Thursday, December 09, 2010

Healthy Kidneys For Everyone!

I just spoke to my friend, Heidi (pictured here in her natural state), who is in the hospital after blazing through her kidney transplant yesterday. I'm told the pink is back in her cheeks and she is even walking through the halls - an amazing response to a tricky operation.

This means the end of dialysis for Heidi, which is the best news ever. Through her, I have discovered what an incredibly difficult way of life that is - cramping one's style is the very least of it. Heidi is a vibrant woman who loves travel, adventure, books and meaty conversations. I love her dearly and am so lifted by this wonderful turn of events.

Heidi was one of several dialysis patients who received a kidney thorough a 'donor chain' of patients and donors. It's kind of complicated but it allows for multiple people to receive a healthy kidney that matches their blood type. So, she's on the same hospital floor with several kindred spirits who all face a new life.

If you haven't thanked your kidneys lately for the great job they are doing, now is a good time.

3 comments:

hotdrwife said...

Wonderful news!

Heidi's heart said...

Oh, Heather, thanks much for this tribute. And excellent choice in a photo. I was at death's door, barely able to cross the room, and now I feel better than I've felt in more than 12 years. So far, I've lost 16 pounds since surgery. All those fluids were dragging on my lungs and my heart. Now they're gone, and I'm really skinny! Got to build some muscle.

Heather Clisby said...

So glad you are back on track, Heidi!