It's been exactly a week since my kidney function tests, so I phoned the hospital at 09:05 as not to seem too eager. To my surprise Sister Lilly answered the phone, who has been on sick leave ever since my very first telephone conversation about the proposed donation. Welcome back Lilly!
Lilly didn't have the results at hand, but phoned me about an hour later to tell me the good news - I have 84% kidney function!! The minimum required before a transplant will be made is 80%. Truth be told on the day of the tests I was only allowed a very light protein lunch, instead I had two lovely sandwiches, one filled with chicken, the other a BLT! I forgot to mention the restrictions to Natasja, so when she arrived with them I was far too hungry to say no. So for all I know I have a higher function! But at least I know worst case is 84%.
What wonderful news! It's so nice to pass one test after the other, with the final goal of getting Pieter healthy getting closer by the day.
The next step is a meeting with the Nephrologist to discuss the results, which has been booked for 20 September 2012, although I asked Lilly to slot us in earlier should there be a cancellation. After that, it will be the CT-Scan.
But first, more celebrations this weekend!
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Kidney function test
It was another early morning rise to have the last crucial test done, the kidney function test. The upside was that I got to travel to London with my lovely wife Natasja, who went all the way to the hospital with me, where I met my good friend Pieter, who kept me company the entire day. What a blessing to have such wonderful people in my life.
In short, my kidney function is being tested to make sure that they can both survive and function properly on their own inside Pieter and I. They have to be able to operate at a minimum efficiency of 80% before a transplant will be considered.
This test measures the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It assesses the ability of the kidneys to ‘clear’ the blood of a substance. A small amount of a harmless radioactive tracer is
injected into a vein and blood samples are taken at intervals over a number of hours to measure the clearance of the radioactive tracer through the kidneys.
We arrived at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II wings just after 9am. I greeted Pieter, and said goodbye to Natasja, and Pieter and I went on to the reception of Nuclear Medicine Department. How scary are those words?! Nuclear Medicine! It sound like something from a Sci-fi movie.
There were a few patients ahead of me, and I was seen at 9:45am by a lovely nurse named Jo. She took my weight and height, and directed me to dreaded chair for the injection. I know it's not as bad as it sounds, and Jo did explain it to me, but it's still not nice being injected voluntarily with a radioactive material!
Fortunately I didn't feel a thing and had no reaction to the injection. Once the radioactive material was injected, a saline solution was injected to clear the needle for disposal. Jo told me to come back in three hours for my first blood sample of 7ml to be taken. Four samples are taken in total, at hours 3, 4, 5 & 6.
With 3 hours to spend, Pieter and I went for a walk, and ended up have a drink and a snack at EAT in the recently completed One New Change shopping centre. As usual we ended up relaxing in conversation for about and hour and a half, when we left to visit Natasja at work only 10 minutes away. There we had another relaxing time in their canteen, before heading off for my first blood sample to be taken.
The needle was inserted into my hand instead of my arm because it needed to remain there until the last sample was taken, which included the white "tap" you can see in the picture below. My hand was wrapped in bandages to prevent any movement or damage to the needle. My body did not like this foreign object at all, and there was a slight burning sensation for the first hour, but then it went away and I forgot about it. After every blood sample taken, saline solution was injected into the vein to stop the blood from clotting around the needle. This was all painless, with only a slight cold sensation.
After this first sample Pieter and I met Natasja at St. Paul's Cathedral just down the road for lunch. She's so lovely and caring, and bought us sandwiches, drinks and a tub of strawberries and cream! Just what the doctor ordered! The time seemed to fly by and Pieter and I returned to the hospital for more blood samples. During the breaks between the last 3 samples we sat in a little park close by and just enjoyed the quiet surroundings and each other's company.
Before we knew it, it was all over. Thanks again Pieter for keeping me company, even though you were feeling a bit poorly from last night's dialysis. It was very comforting having you there, and a great way to pass the time.
I just wish you would've listened to me, and not made me mad with all the radiation still left in me! You knew what would happen, I warned you! AAARRGGHHHH!!! Now you have to deal with the HULK!!!
In short, my kidney function is being tested to make sure that they can both survive and function properly on their own inside Pieter and I. They have to be able to operate at a minimum efficiency of 80% before a transplant will be considered.
This test measures the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It assesses the ability of the kidneys to ‘clear’ the blood of a substance. A small amount of a harmless radioactive tracer is
injected into a vein and blood samples are taken at intervals over a number of hours to measure the clearance of the radioactive tracer through the kidneys.
We arrived at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II wings just after 9am. I greeted Pieter, and said goodbye to Natasja, and Pieter and I went on to the reception of Nuclear Medicine Department. How scary are those words?! Nuclear Medicine! It sound like something from a Sci-fi movie.
There were a few patients ahead of me, and I was seen at 9:45am by a lovely nurse named Jo. She took my weight and height, and directed me to dreaded chair for the injection. I know it's not as bad as it sounds, and Jo did explain it to me, but it's still not nice being injected voluntarily with a radioactive material!
Fortunately I didn't feel a thing and had no reaction to the injection. Once the radioactive material was injected, a saline solution was injected to clear the needle for disposal. Jo told me to come back in three hours for my first blood sample of 7ml to be taken. Four samples are taken in total, at hours 3, 4, 5 & 6.
With 3 hours to spend, Pieter and I went for a walk, and ended up have a drink and a snack at EAT in the recently completed One New Change shopping centre. As usual we ended up relaxing in conversation for about and hour and a half, when we left to visit Natasja at work only 10 minutes away. There we had another relaxing time in their canteen, before heading off for my first blood sample to be taken.
The needle was inserted into my hand instead of my arm because it needed to remain there until the last sample was taken, which included the white "tap" you can see in the picture below. My hand was wrapped in bandages to prevent any movement or damage to the needle. My body did not like this foreign object at all, and there was a slight burning sensation for the first hour, but then it went away and I forgot about it. After every blood sample taken, saline solution was injected into the vein to stop the blood from clotting around the needle. This was all painless, with only a slight cold sensation.
After this first sample Pieter and I met Natasja at St. Paul's Cathedral just down the road for lunch. She's so lovely and caring, and bought us sandwiches, drinks and a tub of strawberries and cream! Just what the doctor ordered! The time seemed to fly by and Pieter and I returned to the hospital for more blood samples. During the breaks between the last 3 samples we sat in a little park close by and just enjoyed the quiet surroundings and each other's company.
Before we knew it, it was all over. Thanks again Pieter for keeping me company, even though you were feeling a bit poorly from last night's dialysis. It was very comforting having you there, and a great way to pass the time.
I just wish you would've listened to me, and not made me mad with all the radiation still left in me! You knew what would happen, I warned you! AAARRGGHHHH!!! Now you have to deal with the HULK!!!
Sunday, 19 August 2012
The right information at the right time
They say with age comes wisdom, it teaches you to appreciate and understand the process of life. It's wonderful to be able to witness and appreciate how God / the Universe works.
When I had blood taken for the last tests, my blood pressure was taken, and I was told it was a little high. Nothing to be concerned about, but worth doing something about to ensure it doesn't increase more.
Earlier in the week I had a sudden craving for cinnamon. I kept thinking about pancakes with cinnamon. So I finally gave in and had a glass of soya milk and sprinkled cinnamon on top.
Speaking to Pieter yesterday, I mentioned my blood pressure and asked him for suggestion on how to get it down and keep it down. And guess what is a very effective natural way of doing it? Cinnamon!
Wait there's more! Two weeks ago a colleague at work told me about a documentary he'd seen on the telly about the effect protein has on the human body. I was so intrigued Natasja and I decided to watch it. In short, scientist have discovered that a high protein diet fuels the body and puts it in a state of high performance. It's good for short lengths when you need the energy for physical activities or excercise, but its like driving your car at high revs the whole time. It gives you speed and performance, but damages the engine in the long run.
The effects of the protein puts the whole body and cells under pressure, stopping it from relaxing. Cells under constant strain die or become cancerous. It's in the relaxed state that the body heals and creates new cells.
So Natasja and I decided to follow the advice of the program and started a diet in which we have protein only every second day. On the days we don't have protein we have salad, meal replacements and some carbs.
In another conversation with Pieter yesterday he told me how much strain protein puts on our kidneys. He can only have red meat occasionally or else he feels ill due to its high protein content. He suggested that after the operation when I only have one kidney I refrain from eating too much protein. I then told hom about the documentary we saw!
Isn't it amazing how God provides us with just the right information just at the right time for any situation? The trick is to be open and aware enough to notice the signs and opportunities and to use them.
When I had blood taken for the last tests, my blood pressure was taken, and I was told it was a little high. Nothing to be concerned about, but worth doing something about to ensure it doesn't increase more.
Earlier in the week I had a sudden craving for cinnamon. I kept thinking about pancakes with cinnamon. So I finally gave in and had a glass of soya milk and sprinkled cinnamon on top.
Speaking to Pieter yesterday, I mentioned my blood pressure and asked him for suggestion on how to get it down and keep it down. And guess what is a very effective natural way of doing it? Cinnamon!
Wait there's more! Two weeks ago a colleague at work told me about a documentary he'd seen on the telly about the effect protein has on the human body. I was so intrigued Natasja and I decided to watch it. In short, scientist have discovered that a high protein diet fuels the body and puts it in a state of high performance. It's good for short lengths when you need the energy for physical activities or excercise, but its like driving your car at high revs the whole time. It gives you speed and performance, but damages the engine in the long run.
The effects of the protein puts the whole body and cells under pressure, stopping it from relaxing. Cells under constant strain die or become cancerous. It's in the relaxed state that the body heals and creates new cells.
So Natasja and I decided to follow the advice of the program and started a diet in which we have protein only every second day. On the days we don't have protein we have salad, meal replacements and some carbs.
In another conversation with Pieter yesterday he told me how much strain protein puts on our kidneys. He can only have red meat occasionally or else he feels ill due to its high protein content. He suggested that after the operation when I only have one kidney I refrain from eating too much protein. I then told hom about the documentary we saw!
Isn't it amazing how God provides us with just the right information just at the right time for any situation? The trick is to be open and aware enough to notice the signs and opportunities and to use them.
Saturday, 18 August 2012
It's a celebration!
What a brilliant day! We couldn't ask for better weather, it was sunny and warm, which is very rare in England these days. We had such a lovely time, even their dog Trinity loved being outdoors, rolling on the grass. It's so nice to see Pieter and Lizelle so relaxed, it seems that with every steps that we get closer to the transplant, more weight is lifted from their shoulders.
Thanks for an awesome day! Soon we'll be doing more of this, and no more trips to the hospital.
Thursday, 16 August 2012
A perfect cross-match!
I know it's only been a week and a day, but since my sister asked me this morning if I heard anything from the hospital, I couldn't stop thinking about it all day. I hate waiting, and the suspense is unbearable.
So after lunch I decided to phone Ray Trevitt in the hope he had some good news. He looked on his PC but there was no information logged. He generously told me he would phone the lab and find out if they have any information if I don't mind holding. Mind?! I thought almost out loud! Yes please Ray!
When Ray finished his conversation with the lab, he told me: "It all looks good" in a very calm voice. "What does that mean?" I asked, desperate for a full explanation. Ray then told me that the cross-match is a complete negative. Meaning there was zero reaction/ rejection between our cells. He told me there is usually some degree of reaction, but in this case there was none. This is the best result we could ask for, because it means that Pieter won't need to take any immune suppressants to stop his body from rejecting my kidney. It also dramatically increases the life expectancy of his new kidney, possibly beyond 25 years!
We're just waiting on the tissue type match results, but given that we have a 100% match for two out of the three most important tests, I'm confident it will come back as a 100% match as well.
In the meantime I've booked my appointment for my kidney function test for this coming Tuesday 21 August 2012. This will complete the tests, and when they give this full marks as well, the last hurdle is the interview with the board who will ultimately decide if the transplant can go ahead.
If they ask me to explain why I want to do this for a man whom I've met only two months ago, my answer will simply be: "Explain to me why I shouldn't."
So after lunch I decided to phone Ray Trevitt in the hope he had some good news. He looked on his PC but there was no information logged. He generously told me he would phone the lab and find out if they have any information if I don't mind holding. Mind?! I thought almost out loud! Yes please Ray!
When Ray finished his conversation with the lab, he told me: "It all looks good" in a very calm voice. "What does that mean?" I asked, desperate for a full explanation. Ray then told me that the cross-match is a complete negative. Meaning there was zero reaction/ rejection between our cells. He told me there is usually some degree of reaction, but in this case there was none. This is the best result we could ask for, because it means that Pieter won't need to take any immune suppressants to stop his body from rejecting my kidney. It also dramatically increases the life expectancy of his new kidney, possibly beyond 25 years!
We're just waiting on the tissue type match results, but given that we have a 100% match for two out of the three most important tests, I'm confident it will come back as a 100% match as well.
In the meantime I've booked my appointment for my kidney function test for this coming Tuesday 21 August 2012. This will complete the tests, and when they give this full marks as well, the last hurdle is the interview with the board who will ultimately decide if the transplant can go ahead.
If they ask me to explain why I want to do this for a man whom I've met only two months ago, my answer will simply be: "Explain to me why I shouldn't."
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Tissue and cross-match tests
Today both Pieter and I had to go to the hospital to have blood taken for the tissue and cross-match tests. Unfortunately I didn't get to see Pieter as he went early morning because he and Lizelle had tickets to watch an Olympic event.
I arrived at 11am and made my way to the Renal Unit reception. I was met by Ray Trevitt the Specialist Nurse whom I've only spoken to on the phone a number of times. It was nice to be able to put a face to a name. Ray was very polite and kind, he gave me the necessary paperwork and told me to have the blood taken and then meet him in his office. It went smoothly again and this time the nurse that attended to me was very friendly and talkative, which helped get my mind off the 6 tubes of blood being taken from me.
When I met Ray, he talked me through all the pros and cons of donating and receiving a kidney, and explained the whole procedure to me again. It was a very relaxed, open conversation and Ray was keen to answer any questions I had. Ray is very experienced and it shows. Where I am very positive and eager, he is very factual and realistic, which I suppose comes with the territory. He also told me about an interesting documentary that was on Channel 4 last night called "My Kidney and Me", the story of a young man who decides to donate a kidney to a stranger. I started watching it when I remembered to update the blog!
We looked at the test that I've done so far and those still to come, so I took the opportunity to ask him if there were more tests that I could do today to save me having to come in again and do them. He kindly told me I could have the ECG done, but the health test, kidney function test and C-scan can only be done once the tissue and cross-match tests are okay due to the cost involved.
The ECG went very fast as well, I reported to reception, went to the toilet, and when I came back I was called in. The nurse stuck 12 sticky pads on me; one on each ankle and wrist, and the rest on my chest. She told me that the purpose of the test was to establish a baseline for my heart rate to measure against once I'm in surgery. It took less that 5 minutes.
So more waiting, two weeks this time to get the results. I'm positive it will again be a perfect match so I'm already looking forward to the next tests.
I arrived at 11am and made my way to the Renal Unit reception. I was met by Ray Trevitt the Specialist Nurse whom I've only spoken to on the phone a number of times. It was nice to be able to put a face to a name. Ray was very polite and kind, he gave me the necessary paperwork and told me to have the blood taken and then meet him in his office. It went smoothly again and this time the nurse that attended to me was very friendly and talkative, which helped get my mind off the 6 tubes of blood being taken from me.
When I met Ray, he talked me through all the pros and cons of donating and receiving a kidney, and explained the whole procedure to me again. It was a very relaxed, open conversation and Ray was keen to answer any questions I had. Ray is very experienced and it shows. Where I am very positive and eager, he is very factual and realistic, which I suppose comes with the territory. He also told me about an interesting documentary that was on Channel 4 last night called "My Kidney and Me", the story of a young man who decides to donate a kidney to a stranger. I started watching it when I remembered to update the blog!
We looked at the test that I've done so far and those still to come, so I took the opportunity to ask him if there were more tests that I could do today to save me having to come in again and do them. He kindly told me I could have the ECG done, but the health test, kidney function test and C-scan can only be done once the tissue and cross-match tests are okay due to the cost involved.
The ECG went very fast as well, I reported to reception, went to the toilet, and when I came back I was called in. The nurse stuck 12 sticky pads on me; one on each ankle and wrist, and the rest on my chest. She told me that the purpose of the test was to establish a baseline for my heart rate to measure against once I'm in surgery. It took less that 5 minutes.
So more waiting, two weeks this time to get the results. I'm positive it will again be a perfect match so I'm already looking forward to the next tests.
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