"Wegener's Granulomatosis changed my life, and my wife Sue's life, completely - in just one weekend. I went from working a full-time job and teaching several aerobic classes a week to being in a sedated and completely bedridden state.

 

When I woke up, everything had changed. My kidneys were no longer working and my lungs, though healing, had been damaged. Sue helped me learn to comply with dietary and fluid intake restrictions and participated when she could with my exercise program. It took me over a year to build up to walking five or more miles a day before the surgery. Now, only two months after the surgery, I am almost back to that level.

 

The hardest parts of dialysis for me were the restrictions on food and fluid intake and, of course, the needles. I went three times a week for four-hour treatments. In reality, they could take almost half of a day with travel time, being put on and taken off the machine, as well as any bleeding or blood pressure problems. I was able to make friends and watch a lot of movies there, but it was still a difficult situation.

 

My wife was told when I was in the hospital that I might not be eligible for a transplant. About a year later, it was suggested by the dialysis center that I try to get my name on a local hospital's list. I was added, but they immediately told us that due to our different blood types, my wife couldn't donate. UW Hospital in Madison offered further hope to us when I was added to their list.

 

Their transplant department recently began a program that could allow incompatible transplants and we could possibly be one of their first cases. Our experience at UW Hospital was so positive. I really feel that our attitude along with the attitude of the staff helped immensely with my recovery.

 

When we tell people about the surgery, they usually say something like, "Wow, I can't believe you two were a match." We, in turn always respond, "We weren't."

 

It kind of blows their minds. Though we can't explain the plasmapheresis and the rest of the science, it's good to see their reaction. We hope that they'll remember the new possibilities in transplant procedures and pass on that knowledge to others.

 

Sue loves to tease me about my "girl kidney" and I love that she has helped me to still be here to tease her back. I look forward to spending time with her and hopefully, being able to travel. I also look forward to increasing my physical activities and starting a part-time job, maybe even teaching an aerobic class again."