Meet the donor

Transplant went very well for both Brent and the donor.  The transplant took place on July the 21st, everything went well until August the 4th.  Brent had to make a ER visit because he was having chest pain and shortness of breath.  The anti-rejection medication he was taking caused his potassium level to rise.  This can cause damage to the kidney and even a heat attack.  The ER staff at Vanderbilt was going to have to dialyze in order to get his potassium down.  Once again prayers were answered.  Brent's wife (Francis) put the word out to Facebook  asking or prayers.  God heard the prayers and no dialysis was needed!
Now I would like you to meet the donor.  Her name is Kathy Shell, she is a co-worker and friend of Brent's.  Thank You Kathy!  You are a hero! 

Now I would like to ask a favor of everyone reading this blog, Please consider organ donation.  You can make a difference in so many people's lives.  120,000 Americans currently wait for a life saving gift.  These people have families, friends, and co-workers who fell the agony of waiting alongside with them.  22 people will die every day while waiting for an organ. If you would like to learn more about organ donation please visit www.organdonor.gov and remember this remarkable story.

 

Brent is still not out of the woods.  It may take up to a year before we will know if there will be any rejections.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Thank You!

 

 

 

 

The Blog Done It's Job

The Blog Done It's Job!  Celebration Time!  Brent finally got the news he has been waiting 3 years for.  After 3 years of dialysis, Brent has a kidney!  Number 13 passed all the test.  Brent heard from Vandy and Pre-op and surgery is in the near future (in the next month).   Please continue to pray for donor #13 and Brent, that they both remain healthy until the surgery and that there are no infections, and no rejections of the kidney.  God spoke to me one day and told me to write this blog.  I had no idea why God wanted me to write it, but I listened and was obedient and sat down one day and started writing from my heart.  Who knew it would inspire #13 to become a donor!  God did, he had a plan!
Number 13 is a co-worker/ friend  of Brent's.   She has worked with Brent and known Brent for many years but never knew the extent of his health problems until she read this blog.  She was inspired by this story and decided to get tested to see if she would be a suitable donor.  And she was the one.  She has passed all test and surgery is near.  Thank God for this sweet lady, to give up one of her kidney's  so that someone else can have a better life free from dialysis.
And I wanted to brag on Brent's  wife Francis, she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.  She takes care of her ill parents, works a full time job as a nurse practinctor, and uses her skills to take care of her husband.  And just like her husband, she never complains about anything.  She is always smiling, positive, and in a good mood.  This couple is such an inspiration!  I am honored to know them.  Next blog will be when Brent gets his kidney.  Good luck Brent!

Since the AVF surgery

It has been about a month since my last update and I wanted to bring every one up to speed.   As you all know Brent had AVF surgery to repair the Fistula.  There were a few problems from the surgery such as swelling and the vein being displaced.  The home dialysis nurse had to establish a new "button hole" (which is a new stick site for the needles).

We are currently waiting on number 11.  Number 11 received the kit from Vanderbilt to send her blood back to Vandy to get tested to see if she was a match.  We have not heard from her in 3 weeks.  We have tried to text her and call numerous times but have not received any communication back from her. This is very heart breaking for Brent.  Brent and Frances have decided to move on and start praying for number 12.
Brent and Frances have joined www.matchingdonors.com..  They are getting a lot of contacts and positive feedback from the site. As I was sitting here to today keeping Brent and Frances company while dialyzing they received  3 possible contacts!
One of Frances's friend is saving aluminum and has started a savings account.  She wants to buy some car magnet signs that say  "kidney needed for Brent".  If you would like to save aluminum cans for this cause please call Ann at 256-653-9776.

                                                 Brent and Frances doing Home Dialysis

AVF Surgery this week

Brent will be having an outpatient surgery this week to repair the vascular access on his arm for his dialysis.  Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) provides vascular access to the vein for dialysis. It allows the vein to become larger and for the walls of the vein to thicken which makes it easier for the vein to be punctured repeatedly.  After a while, the fistula wears down and needs to be replaced.  Please keep Brent and Frances in your prayers this week.  Here is a diagram of the procedure:

PRAYING FOR NUMBER 11

Brent had a very sweet couple try to donate a kidney but they didn't pass.  They were number 9 and 10.  It can take 3 to 5 years to receive a kidney.  Please keep Brent and Frances in your prayers along with the couple that tried to donate and could not.  Thank You!