Social Worker

The social worker met with Lorne and I for over an hour this morning and she spoke practically non-stop for 50 minutes providing Lorne with background and lots of information before he had a chance to really ask anything in detail. She had answered most of his questions already and together they agreed that being a Living Kidney Donor is almost something I was meant to do.

We discussed how this program of living kidney donors gives research and technology time to figure out how to grow kidneys for transplant recipients or any other advances in medicine there could be out there. It's exciting times.

Brigitte said she would file her report by the end of the week. The next thing would be for me to meet with the nephrologist who ultimately determines my suitability. She reminded me to speak to my parents and Lorne assured her I would. Now I have write a letter to my family and await the phone call telling me the date of my next appointment.

After 2 days of tests...

The Toronto General Hospital is extremely efficient. All my appointments went very well, everything was easy to find and people were very helpful. There is even a great selection of healthy choices in the food court not to mention both Starbucks and Tim Horton's on the main floor when you first enter the main doors.

I found it most interesting to meet with Dr. Esther (the first psychiatrist I've ever known/met). She is a very nice lady. She determined that I am not depressed or suicidal and that my intentions are genuine. I became emotional speaking to her at one point. It came on quite suddenly. Something she asked prodded at me.

Brigitte, the Social Worker is also a very nice lady. I had never spoken with a social worker before either and didn't really understand her role in this. She spoke to me even longer than the psychiatrist had and explained a few things that I needed to do that I hadn't even contemplated deeply. Namely, she wanted me to discuss my plans to donate my kidney with my husband in more detail as well as with my family. As well, she made me aware that all aspects of this donation could not affect me negatively whatsoever so she had to ensure that I would not be physically, emotionally nor financially hindered by doing this.

Physically, all the tests I had done previously will determine whether I am physically able to donate a kidney. Emotionally, she needs to know I have support from my husband and family members. For instance, I will literally need some help around the house as I will not be able to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (no laundry for a month!). And financially, since I will be out of work for a few weeks (a few days in the hospital, up to 6 weeks for recovery), I had to be able to survive, not go into debt, etc.

So... I went home and talked to Lorne more. The whole thing seemed more imminent doing that. He was concerned but I mentioned that he will be put more at ease when he meets with the social worker. I had already booked the appointment for him and I to go back the following week, Thursday, July 16, and speak with Brigitte. In the end, he ultimately said that he loves me and will always support me in my decisions so at that moment I felt extremely relieved and happy. It just made this whole thing a lot easier. I couldn't have married a better man.

Then I spoke with Erika in HR and my managers the next day, Wednesday, July 8th. I had already mentioned it to May briefly before since I had to take a couple of personal days off for literally 2 day-long series of appointments (I have never spent so much time in a hospital). Erika was helpful and encouraging and Geoff was very supportive saying that a few weeks over the course of my career is insignificant. That just topped it off. I am feeling really good about this decision - it seems all sides are a "go" now. Having people on board with me makes all the difference in the world! I have my husband and my employer telling me this is a good thing for me to do.

Paul's Dad

I didn't know until the karate meeting tonight. I had heard Paul needed to take some time off from karate because his father was "sick" but didn't realize what it was. His father had experienced kidney failure, was ill for some time and is now doing better but needs to go to the hospital 2-3 times per week for dialysis. Paul takes him there some mornings. I couldn't believe this odd coincidence of somebody so close.

I asked Paul if he was on a donor waiting list for a kidney but he just said that it wasn't that serious.

I don't think there is a "cure" or that it will get better. I think it is just a matter of time...