kidney donation update
I really need to study, but I don't think I can focus on school if I don't get this update out first.
NOTE: Not until all is done below do I plan on telling Mark what I'm done. Even then, if I am not allowed to proceed I may never tell him.
Monday I start the full panel of tests. Due to certain circumstances with timing it will take a little over 2 weeks for me to be able to get all the tests done. However, Monday is the one that is the "big one" and that I really need everyones focused prayers, good thoughts, fingers crossed, etc, etc for. That is the blood draw for HLA tissue typing and crossmatch testing. 5 vials of blood to be sent back to UWMC to test for compatibility and crossmatch.
We are looking for a NEGATIVE crossmatch!
Yes, that sounds backwards but negative means that the recipient will not react negatively to the donor kidney. If you want to read more about it, you can go to: http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Kidney-Transplant-Matching/
My understanding is that Mark will undergo a blood draw on the same day so that the match testing can be performed.
The other tests I need to take include a full blood panel to check for any diseases/viruses/bad cholesterol, etc, the ever-wonderful 3-hour glucose screening and 2 full day urine collections to test for proteins and creatinine clearance (aka, testing my kidney function).
I'm really trying hard to detox my body right now. Cokes and coffee are a little hard to give up, alcohol isn't that hard.
At this point, my biggest fear is that one of these tests comes back with a result that doesn't allow me to be the donor.
So, I finish up my dreaded school project this week and then focus on this more important thing. I need you all on my side. I'll post another update when I can. Much love, Audrey.