Delmar
I'm a husband, a dad and a popa to 7 grandchildren.
My plan had always been to work until I was 65, providing my health remained stable. A year ago, that changed. I had to make the difficult decision to transition into retirement. Jobs that had been easy tasks, now became tasks that left me short of breath and feeling exhausted. My position as Road Foreman - Lead Hand, went from being the perfect job for me, to being stressful, exhausting and more than I felt I could tolerate any longer. It was very difficult for me to admit that my kidney disease had brought me to make this decision.
Since my retirement, I have come to realize that I made the right decision. I am Stage 5 and have now put my effort into finding a living donor. I follow a strict diet to maintain the kidney function that I still have. I hope that a donor will soon be found.
My history of polycystic kidney disease is genetic, therefore family members is not an option. The doctor's plan for me has always been to have a kidney transplant before having to go on dialysis. That is still my goal. I’m working hard to find a donor to avoid dialysis. I watched my Mother “survive” on dialysis for 11 years. That is not the quality of life that I want.
A kidney transplant would allow me to do all the things I hoped to do in active retirement - it would literally save my life. If you have considered becoming a living donor, I would love to hear from you.
Palmer Rapids, ON
Age: 64
Blood Type: O
Currently in active transplant status looking for a donor.
Reason for kidney failure: Genetic polycystic kidney disease.
Current kidney function: Stage 5 maintained with diet. No dialysis