Stephanie Wanek

LIVING Kidney DONOR NEEDED

Most people are probably unaware that I am in stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease. I was first aware something was amiss during my first pregnancy when my OB was concerned that I would develop Toxemia based on my lab results. I was fortunate enough to have a normal pregnancy and delivery and even more fortunate to be blessed with two more children after that. Once my baby days were over and I focused more on my health it was determined that I had a condition called Focal Glomerular Sclerosis. A fancy way of saying my kidneys were not going to last for as long as I would need them.
Today I had my 2nd annual appointment at Rush University Medical Center organ transplant clinic. If I'm lucky I'll maybe get a donor kidney in about 4 years. I was asked by a nurse at the clinic if I would be interested in this program to possibly obtain a kidney from a live donor. Of course I would! I'm not sure what type of person one would have to be to generously give up a vital part of themselves to better the health of another but I'd like to think I would be that type of person if I were able.
Due to some lifestyle changes and possibly some seriously good luck I've been able to avoid going on dialysis. Most likely though this streak will not continue for a full 4 years. Patients who have never been on dialysis and receive a kidney from a live donor have the best odds of success. If there is a possibility I could be one of those patients then I'm willing to put my story out there.
There are many others out there who are in much more need than I am. If you are unable to help me that's fine. If you haven't already signed up to be an organ donor through the Secretary of State I would ask that you do so. You never know whose life you may save some day.

At first having kidney disease just meant I saw a specialist every 6 months and kept my blood pressure down with medication. About 5 years ago I had a bleeding angiomyolipoma on my right kidney. (Fancy term for a tumor) The procedure I underwent to have this repaired wound up causing severe irreparable damage to my already diseased kidneys. It was necessary to have done or I wouldn't be here to talk about this now.

Anyone can get tested to be a donor. The cost goes through my insurance with the exception of your normal annual cancer screenings. Those of you over 50 years old know the one I'm taking about and you women out there know about the other two awful invasive tests we endure each year.

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