Ponybill needs a kidney!

[ponybill]

Reconstruction of lost topic.

[carpediem50]

bummer about all that stuff disappearing.

So what's new? Forgive me for forgetting the time of the test, but have you and your bro gone in together to get the marker tests done yet?

[ponybill]

Miles, yeah, we went on Friday. I gave them a ration of ####. I cornered them about the way certain protocols have to be followed and test are done, etc..

We had to go to the lab, so I didn't get to discuss everything with them but they apologized up and down. Some things they were very evasive on. I asked simple questions they couldn't answer or blamed the insurance company, or the sharing network. Funny, when I talked to the insurance co., they said the hospital dictates their own procedures for organ transplant at the hospital. I talked with Mary at Cigna, she was surprised this was happening too.

It's frustrating arguing with the people who are supposedly there to help you. Quite honestly, I don't have the energy to fight this fight. Between this and the crap with my dad's estate, I am about to go postal.

The blood from me and my bro went to the sharing network together on Friday for cross-matching. I should hear in 7 days. More god damned time wasted.

[ponybill]

I know some stuff had to go to clean up the site, but that thread had a lot of good info on organ donation, websites and info on kidney disease not to mention my progress (or lack thereof).

Mods, could we please put it back somehow?

[Mike53]

Originally Posted by ponybill

I know some stuff had to go to clean up the site, but that thread had a lot of good info on organ donation, websites and info on kidney disease not to mention my progress (or lack thereof).

Mods, could we please put it back somehow?

That thread probably should have been a sticky a while back.

[Michael Yount]

Doin' the best we can to send good thoughts/energy your way Bill so you can get things resolved in a positive way...

[Greg@GLD]

Originally Posted by ponybill

I know some stuff had to go to clean up the site, but that thread had a lot of good info on organ donation, websites and info on kidney disease not to mention my progress (or lack thereof).

Mods, could we please put it back somehow?

Sorry man, wish it could be undone but it can't.

The way the prune is supposed to work is to leave "older" topics alone if they have had a reply within the specified timeframe, in this case that would have been 30 days. There's something wrong if that topic has had recent activity and it vanished along with the junk..

The fact is, I have let it go too long and Chris actually instructed me a long time ago to please keep the lounge prunned at 30 days.

We can try to work together here to prevent this in the future. If anyone sends me a PM to flag a decent topic that is not worthless drivel and actually has some value, we can and will make sure it does not get flushed down the toilet with the other crap that ends up in there.

That's the best I can do. If anyone could possibly think I'd intentionally delete a topic like that, they are very, very wrong and do not know anything about me.

I'm sorry that your topic got pruned with the rest of the junk, and I accept responsibility for that.

[Greg@GLD]

One more thing ponybill- if it matters any to you, I live with one functional kidney and have for many many years. I'll be in the same boat if mine ever goes south on me. I wish you good luck, and if I could, I would give you one but that would mean...well... I think you know what that would mean.

[Gary L]

Speaking of Pun, where has he been? Haven't seen a post by him in a while.

Originally Posted by Greg@GLD

The way the prune is supposed to work is to leave "older" topics alone if they have had a reply within the specified timeframe, in this case that would have been 30 days. There's something wrong if that topic has had recent activity and it vanished along with the junk..

We've pretty much kept that topic on pages 1-3 for a long time; I don't think the last post was more than 2 or 3 days back.

[KC LX]

If you re-build it, they will come. I'll post up the organ and bone marrow donor info and other resources I noted in the other thread as I recall them.

[ponybill]

Originally Posted by Greg@GLD

One more thing ponybill- if it matters any to you, I live with one functional kidney and have for many many years. I'll be in the same boat if mine ever goes south on me. I wish you good luck, and if I could, I would give you one but that would mean...well... I think you know what that would mean.

Wow, Greg that sucks. What happened if you don't mind me asking? You are a stand up guy and thanks for the offer, but yeah, you do need the one ya got I'm sure your one remaining kidney will continue to function well. People can live long, healthy lives with just one and the working kidney actually can increase in size to accomodate not having two. I fully realize that you did not remove the thread intentionally, it's all good

As for me, I was informed by the transplant clinic yesterday that my brother and sister are missing the A2 marker necessary for them to donate. They were both very upset when I told them. At least I got a quick response by voicing my concerns about the process and they "fast tracked" my results in just one day so I could continue with other potential donors.

Thanks again for everyone's support and kind words in this difficult time. I'm just going to stay positive, dammit!

Joey! Sending you a PM, bro.

[carpediem50]

Greg, for future reference, no deletion of the kittah threads or kidney threads.

Bill, sorry to hear that bad news man. That sucks all kinds of ass.

sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

[Greg Kulbick]

It'll work out for ya, Bill. Just think, then you can become a professional fighter. Houston Alexander donated one of his kidneys to his daughter years ago, and now he beats people up for a living.

[ponybill]

Thanks for the sticky guys. The Corral> Any other site on teh web

[Mike53]

Originally Posted by Greg@GLD

It's all bonk's fault...

I cannot tell if this in jest or not.

[Greg@GLD]

Jest.

[Mike53]

Thought so...just checkin'

[dba-murder]

Originally Posted by Greg Kulbick

It'll work out for ya, Bill. Just think, then you can become a professional fighter. Houston Alexander donated one of his kidneys to his daughter years ago, and now he beats people up for a living.

Beat downs FTW?

[ponybill]

This thread should not be just about me, but all people waiting for transplants of all kinds. Here are some websites with info on donation/sharing and causes of kidney problems.

http://www.unos.org/
http://www.organdonor.gov/
http://www.matchingdonors.com/life/index.cfm
http://www.kidney.org/kidneyDisease/

I would urge everyone to use the banner ad on this site and sign up for organ donation. It is the greatest gift you can give someone.

Thanks everyone.

[FordDriver]

So how does one know if he or she is a match? Say for instance, I am several thousand miles away and am a potential donor, so how would I find out?

[scott9050]

I hope it works out for you. My wife was born with only one kidney, so it is something that we worry about constantly. I nearly lost her a few weeks ago when her severe acute pancreatitis (caused by a botched outpatient procedure) started to shut her organs down. Luckily it reversed and she pulled through after 17 days in the hospital, though her job fired her for it. Good luck!

[ponybill]

So how does one know if he or she is a match? Say for instance, I am several thousand miles away and am a potential donor, so how would I find out?

The first step is to find out what blood type you are if you don't know. This can be done for free by donating blood. If you have type O blood, and you want to be a donor, I can give you the number of the clinic and they pre-screen you with a phone interview. They ask general health questions and if you are on any medications. Anybody who has type O blood and is generally in good health can be considered. The clinic and my ins. co. workout the logistics of out of state donors. It's a little tricky with live donors in that there can be no coersion on my part. It has to be strictly of your free will to want to donate.

I hope it works out for you. My wife was born with only one kidney, so it is something that we worry about constantly. I nearly lost her a few weeks ago when her severe acute pancreatitis (caused by a botched outpatient procedure) started to shut her organs down. Luckily it reversed and she pulled through after 17 days in the hospital, though her job fired her for it. Good luck!

Thanks. Many people live long lives with one kidney but I can understand your concern. I'm glad your wife was OK, that was close. I can't believe she got fired!

[carpediem50]

Originally Posted by scott9050

Luckily it reversed and she pulled through after 17 days in the hospital, though her job fired her for it. Good luck!

That's ####ed up!!!

Thankfully she's ok though!

[speedfreak87]

Originally Posted by ponybill

Thanks for the sticky guys. The Corral> Any other site on teh web

WRONG!! My site > all. lol!

I resent the pm. I'll actually probably give you a call monday or tuesday because I have some questions.

[ponybill]

Originally Posted by speedfreak87

WRONG!! My site > all. lol!

I resent the pm. I'll actually probably give you a call monday or tuesday because I have some questions.

Ha ha! True. OK, cool.

Here's some good info on living donation:
http://www.transplantliving.org/livi...n/default.aspx

For those who have asked, here are the basic guidelines for living donation:

In order to qualify as a living donor, an individual must be physically fit, in good general health, and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18-60 years of age. Gender and race are not factors in determining a successful match, but donors must have a blood type compatible with the intended recipient.

Routine tests are also always performed to determine the potential donor's level of physical and mental health, and compatibility with the patient awaiting a transplant.

Transplant centers must also implement a written living donor informed consent process that informs the prospective living donor of all aspects of and potential outcomes from living donation.

[bgjohnson]

Sending good thoughts and vibes your way man!

[ponybill]

Thanks again for your positive thoughts.

Donna (KC LX) Just sent me a PM with an obit of someone she knew who worked in a store she frequents. I'd like to share with you.
http://www.legacy.com/KansasCity/Dea...sonID=94227849
Heather Erin Parks Moore 32, Kansas City, MO. went to be with her Lord and Creator and her beloved mother on Saturday September 8, 2007, after experiencing a cerebral hemorrhage. A celebration of Heather's life will be 11AM Friday September 14th at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park. Visitation will be Thursday September 13th from 6PM-8PM at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Second Chance Pet Adoptions 800 NW 134th Street Smithville, MO 64089. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com Heather was born February 14, 1975 in Merriam, Kansas. She graduated from Shawnee Mission South in 1993 where she was a varsity cheerleader. She attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1998 with a major in English Literature. Heather loved to dance, she was a ballerina with the Kansas City Ballet. She also loved music, was an avid reader and was deeply concerned with current affairs. Along with her "snarky" sense of humor Heather had the largest, kindest heart. She offered unconditional compassion to everyone she met. She couldn't resist helping people or animals in need. She had a wonderful, gentle spirit. Her unselfishness is exemplified in Heather's final gift, the donation of her Organs and tissue so that others may live. Over 50 other people in need have been helped through her generosity. Heather's family finds great solace and comfort in this, and encourages everyone to consider becoming an organ donor. Her mother, Nancy Anne Pendleton, maternal grandparents Helen and William Eveland Sr. and paternal grandfather Robert Parks, precede her in death. She is survived by: her fiance Shaun Martin, father David Parks, his wife Lisa, her brother William Parks, brother and sister Jeff and Jennifer Beatty, grandmother Marjorie Mulvany, uncle Bill Eveland, his wife Pat, uncle Cliff Eveland and his wife Mary, uncle Mark Eveland and his wife Darsi, uncle Robert Parks and his wife Donna and her aunt Carol Carpenter, cousins Amanda Haney and her husband Jeff and their daughter Gracyn, MacKenzie and Matthew Eveland, her longtime best friend Anne Guccione and her family and her beloved "canine boys" Shiloh and Baxter and numerous other human and animal friends. (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel 913-4511860).
Published in the Kansas City Star on 9/11/2007.

Thanks for the article, Donna.

[GotTorque?]

Hey Bill, since it was lost in the thread deletion, can you give everyone a quick summary of your condition and your status right now? Also about the kid whose parents made the decision to donate his organs and all?

Thanks!

[ponybill]

Originally Posted by GotTorque?

Hey Bill, since it was lost in the thread deletion, can you give everyone a quick summary of your condition and your status right now? Also about the kid whose parents made the decision to donate his organs and all?

Thanks!

Sure, Cara. Hope you are feeling better?

Funny you should mention my condition as I just got back from the doc. It's basically on me now as to when I have to go for dialysis. They are working with me to postpone dialysis as long as possible. But, if I have significant weight loss/loss of appetite and I have fluid in my lungs, I'll have to be admitted ASAP to start the process of dialysis. I am marginal right now and should be on it, but for those who have experienced it, I am going to wait until it is absolutely necessary.

As for the kidney that has lasted almost 25 years inside me (next Sept 3rd would be the 25th anniversary of my transplant), it was donated by the parents of a young child who was killed in a car accident. That little boy was only 5 years old. I know nothing more than those two facts, that and he lived in Arkansas. His parents unselfishly gave his kidney to me so that I was able to experience so many wonderful things. I guess I could very loosely compare it to being constantly pregnant lol, but to have a part of someone else inside you, keeping you alive, is truly an amazing thing and changes your whole perspective on life.

I am reaching out to each and every one of you reading this to let you know just how much you can do for someone you will probably never meet by donating. I thank and pray every waking moment of my life for that little boy who gave so much so long ago, and I never even knew who he was. I'll get to thank him personally someday though.

[dba-murder]

Originally Posted by ponybill

I'll get to thank him personally someday though.

But not too soon

[ponybill]

Originally Posted by dba-murder

But not too soon

10-4 good buddy

[stangmaster]

just PM'd you ponybill im O neg and i might not need 1 of my kidneys....

[ponybill]

Originally Posted by stangmaster

just PM'd you ponybill im O neg and i might not need 1 of my kidneys....

Matt,
Thanks. Like I said before, the world needs more people like you. You should tell your brother's story here.

I think I should clarify a little as to why I need a transplant. When I was 13, I had kidney failure. The doctors to this day don't know what happened to my original kidneys. All of my medical records from 1982-1985 were somehow "lost" by Beth Israel hospital in Newark. So, trying to figure out what happened is impossible for my docs now. I talked with my doc yesterday, and she said what might have happened is I had a glamerial (SP?) infection that caused scarring in my original kidneys leading to shutdown. I'll never really know though.

I had a transplant when I was 15 after almost 2 years on dialysis. Now after 25 years, this kidney is giving out due to allographic neropathy. That's a fancy way of saying my kidney is not working anymore. Typically, a good kidney will last 20-30 years, so I got some good life out of this one.

[ponybill]

Hey guys. Got an update from my doctor tonight (right before going in for my algebra final exam). I dropped from 14% to 10% function in the last three weeks and they said I really should be on dialysis. I can't really drop any more. I was trying to get done with a semester of school before dropping out and make it through the holidays at least. Looks like I won't make it far into the new year without it.

I'm starting to retain water in my legs and ankles, and if I get fluid in my lungs it can be deadly. I'm also getting severe joint pain and weakness in my arms and legs too. I just want to sleep. No more joking around with this I guess.

[MFE]

I'm sorry man. Can't imagine.