Blogs
Christy Millar
In 2006 I was studying my degree at Liverpool University when I became unwell. My appendix burst and after many many complications my kidneys failed and I ended up on dialysis. For many months I was very unwell and would not be considered for transplant. In 2007 my fiancee Steve offered to donate, not actually expecting it to happen! Luckily our blood types are compatable, and although our tissue typing isn't great it can be controlled with drugs. In 2008 we decided to go back to University to do our Masters degrees and put off the transplant until now, so I could get stronger and have a year without any operations! The whole time I was at University I dialysed three times a week for 4 hours at a time (HD). Now I have passed my degree and am awaiting my transplant in a few weeks.
A weird week
Its been just over a month since the failed transplant now. We are feeling better and a bit more optimistic about life. I have been christmas shopping with mum, which was fun as I wasn't spending my own money! We have had friends over and been out for tea. So other than dialysis and a consistent lack of job opportunities life is returning to some sort of normality.
Since the op however my BP has shot up and has led to my dry weight being reduced. I have actually lost weight for a change. I suppose being in hospital does that. I am awaiting my monthly blood results too, and if my dialsysis adequacy falls below 60-65% I am worried they will want this neckline out before christmas.
Otherwise we are just trying to occupy ourselves. Steve is going to join a walking club that visits the lakes and Wales, with him attempting a lovely 10 mile stroll through heather and bogland in a few weeks. Nice! I think I will stick to cups of tea and a good book!
Some answers at last
We saw the transplant Doctor this week and finally have some answers. It would appear that my artery that goes down my right leg was damaged from when I was in intensive care the first time, three and a half years ago. Then when this artery was clamped during the transplant it collapsed. I asked why this artery was used, but apparently it looked and felt fine with a good pulse. A post op MRI showed a slight narrowing of the vessel, but an ultrasound scan shows it was much more damaged than first thought, with blood flowing quite poorly through it. However on a good note, the left side looks ok. I will be having a few more scans then can hopefully get put on the transplant list before christmas.
My neckline is dying a slow death, with the flow getting poorer each week. The Doctors are discussing whether to quickly get another put in before christmas or to leave it and try after christmas to get a new fistula in. I know my veins are rubbish though, and will more than likely need a graft which may then need lifting in another operation. I have told them I just dont want to be in over christmas. Having a neckling put in is horrible, but having one taken out is worse. And seen as mine has been in two years it wont be easy to get out! I am so fed up of being in hospital and do not want another christmas ruined.
Steve is doing ok, but we are both pretty down at the moment. Being stuck in the house is pretty dull, and I am turning into one of those people who have dialysis as their only social life!Nooooooooooooo!
No job, no money, no kidney = no life
Feeling a bit fed up this week. We have tried going for short walks but both come back feeling awful so we are just sitting at home playing on the internet. Even facebook is getting boring now! It is hard finding things to fill the time. Job hunting isnt going well and we are too sore to play on the Wii. I just feel completely helpless. I hate living off my parents. I am too old to be doing this. We cannot drive yet either so being stuck at home is getting a bit dull. Dialysis is the same as ever. The renal dieticians keep sending me letters which is irritating as I know absolutley everything there is to know about what I can and cannot eat.
I am just tired of hospitals and doctors. They keep me alive but they dont really give me much of a life.
We are members of the FundRaising Standards Board (FRSB) self-regulatory scheme.
