National Donate Life Month

April 6, 2012

It’s hard to believe that today marks 6 months since surgery. Time has really flown by! I am feeling great and so happy to have all of my strength back. I went for a 3 month and 5 month check up, everything looks good. My scar is starting to fade away and some days I completely forget that I had surgery.

Some exciting things are happing in my life right now. I have recently completed my Doula training with DONA International. I am so excited to begin this new journey as a Doula. A Doula is someone who is trained to give physical and emotional support to laboring women. I have a strong passion for educating and empowering women. I feel blessed to get to do what I love to do!

Also, in honor of Organ Donation Month I will be participating in the Dallas Kidney Walk on April 21^st. I am looking forward to being a part of Baylor’s walk team both because I am a Baylor employee and because Baylor is where my kidney donation surgery took place. I am hoping to bring awareness to organ donation. If you would like to show your support for the Dallas Kidney Walk you can make a donation on my behalf, here: http://donate.kidney.org/goto/vanessa.kelly

I would also like to encourage everyone to consider being an organ and tissue donor. I realize not everyone is eligible to be a living donor, but we can all register to be an organ donor. We won’t need this “Earthly Suit” in Heaven. I believe God has given us these amazing bodies to share in every way possible. Please Donate Life!! For more information about joining the Texas Organ Donor Registry visit, https://www.donatelifetexas.org/TXDear_Secure/Default.aspx

Over the past 9 months, since I first began this journey, my life has been touched in so many ways. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this amazing process. I experienced a new peace in my life when I allowed my heart to fully trust God. I am looking forward to next journey God has planned for me!

Thank You, O LORD, that you guide us along the best pathway for our lives. That you will advise us and closely watch over us. Psalm 32:8

2012 Kidney Walk

I just signed up for the 2012 Dallas Kidney Walk!  The walk is on Saturday April 21st.  I am so excited to join Baylor's kidney walk team!  Please consider supporting me to raise awareness of both kidney disease and living donation.

http://donate.kidney.org/goto/vanessa.kelly

3 Months Post-Op

January 11, 2012

Today was my 3 month post-op visit.  I can hardly believe it has already been 3 months since surgery!  I had a full day of follow- up testing. First was my glo-fill, this is used to test the function of my kidney.  It consisted of me drinking water, giving a urine sample, and having my blood drawn.   This went on for about 3 hours.  All together, I had to drink 11 cups of water.  Next, I had labs and an appointment with the doctor.  Overall, my results came back good.  The results of my pre-donation glo-fill showed my kidney function to be at 97%, today my kidney function is at 72%. This number will increase slightly over the next few months as my kidney continues to adapt.  They seemed a little concerned about my protein and creatinine clearance levels.  My previous creatinine clearance was 164 and today it is at 83.50 (The higher the better).   This means my creatinine clearance is only at about 50% of what it once was. The doctor said this is still an acceptable number.  She said this number could be affected by numerous things.  It could mean that I am just slightly dehydrated or it could be the venti latte that I’m addicted to at Starbucks (probably a little too much caffeine!).  They want me to follow up with my primary care doctor, stay well hydrated, and to keep an eye on all lab levels.  All lab results aside, I am feeling great!  Gary is also doing very well.  He has started subbing at a couple of districts in the area.  He is hoping to get his foot in the door and find a permanent job very soon! 

The highlight of my day was having coffee with a great friend.  Dana also had her follow up testing today.  We decided to meet up in between appointments to catch up.  It was great to see that everything is going so well for Dana and her recipient Jennifer.  God has taught me so many lessons and blessed me so much in this process.  I am certain that God meant for Dana and I to meet during this journey.  I am so thankful for her friendship!

A few things I am looking forward to, last week I met with Baylor’s corporate director of transplant.  She gave me information about the2012 Kidney Walk, benefiting the National Kidney Foundation.  Both Gary & I, along with our families plan to participate in the walk.  I was also informed about plans for a “Living Donor Wall” to recognize living donors at Baylor.  They are planning to dedicate the wall in April 2012.  I am very excited to see the results of this. 

“Faith is knowing that you never lose what you give away.”