The Kidney Transplant Issue

I've noticed on my IGAN (Imunoglobular A Nephropathy) site that some of the members have family members offering to donate kidneys. How wonderful. What a gift.

I'm afraid I'm one of the many who will have to leave that in the laps of the Gods. I was adopted as a baby and only found my natural family a few years back. We have a great relationship, but I feel I could never ask any of them "the big question".

I haven't even told them of my condition yet. I don't want them to feel obligated in any way. It's a strange situation. My mother signed the adoption papers in the hope that I would be given a much better life than I'd get if I was kept with the rest of the family. I think she'd be very upset to know I'm actually dying.

It's not that I think that any of my family wouldn't donate if they could, but my sister and two brothers both have families of their own and grandchildren. I know that there is a high possibility that any of them could develop IGAN some time in the future. My sister is suffering very high blood pressure now and hasn't found the cause. I'm going to suggest to her that she ask her doctor to send her for some tests. It might just be me being over-sensitive to the issue, but you never know, do you.

On the donation issue - I'd hate to think that our mother, father, brother - whoever - donated a kidney to me then found that their own child or grandchild might need one. I just couldn't do that.

I'm hoping that my condition keeps progressing very slowly and that I won't have to think about it for another 10 years at least - fingers crossed.
I am at peace with my condition and my mortality. I have truly left it up to God when it comes to that.

In the meantime... I'm too full of life to let this damned condition get in the way of a good time. Aches, pains and tiredness aside - I intend to squeeze every last drop of life out of this poor broken down body. I was looking forward to becoming old, wrinkly and interesting. I might even make it yet!

See you soon.