Wednesday, February 24, 2010

When do you call a miracle a miracle?

This is about Karina our 14 year old and her kidney failure that began about 6 months ago to today. Quick summary: End of Aug. Children's Hospital staff tells us Karina is in kidney failure. Her bun and creatnine levels were alarmingly, shockingly high. After much of Sept. being spent in the hospital getting her prepped for peritoneal dialysis at home. All the while in during her hospital stay, we prayed God might heal her kidneys and make them healthy and strong again. But this is not what God had in mind. We began looking at the miracles He did want to give us. We realized the Big miracle - Karina survived and was still alive in spite of the toxins that had been in her body. Then in November, we were told because her dialysis, diet and medications were working so well - she could begin the process of being listed for a transplant. December more extensive tests were taken and we learned her antibody levels were at a shocking level of 93%. For transplant, the levels should be at 10%. Our church community and friends fasted and prayed especially for Karina's to come down so she could get listed for a transplant. In January, we received news that the levels were still at 93%. Then in Feb. we received a call telling us that her antibodies are unusual ones and they feel she can still receive a transplant. Miracle? I guess so. God really does move in mysterious ways. Once again, HIs miracle was not the miracle we had planned on. Because His miracles look so different from the ones we pray for and plan on - sometimes I cannot believe. But He is teaching me. Now, I can see that God really desires Karina's transplanted kidney to come from a live donor as a cadavier donor for O blood is a 4-5 year wait. As well as we might need to have her receive some intervention for her elevated antibodies which needs to have a transplant timeline (cadavier cannot do this. . .). So, it looks like God needs someone to give up their kidney for Karina. Camille and I are happy volunteers and we hope to begin getting worked up soon to see if either of us is a good match. It would be best if I could be the best match - as I have had the blessing of bearing children and have lived my half century already in pretty great health. Who the donor is will yet be determined. I marvel at the path God seems to be funneling us into - very specific.

2 comments:

  1. I love you cute Okorens. Karina and your family are always in my prayers and the prayers of my family. You are so strong through all of this and a great example to me and so many people in your lives.

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  2. Cute blog nanette. Karina has been in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for this little miracle.

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