Rogue Kidney's Weekend Off

Hubby and I experienced another first this past weekend: it was our first weekend get-away in several months. This was the weekend of my annual aikido weekend intensive workshop in Monterey, California. Hubby thought that I was ready for it as long as I took some appropriate precautions. Besides, it would be really good to just get away.

Going into this weekend, we did make a few adjustments. Since I am still technically on probation (i.e., I should not dine out too much), I brought my lunch the first day.  We were very mindful of our meals and made sure that we dined in some very good establishments and that my food was thoroughly cooked and made to order, for me – two of the things that we really need to live-by, literally. I still wanted to have a nice dining experience or two, and we did that!

I also (regrettably) did not attend the group picnic lunch. Picnics can be hazardous for kidney transplant recipients, since like buffets, food would most likely has not been stored at the appropriate temperature, and/or for the appropriate amount of time, making it a germ factory. AND there is no microwave in sight to zap those bugs out. Oh well, it is a small price to pay for a fairly normal life.

I was able to participate two out of three days of the workshop or seven out of nine classes. I figured that resting the third day would be a pretty good idea; after all, it’s not even been five months since my transplant. One of the senseis (“teachers”) even commented that she was rather surprised to see me on the mat at all. I thought I did pretty well. I only got really tired at the end of the last class on Saturday; we had five classes that day.

Hubby and I spent as much time as possible together. With me in the workshop most of Saturday, we only shared lunch and dinner that day. We did enjoy, most of Friday with each other and shared a great day together on Sunday. Since we were both exhausted, we enjoyed a short walk at Lover’s Point (how appropriate), visited the Aquarium (I had to put on my mask on because of the crowds) and shared lunch at our most favorite place in Monterey (Schooner’s-on-the Bay at The Monterey Plaza Hotel).

I did gain almost four pounds (I think mostly in fluid) from our dining out. Luckily, I lost most of it as of this writing.

We’re looking forward to more weekends like this one. I love getting away and being in a new environment, especially when one has been at home for almost five months. I also enjoy being near the ocean. It’s very relaxing to be in the fresh air and enjoying the sounds of the ocean.

 

Happy Summer Travels! Bon Voyage!

A Homecoming of Sorts

Hubby and I visited my dialysis center last Friday. We were overdue for a visit, but we just received the go-ahead at my last check-up from my lead transplant nephrologist.

We timed our visit so that some of the techs would be on their dinner break and, hopefully not too busy. I had mixed feelings about the visit. On the one hand, the technicians and nurses have become my friends, and I do miss them. On the other, the center had some really stressful and frustrating memories for me.

We were so warmly welcomed. The technicians missed us. Unfortunately, my favorite ‘sergeant-at-arms,’ err … charge nurse was not there at the time. I guess we just have to visit again, some other day.

They commented about how good I looked and how my complexion has improved (I remember having really dry skin when I was in dialysis, and I probably looked tired a lot).  Most of them have been wondering when or if I would come and visit.  Most folks don’t come back after getting their transplant. Some of the patients even commented that we’re a good walking advertisement for a kidney transplant. I look both very healthy and happy!

In spite of the happy reunion, the place did look a bit sad and quiet that day. Maybe it was because the techs were on dinner break. Normally, when I showed up for treatment, I was in a fairly bright mood; the technicians and I would exchange jokes. Don’t get me wrong, there were days when I did dread coming to dialysis, especially when I was sick or had an awful day at work. Most of the time, I tried to make the best it, usually by escaping in my fashion magazines, watching my favorite TV shows, getting lost in playing games on my iPod, and of course, enjoying a conversation with Hubby.

Looking around that day, the patients looked very, very quiet. There was certainly sadness in the air - perhaps a quiet acceptance of their situation. I talked to some of my old friends, acquaintances (as did Hubby, who chatted with a fellow Pittsburg Steelers fan, friend of his). I’ve learned that some of them have been waiting for a transplant for even longer than I; one of them was recently refused a transplant because he was deemed too old (and too ill). Many of these patients even had to delay any travel, because of the ongoing dialysis treatments.

After this visit, I appreciate the gift of a receiving a second chance in my life even more!

I no longer have to go to dialysis three times a week and have the ability to enjoy travel without worrying where and when to dialyze. I am so sad that there are so many others who are still waiting, wanting, and perhaps, running out of hope – can you imagine! I so wish that they will not give up, because that gift can come in the middle of the morning, on any given day, seemingly out of nowhere – as it did for me and for us.

2013 San Francisco Kidney Walk

Last weekend was Kidney Walk weekend in the Bay Area. Hubby and I participated in the walk in San Francisco. It was a wonderful day in the City – a perfect day for a walk along the Embarcadero. The temperature was mild, the sun was shining, there was a very light breeze, and lots and lots of smiling faces.

There we go...

I was pleasantly surprised about the HUGE turnout this year. It was much larger this year compared to last. Huge teams participated including one from a local high school, a big group of friends and family, and even one from a local dialysis center. We even had a very high profile corporate sponsor – Hewlett-Packard.  Amongst these huge teams were families, couples, and individuals – all of us united in a common goal, i.e., to celebrate life and, to raise kidney disease research monies.

Walking, walking, walking...

I even saw one of the technicians from my old dialysis center. He recognized me in the sea of people and faces. We exchanged hugs. I miss my friends there. We had been together “through thick and thin” for some four years. I am overdue for a friendly visit.

It was quite encouraging for me to see so many people supporting the walk.

Kidney disease can be a silent killer. Per the NKF website, “because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are actually failing, millions of people with kidney damage remain unaware and are not taking steps to protect the health of their kidneys.” I am extremely happy that there is a growing awareness of the disease. As an example, the kids from the local high school were mostly of minority backgrounds. These groups are often most affected by kidney disease. With these youngsters as new advocates for the cause, both awareness and prevention of this disease will certainly grow, improve.

Hubby and I enjoyed a slow walk since we were also playing tourist, checking out restaurants, watching passersby’s, and taking pictures. Hubby is thinking about volunteering next year. As for me, I am looking forward to participating next year again, maybe even targeting an all-star level. I should start fundraising now!

P.S. I am happy to report that the 2013 San Francisco Walk has exceeded its goal by almost $50,000! If you have not donated yet this year, there is still time. I believe the NKF is accepting donations through the end of July. A warm “THANK YOU” to all who made a donation on my behalf!

Shades of Normalcy

Movies...

Last week for the first time in what seems to be a long time, we had a night out.  Hubby just finished a huge project, and it has been almost four months since my transplant. Since we got the go-ahead from the dietician to dine out, we thought we would celebrate over the weekend. After all, cooking everyday, as creative and enjoyable as it is, can be a bit tiring.

So Saturday and Sunday last weekend, we enjoyed a movie and dinner out.  The new summer movies were already out, so we thought we’d catch the latest flicks. It was a great two evenings!

That said, I did have to take some precautions. As an example, some people were coughing in the theater. It could be just dry throat due to popcorn, but as a recent transplant recipient, I could never be too sure. So, I put on my mask and continued to enjoy the movie. It was Star Trek after all.

...and Dinner. No Binders Needed!!!

Over dinner, we picked relatively healthy choices, except for the deep-dish pizza. My husband has not had deep-dish pizza from Zachary’s, so it was a must. Oooh, those two slices were so good. I did remove some of the tomato sauce since it is rich in potassium. I could not imagine enjoying those when I was in dialysis. No amount of binder can counteract the phosphorus in that slice of pizza.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable weekend. After my transplant, my husband recalled that the surgeon said to me, “Welcome to a new life”. A new life, indeed. Last weekend was just a brief taste of it. I can’t wait.