Journal Entry 5: Healing the Leg

In January 2010, Kay decided to donate a kidney and began a life-changing journey. She chronicled her experience in detailed journals, which she is now sharing here.

Jan. 31, 2010

The fall from the roof turned out to be a good test for me. One wonders how one's body will heal as one grows older. How resilient am I? And how will the resiliency (or lack of it) affect my possible surgery?

The staff at the immediate care center called me "a tough old broad" when they noted that I should have broken my hip, instead of just a hairline fracture to the leg. And as the days progressed, I could see my leg was recovering very quickly. By week two, I was back at exercise class, sitting on a chair doing upper body moves. By week three, I was getting up and down off the floor with little pain. Eventually, I could walk with no pain, and hardly recalled I'd had the fall. Toni at Sharp Memorial Hospital asked that I get a clearance from the orthopedist before coming to San Diego for the stress test, etc. So he took another look at me and pronounced me good to go!

The two day trip to San Diego was scheduled for Jan. 12-13, and I started again to build my endurance for the much-anticipated stress test. Power walks and serious exercise.

By now, a few more friends had to know of my kidney project, even though there was still a good chance I would not prove to be a suitable donor. A friend loaned me her GPS to find my way around (along with Google maps), doggie sitters, neighbors to watch out, etc. More friends were asking to help with my list of questions for the nephrologist and counselor. Others were expressing concern about the wisdom of the venture and was I sure I wanted to do this thing?

The real tests were finally upon me and my kidney was having the opportunity to "speak for itself."

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's transplant services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about transplant, visit Transplantation in Adult Health or read the Transplant News archive.