Tyler’s Current Status

I wanted to give a quick update on Tyler’s health. Right now, things are stable. Tyler is keeping up with his lab work, diet changes, PD dialysis, and medical routines. I offered to be a living donor, but he prefers not to since I’m his caregiver and he will need support during recovery. There is often a sense of guilt when people receive an organ – what if the donor’s other kidney fails, a false sense of “owing” someone, and a potential guilt of destroying the kidney which was given. His disease will potentially eventually destroy the new kidney as it is not a cure, but a treatment, and the best one for IGA nephropathy. While I would never guilt him, I cannot change his inner experience and thoughts at this time. It is more important for me to respect him. We plan to wait for a deceased donor, which takes about three years for someone with O+ blood type. I am posting this to see if anyone would be interested in becoming his living donor. You never need to tell me.

Living Donor Considerations

Tyler is such a kind person that he doesn’t want to “inconvenience” anyone with the process. I’ll continue to post updates. I will advocate for the man I love. He has truly shown me what real love is. He is also an amazing father of two 8 year old boys. 🙂 If you are interested in learning more about becoming a living donor, please feel free to email donornurse@providencehealth.bc.ca and mention Tyler’s name. You can also read more information at https://www.transplant.bc.ca/transplant-patients/living-donor-kidney-transplant.

Family Involvement and Support

I was hoping more family members would come forward to help. So far, it has just been me and Tyler’s sister considering donation. We understand that this is a deeply personal decision. Some other family members have medical conditions, which I fully understand. Tyler would be the first to donate a kidney if roles were reversed. This is why I continue to advocate for him. I appreciate the support we have received from family and friends that have shown up and checked in.

Living Donor Program Details

If you are an American citizen, you would go through the necessary lab work with your health insurance. If you are from the United States or another country, the program covers the cost of surgery and related expenses. People can live healthy lives with just one kidney. The donor evaluation process ensures candidates are in good health before moving forward.

I encourage everyone visiting this site to consider becoming an organ donor in general. Your donation can help give someone back their loved ones. Scientists are working on turning pig kidneys into ones that humans can use. Recently, UBC managed to change the blood type of a kidney to the universal O+ type. There’s more work to be done. However, there is promising hope ahead for those with CKD and End Stage Renal Failure.

My apologies for the delay in updates. I returned to work in July. It has been healing to see my beloved colleagues but I still deal with the same stuff. Just less intense right now (which I am thankful for!). Life continues to persist & insist – but so do we. ❤ Thank you for reading.