Waiting for Test Results

Had cross natch tests on Tuesday this week - they say it may take up to four weeks to get results.

Both my brothers Pete and Andy were tested - so now the wait until results come through. No doubt Joy will chase them on the phone and hopefully we'll get results within a few weeks.

Andy is a blood type match so if he has good cross match results he would be the recommended donor by the hospital. Pete isn't a blood type match so to take his kidney I would need to undergo desensitisation treatment. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desensitization_(medicine))

Have stopped leading prayer and I.T. at church as I try to reduce my commitments. At times this has left me feeling a bit lost with no role. I'm working from home at least one day per week which is helping with the tiredness.

Often in bed early and if I get the chance for a sleep in the day I take it! Today I managed church and then went to sleep at lunchtime totally exhausted - what a wimp!

Have felt low and emotional at times this week but have lots of positive people supporting me.

The brilliant Ann Paul suggested I read Psalm 121 this week which was perfectly timed and very encouraging.

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep. Not on your life!
Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.
God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you - Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.
God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.
(Psalm 121:1-8, The Message Translation)

Pray for strength physically, emotionally and spiritually and for rapid results from tests so that we can make a decision on how best to proceed.

Ultrasounds Complete

My two brothers have had their ultrasound tests to ensure they are free from PKD. These test results need to be examined by my renal consultant before we get referred for cross match tests.
Hoping this will be quick.

Saw consultant last week on Thursday and reviewed blood test results from a blood test done on Tuesday. My kidney function is at 16% - so sill falling at 1% per month. He agreed to write to the transplant unit and ask them to try and organise a transplant within the next 3 months.

My calcium levels are dropping so I'm now on calcium tablets - this will help reduce aching. I've been taken off water tablets because they are no longer effective at my kidney function level - apparently coming off these should give me a slight improvement in overall kidney function.

I'm getting regular kidney and back pain because of the size of my kidneys which are around 4x bigger than normal - but doctor has given me an ample supply of pain killers.

Plan now is to get my brothers cross match testing underway ASAP so that we can make a choice on which donor kidney to use - tough choice - incredible to have three potential options.

Praying for speedy action from the hospitals involved and wisdom to make the right choices.