Hospital visits

For anyone who has ever spent any time in hospital waiting rooms, this may sound familiar. What you need to 'add to your image' though, is a third world situation. In my case, I spent the morning at Groote Schuur Hospital finalizing my tests in order to be deemed a suitable kidney donor for Christopher. The interview and exam by the Nephrologist went well, and so did the interview with the social worker. What was a little trying was the wait for the renal scan. Gurneys that would feature in a WWII movie were lined up all along the wall with sleeping patients in them. The patients sitting in the chairs expectantly waiting their turn came from all walks of life, and one could see that they had been camping out there for quite some time. Fortunately I was reading a good book, so managed to exclude my unpleasant surroundings.

The next day, at the Red Cross Children's Hospital, Christopher and I waited amongst a cacophony of noises all around us. Between Sesame Street in the Khosa language, crying babies, irritable toddlers and conversations in several languages, it was harder to tune things out, despite my good book. Christopher attempted to read as well, but struggled to stay focused.

When we were finally seen, the experience was a wake up call. A reality check. I guess I needed to hear the things she told us, but I was not prepared. Christopher's Filtration Rate (GFR) is at 12.5%. He only has the one kidney, and by 10% they will need to start dialysis. She told me that Christopher should do a research paper on Renal Failure in general, and should be familiar with all the medications he will need to be on. Apparently, just that morning a 14 year old boy was admitted into the ward because his body was rejecting his mother's kidney. He had been slack about taking his medicines, and now the whole kidney transplant had been for nought! Our doctor was suitably upset, and let us 'have it' in no uncertain terms!

So, Christopher and I are gearing up for a transplant in February of 2010. That is the next available date, and the doctors feel he will make it without dialysis until then. What he needs to work on is far better nutrition. He has always been a very poor eater, and this is quite detrimental to his overall health and renal function. Please pray for us, that his appetite would experience a huge increase and that he can go into the surgery well nourished.

Again, we are so grateful to you our prayer warriors. May God enrich you and bless you as you intercede for us. We are indebted.

Lots of love,

Lenora and Christopher