Hopefully, by next week I will be finished with all of the medical tests to deem me able to donate my kidney to Karina. The tests have been pretty easy-just time for scheduling etc. I have had a colonscopy, chest xray, TB test, numerous blood tests to determine if I have any serious problems in my blood. We did find out that I have an epstein barr virus/mono strain in my blood. This concerned me and I called about it and was told not to be alarmed - kind of normal for adults (my age) to have mono without knowing it. Hmm. Today I start a 24 hour clearance to check all of my urology/nephrology systems. Next week, a stress test for one morning to see the condition of my heart. I never realized how much the heart and kidneys are related.
I am anxious to be finished and declared healthy enough for Karina. I am anxious to get the dates set with the hospital for our surgeries. I am anxious for Karina to be feeling better again.
Frank has told me he thinks this is heroic of me to do this. I don't really agree with that. It is such an honor to be in this position. I am so thrilled my kidneys are a good match for Karina. I realize that I am merely doing something parents the world over would happily do for any of their children. So many parents have to sit idly by their suffering children without the opportunity to step in and help alleviate the suffering. Kidney sick children give their loved ones a chance to step in. This is a tender mercy from the Lord, in my opinion - to be allowed to do something to help Karina.
