My Teacher, Friend, and Now Guest Blogger

Background: I met Alison Larriviere at St. Catherine of Siena School many years ago when I had the pleasure of teaching two of her three sons in Prek-4. Alison was a great mom who was involved in the school and in our classroom activities.  She also became a friend to me and my family.  She was my “go to person” when Ken got sick.  She had worked in the transplant department at Ochsner hospital and in the dialysis clinic.  I remember sitting on my living room floor as Alison informed me about the journey that our family would be taking with this kidney disease.  She gave me so much useful information and even “tutored” me on the art of asking the right questions when talking to the doctors. So as we continue on this journey I knew I wanted Alison to be a “blogger.”  She has so much experience and information to share. I thank Alison from the bottom of my heart.  She will always be an “adopted Roig” and most importantly my friend. We love you Alison!!!!

Hi everyone, 

I have been incredibly blessed with the privilege of knowing Mrs. Pat and Mr. Ken for over a decade as my children’s Pre-K teacher and her husband but more importantly as my dear friends. I have also been beyond fortunate to have the wonderful opportunity to serve (since 1994) as a transplant nurse working with the most incredible staff, patients and their loved ones who have taught me about faith, courage and hope during unimaginable times such as these for the Roig family.

People with kidney failure who qualify for transplant surgery have two basic options: stay on dialysis or get a transplant. Those receiving a kidney transplant generally live twice as long as those who stay on dialysis and are not restricted by the challenging routine of dialysis therapy. There are not enough deceased donors for the number of people who need kidney transplants. Although living donor kidney transplantation is more common, there are still many myths associated with living donor kidney transplantation.

For Mrs Pat’s wonderful blog, I have offered to present a little more detail regarding kidney donation and dispel some of the common myths regarding kidney donation. Much of this info can be found on the National Kidney Registry website which helps to facilitate LIVING KIDNEY DONATION:

• Anyone who meets the following criteria could be considered for possible donation: 
• Age 18-65 
• Overall good general health 
• Healthy body weight (Body Mass Index < 34) 
• No high blood pressure 
• No diabetes or borderline diabetes 
• No kidney disease

• All testing and financial requirements would be handled by the recipient’s insurance. There is NO financial burden to the donor. Surgery is laparoscopic. The donor stays in the hospital for approximately 24 hours and most can resume their regular activities within 2 weeks! *Out-of-state donors can also be considered and the majority of the testing can be done close to that donor's home before the actual surgery.

• Donor Life Expectancy: Donating a kidney does not reduce a person’s life expectancy. Interestingly, people who have donated a kidney outlive the average person.  Some believe that it is because only healthy people can be selected to be living donors. Others think that the altruistic act of giving the gift of life and the happiness and satisfaction that follows has a positive impact and leads to a healthier and longer life.

• Complications: The possibilities of post-operative complications include bleeding, wound infection and fever. Most complications are generally short-term and can be addressed with quality medical care.

• Mortality Rate: Although more than 6,000 living donors in the United States donate their kidneys every year, the procedure is not without risks. The donor surgery has a .03% mortality rate (i.e., 3 in 10,000). 
  
  
  Myth #1: A kidney donor will have to take medications for the rest of their life
  Fact #1:  A kidney donor will be given prescriptions for pain medication and stool softeners at discharge from the hospital. These are only for the immediate post-operative period, after that time, a donor does not have to take medication
   
  Myth #2: A kidney donor will have debilitating pain for an extended period of time.
  Fact #2: A kidney donor will have some pain after surgery from both the incisions and related to gas and bloating. This pain will diminish in the days following surgery and can be controlled with pain medication if necessary.
  
  
  Myth #3: A kidney donor will be on bed rest following surgery.
  Fact #3: A kidney donor will be out of bed and walking independently before discharge from the hospital.
  
  
  Myth #4: A kidney donor will be in the hospital for an extended period of time after surgery.
  Fact #4: A kidney donor will be hospitalized for two nights (i.e. if surgery is on a Tuesday, the donor will typically be discharged on Thursday).
  
  
  Myth #5: A kidney donor can no longer participate in sports or exercise.
  Fact #5: A kidney donor should be able to return to regular activities and exercise at approximately 4-6 weeks following surgery.
  
  
  Myth #6: A kidney donor will have to follow a new diet plan following donation.
  Fact #6: A kidney donor should eat a healthy, well balanced diet. There are no dietary restrictions following donation.
  
  
  Myth #7: A kidney donor can no longer consume alcohol following donation.
  Fact #7: While excessive alcohol use is always dangerous, a kidney donor can consume alcohol in moderation.
  
  
  Myth #8: A female kidney donor should not get pregnant after donation.
  Fact #8: A female kidney donor should wait 3-6 months’ time after donation to become pregnant. The body requires time to recover from the surgery and to adjust to living with one kidney prior to pregnancy.
  
  
  Myth #9: A kidney donor's sex life will be negatively affected by donation.
  Fact #9: A kidney donor may engage in sexual activity when they feel well enough to do so.
  
  
  Thanks for sharing this opportunity for such a tremendous gift with those close to your hearts!!!!!
  
  
  Love,
  Alison