A New Reason to Lose Weight

Rogstar

This is a bit of a long story, but someone may find it interesting. I have a new reason to lose weight.

My sister is 32 years old, and a tiny little thing. She's 5'-0", 105lbs, runs marathons, and has three kidneys. She's been dealing with kidney infections and UTIs since she was a child and, due to complications caused by exposure to E. coli earlier this year, the two on her right side are failing. She'll be having surgery next week to remove them, however there's a small chance that even the third has been damaged beyond repair. In time (months or years) she may need a donation.

I'm 34, 5'-7", 200lbs. We have the same blood type, and I may be a suitable donor if that is ever needed. One of our brothers might be chosen instead (assuming they're compatible and willing) since they're 10 years younger, in excellent health, and don't have families (I'm married with a daughter and we plan to have another child in the next couple of years.) But if I'm the only one who can do it in my family and I'm able to, I wouldn't hesitate. Of course she will get my kidney.

I have never had any health problems, have great blood pressure, and outside of the occasional trip to the ER because of my klutziness have only needed to go to annual doctor visits. I was 240 at my heaviest (that I recorded) and only started to lose weight 3 years ago because I didn't "look good" any more.

I have done very little research on living donation (we've only started to think about this since this weekend) and have not spoken with any health professionals about this, but I realized that I need to shed as much extra weight as I can to give myself the best possible chance to help my sister if she needs it. Matching donors with the best intentions and the most perfect health have been turned away due to obesity and it's risk factors. I know other measurements and factors will be taken into consideration, but if I only go according to BMI (insert commentary about it's shortcomings here) I'm still obese. Not as bad as I was, but still something that might give the donation team pause if I were to donate today.

So, even though I certainly have not had any reason to give up my current progress, I feel it is even more important to take care of my body and get down to a normal weight (heck, even "overweight".) Even if my sister never needs it, perhaps someone else in my life (or after death) will need a donation from me and I want to pass the organs on in the best possible condition.

Also, please donate blood if you are willing and able to. Someone out there and their family will be very grateful to you! This experience has reminded me to make an appointment, I haven't donated since last fall.

Thanks for reading if you got through this! Does anyone else out there have similar stories (receiving or donating?)

Narcissora

You are awesome.

StaciMarie1974

That's excellent motivation.

I have a good friend (known each other for nearly 30 years now) who donated one of her kidneys to her daughter 13 1/2 years ago. The same day I was in the hospital delivering my youngest. Now her daughter (age 23 now) is starting to have issues and may need another transplant within a year or two.

So... Knowing that a transplant doesn't necessarily last forever, assuming you & your brother are both fit, healthy and potential donors: the best plan may be for you to donate if/when its needed in the near future. And save him (as you said he's younger) for down the road.

earlnabby

Good luck to your sister and all of your family. The human body has wonderful recuperative powers and I hope your sister is one who's body takes over and heals that last kidney. How wonderful that she has a loving, caring family that will donate without hesitation if it becomes necessary.

I am heading over to the blood donation center next week. I like to donate as soon as I am able after the last one but I had to wait 2 weeks because I have a doctor's appointment today and she will be doing a blood draw, including a CBC, so it is best for me to donate afterwards. I have always donated as much as I can but I had a period of several years where I wasn't able to (low hemoglobin) and eventually ended up in the hospital with severe anemia that required 4 units of blood. With the extra energy I was getting having my iron back up, I have been able to lose weight, exercise a lot, and just live better and happier than I have in a long time. Thank you to those 4 people who gave their blood which allowed me to improve my life and regain my health and happiness! I have donated more than I received and I am doing my best to stay on the positive side of that ledger.

Rogstar

StaciMarie1974 wrote: »

That's excellent motivation.

I have a good friend (known each other for nearly 30 years now) who donated one of her kidneys to her daughter 13 1/2 years ago. The same day I was in the hospital delivering my youngest. Now her daughter (age 23 now) is starting to have issues and may need another transplant within a year or two.

So... Knowing that a transplant doesn't necessarily last forever, assuming you & your brother are both fit, healthy and potential donors: the best plan may be for you to donate if/when its needed in the near future. And save him (as you said he's younger) for down the road.

Thank you so much for the info Staci. It's too bad that the transplant can't last as long as the body requires it to.

My sister called my brothers and I her "holding tanks" for her future kidneys. She still has her sense of humor after the rough couple of weeks she's had and is very grateful for our willingness to help.

slaite1

That's amazing-what a wonderful family you have

lindseyyoungg

Great post. What a wonderful sister. I have one 4 years older and I know we would both do the same. I have a guide that I've been doing recently and it's great. It's 28 mins mon,wed,fri, and then 30 mins of walking the other 3. Sunday's are off days. It helped me shed 10 pounds in a short but reasonable time, along with toning my body. If you'd like, I can send it to you. Message me! If you ever need motivation or want to talk with anyone feel free to message me. You're a great sister and I know that your little sister loves and appreciates you very much. If it comes down to it and you are the only possible donor, she will be forever grateful! Warms my heart to hear your story!!

Orphia

Rogstar, you rock.

azulvioleta6

My father is a living donor and my mother is a kidney recipient. My father was 71 when he donated and had to go through all kinds of extra testing since he was over the recommended age. He came through it very well with really minimal pain and no apparent lasting issues.

This has been an amazing experience for my family. If you know where the surgery is likely to take place, look into taking a class on the subject. Another thing to ask about is donor/recipient events. The medical school where my family's surgeries took place has a transplant picnic every year--it's a great way to talk to real living donors and learn what their experiences are like.

The estimated life of a donated kidney is 10 years, but I know lots of people who have had them last longer. Taking care of yourself after the transplant is a LOT of work, and following the regimen to the letter will prolong the life of the donated kidney.

There are BMI restrictions, but they are not super strict. You may already qualify, and if not, it is likely a very achievable goal for you.

atypicalsmith

What a touching story. Thank you.