Well we managed to get thru the 5 hour appointment on Monday! We met with an Intake Coordinator, a Kidney Specialist (Nephrologist), Surgeon, and Social Worker, all individually. I must say they were some of the nicest people I have ever met.
What I appreciate most is that they talked to Kristie too at her level.
Nigel and I were extremely impressed with the surgeon who took the time to show Kristie with his hands over her hands the model of the kidneys and how they would put a new one into her body - then showed her on her body where it would go.
Kristie has to go thru lots of tests...they drew 12 vials of blood! She was brave! She has to have an EKG, a pap smear, eccocardiogram (sp?), chest x-ray, TB test, get a series of shots for immunizations against Hepatitis A and B and pnemonia and that's just the beginning. I'm only telling her a few things at a time. Once those are done, the transplant team meets to approve her (or not) for the transplant.
Then those people who want to be tested as a possible living donor can start their testing processes. If they live out of our area, they can do the testing where they live and just send the reports to Swedish Medical Center. If you are interested in being a possible donor, I will email the name of our coordinator at Swedish and they will let you know what needs to be done.
They are also putting me in touch with a Mom whose daughter underwent a transplant last year...she is developmentally delayed and is 32 years old. It'll be good to talk with a mom who has had the experience.
As nice as they were, this whole thing is still overwhelming and quite sad. I know I have to be strong for Kristie but to put it bluntly, it totally sucks.
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