking up and making lots of jokes. It was great!










This was also taken in pre-op. It was seconds before they wheeled me out for surgery. I told them I wanted to walk, but they wouldn't let me, lol. Notice how puffy my face is? That's b/c they pumped me full of fluids before the surgery. It's supposed to help Masud somehow. I guess they need to see if it will produce urine. He looked so sick.










This picture was taken 2 days after surgery. I had been released the night before. Masud was released the next day.










Here's a picture of Masud and my aunt Carolyn the same day. Masud's color had gotten so much better.










This picture was taken a 5 days after surgery. We all got together with Masud's friends to have a thank-you/farewell party. There were over 30 people there. I was so touched. Everyone was super nice! In this picture you see Sharmin, my aunt, me and some friends. I don't remember everyone's name b/c there were so many people.










I was presented a plaque from the Bangladesh Association of Phoenix, Arizona thanking for for my gift. The plaque reads:
"Dear Melissa Swanson,
You have touched the heart of our community with the uniqe gift of life. You will be remembered forever with love and gratitude." I cried pretty soon after this picture was taken.