An update from “A” and the Jerry Can.......
So far so good with "A". We knew she was a match in terms of blood type, but since my last post I have also learned that she and I are a match in terms of antigens (antibodies)!!! This is good news and means a few things; my body will not reject her kidney and because of this, she can be a direct donor to me without any extra steps having to be taken (i.e. antigen washing). As stated, this is great news although truth be told, I am still only cautiously optimistic as “A” still has many more tests to pass. But at least I feel like we have made it past the starting gate and are “off to the races”, approaching the first bend.
In addition to the blood work “A” had to complete to determine antigens, she also completed a 24 hour urine sample (to check kidney function). For those not familiar with this test, you basically have to pee into something that resembles a jerry can you use to get gasoline.
Both brother’s and Nancy had to repeat the urine test 2x for different reasons. I felt a bit bad about this as it does not seem like the most pleasant thing to have to do. You pretty much have to hang around your house in case mother nature calls. And if you went out, you certainly don’t want to be toting that jug around with you!!!
I remember my brother Glenn telling me that when he first picked up the jug his reaction was “how the heck am I going to be able to fill this” to subsequently changing to “it’s amazing how full it got” (sorry Glenn, hopefully not TMI)
I also imagine it is easier for a guy to do this test than a female given our differing anatomy. I think I get how a guy does it, but for a female, as I have never actually had to do this test, Nancy filled me in. For those wondering how a female gets the pee into that jug, Nancy shared that the nurse told her to go to the dollar store and buy something or just use a yogurt container. I now have a new visual for yogurt containers lol. And, the pee jug has to be stored in your refrigerator. Yuk. Not sure I’d want my urine next to the grapes I am going to be eating later…..
“A” picked up her urine jug on December 14th and handed it in on the 16th. After 3-4 days, when she did not hear anything back from the donor clinic in terms of results and next steps, she emailed them only to learn they are closed until January 4th. Have to say, I was not totally surprised to hear this. Over the last year I have become good at the waiting game.
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