Almost Married

With only 9 days left till we are married I was thinking on all that has brought Dave and I together.  I feel that one of the things that makes us a strong couple is all that we went through with Dave becoming sick, dialysis, and ultimately the kidney transplant.  I feel being able to share in each others struggles is a good ability to have when one enters into marriage.  I also realized I did not share our adorable Kidney Engagement photos with you guys and I think people interested in donation, kidneys or transplants would enjoy them.  So look below for some of those.

We used a plush heart and kidney as props.

He held the heart, and I held the kidney!

This one was used for the save the dates with the quote:
"She gave him a kidney and now he will give her his heart."
We are adorable, we know.

And some other random photos just because!

Thanks for reading.  If you have any questions about donation feel free to ask.  I feel I have less to talk about now that we are almost 2 years post donation, but I am always open to answering questions or taking requests on things to write about.

Fun Kidney Fact!

From the Donate Life Maryland Facebook today.  If you can't be a living donor this is why it is important to register as a Organ Donor!  

SAWBONES

One of my favorite podcasts did a transplant episode.  The Podcast is Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine, and they normally focus on weird medical history.  I sent them a e-mail awhile back about transplants hoping they would one day do a podcast on the topic.  Turns out I should have put more back story in my e-mail then just suggest transplants because another listener who is going to donate his kidney, told them he was going to donate and that he wanted them to do a episode on transplants and they did!!! So needless to say I was excited about the episode!  I am going to link the episode below for people to listen to.  I would also recommend you check out their other episodes as well if you like learning about weird medical things. TRANSPLANT EPISODE!  SAWBONES!

Dealing With A Needle Phobic recipient Part 2

I WAS ABLE TO MAKE HIM GET BLOOD WORK!!!!!!

Okay, I don't know if it is that exciting but it is exciting.  After taking him out for a Chic-Fil-a Breakfast and trying to actually find the lab corp, Dave gave blood pretty easily for him.  I made him lay down and just stood by him while the guy did his thing.  It was kind of cool because the phlebotomist was a dialysis patient who had had a transplant as well as tried peritoneal Dialysis(PD).  PD is something Dave may be looking into considering his dislike of needles(but we are all hoping for a transplant instead).  The phlebotomist apparently didn't like PD, so who knows?  He also mentioned how he had a transplant from his Aunt that lasted 7 or 8 years (lets hope Dave's will last longer!) and that it was odd because before the transplant he hated celery, and his aunt loved it, then after the transplant he loved celery.  Weird?  Maybe if I give Dave a kidney he will like tomatoes?

On another note I think he is getting a lot better with his fear of needles and being stuck.  He did awesome.  Which is a good sign for the future after transplant when he has to give blood frequently to get his kidney function checked.

While at lab corp I picked up my HUGE urine container.... fun... But the lady who gave it to me said I could keep it outside to keep it cold which I feel is a great idea.  YAY more refrigerator space!  Hopefully I will get that done next Sunday, then return it Monday and do some more blood tests to find out more info about be being able to donate.  I'm wondering how long it will take UMMC to get the results after I drop off the container and do the blood work?  Hopefully quick so I can know whats next!

Thanks for reading!