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Kidney Transplant

Followup

In September Sam was best man for his brother Charles's wedding, a happy family event made even more joyful by Sam's newly regained health and Charles's pride and satisfaction from his donation of a second chance at life for his brother. Four months after donating his kidney, Charles had regained his strength, had moved to Louisiana, had obtained the job he longed for at a radio station, and had married. It was quite an eventful summer and a year which Charles will always remember as one of new directions and beginnings for him and Sam. Charles had a follow-up medical visit in July and was encouraged to seek a follow-up appointment annually, particularly to make sure his blood pressure remains normal with his one remaining kidney.

By the end of 1997 Sam's family had much to be thankful for at holiday time. Life was busy and back to normal again. They and their daughter, Laura, were busy with school, jobs, and taking care of the 49 different animals including a pot-bellied pig, horses, dogs, chickens, geese and cows. While the numbers tell the story in one dimension (creatinine ranging 1.3 to 1.8, BUN in the 20's and hematocrit now at a normal level of 44%), Sam's returned strength, interest in life and sense of humor were by far the most important markers of success. As a side effect of medications, he had even received a bonus of hair regrowth! The comparison of before and after successful transplantation was amazing and best of all, as his wife Tina said, "I've got my funny, healthy husband back again!"