Living Donor Story: Sue

 

"Travis and I were married in 1992, at a time in our life when we were both very active people. Travis taught aerobics for over 18 years and worked a full-time job before his life changed due to Wegener's Granulomatosis. I was told at one point in the hospital that he probably wouldn't be able to receive a transplant.

 

That was such an extremely difficult time because Travis was in an unconscious sedated state so he could heal. It was so hard to not be able to talk to him.

 

About a year later, it was suggested that we go to another hospital to see if Travis could be added to their transplant list. At that time I was told that I couldn't give Travis a kidney because I wasn't the same blood type. Then we were told to call UW Hospital in Madison to see about getting Travis added to their list. The staff at UW Hospital told us about a new procedure that involved plasmapheresis that we could try. We couldn't believe it when we were told it could happen in two months time.

 

Our experience with surgery was so positive. I am so proud of Travis and glad that I could help better his life. We felt that there was no downside to our surgeries. For me, there wasn't really pain, only some discomfort. After my surgery, I was walking up and down the hall within 24 hours - visiting Travis.

 

We went walking several times a day for about 40 minutes at a time and ate at the cafeteria everyday. It helped that both of us have always been active. Before surgery, Travis was walking almost everyday five to six miles at a time. There were many days that he would walk twice or walk in the morning and use the stationery bike in the evening.

 

We had planned all along to stay in Madison for about two weeks after the surgery. Our thoughts were to stay close to the hospital for any problems or questions that arose. It also allowed us to concentrate on healing. We came back to take the classes that were offered and with our hotel being so close, we were able to go and rest when needed. Our hotel offered a shuttle service when we needed it so we were able to go back and forth from the hotel to the hospital easily. We also were able to visit the Capitol, farmers market, a mall and the zoo.

 

The staff members in the transplant clinic and the inpatient transplant unit were extremely helpful. We even had what we considered a tag-team of coordinators working with us. I am very fortunate to work for two companies that were very supportive, and we're blessed with a great family and a family of friends. It was awesome to have so many people there for us."