@rosemarya - Thanks for the encouragement. I never looked at it from that vantage point. And...I shared about my health issues on Monday (topic was prayer so it was natural, on topic, and not intentional/planned) and the next day one of the women offered to be tested to be a living donor for me! That is an answer to prayer and brings my list of potential donors to 3!!!

@contentandwell - What is MAC and HE?

What is the reason for your high creatinine? Are they doing anything about it? Mine is 2.42 so I'm concerned for you. I don't want to worry you but obviously you are not pleased either.

@contentandwell - I think I understand what was going on and I guess it is good that the confusion episodes were from the cirrhosis and not yet another medical issue.

@lcamino, The timing of your message was perfect. I received/read it before I got out of my car. I was going to visit a woman whose son is going thru kidney transplant evaluation next month. I shared your message. She said it gave her chills; we hugged for a short while. She hopes that one of his siblings will be his match. Thank you for sharing because it gave her hope and reassurance.
Rosemary

People have surgery after transplant. People have babies after transplant, too.
And, yes, transplant team will follow you closely both before and after surgery. The whole transplant process is like a finely choreographed ballet performance....and there is not a detail that is overlooked or left to chance.
Rosemary

@contentandwell - So they think the med is causing the high creatinine?

@lcamino,
HE is hepatic encephalopathy - inflammation or swelling of the brain. It can occur with late stage cirrhosis. Symptoms are confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech . With advanced liver failure (cirrhosis) we were advised to be alert for the physical symptoms. My labs tested for my ammonia level to monitor me for it. I think it is related to the liver not being able to filter as it should.

(MAC/MAI) is MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS - I pasted this from one of the discussion group labels.

Rosemary

@contentandwell - Can you ever do labs when out of town (assuming it is a lab approved by insurance?). I know you can do dialysis if you are traveling so maybe a prearranged lab could get the order? Might be worth asking.

I totally agree that people in service careers do not get enough thanks/appreciation. I'm always amazed at how appreciative people are when I thank them (doesn't take much) and my husband reminds me that they probably don't hear it much (sometimes they tell me that). I think it is really important to express our thanks to our medical staff as well. One morning I was flying to Mayo and I saw a chocolate stand in the airport. They had chocolate bars that said Thank You. I decided to buy a treat for the study coordinators and I think they were pleased. A card would have been sufficient. It doesn't take much.

@rosemarya - Thank you for sharing with the mother and thank you for sharing with me. I think we always have to remember the domino effect our words, and actions, can have with people (positive and negative) - many with people we never even know. I learned this lesson when our daughter passed away. It was one of those "blessings" from a less than optimal situation.

@rosemarya - So encouraging and amazing. Transplantation process is as much a science as an art. It's amazing what they know and I'm so thankful for doctors that have chosen to begin and perfect the transplant process.