This week I have been activated on the transplant list with Vanderbilt Hospital. I am so excited. I am also listed on the University of Alabama transplant list. But, I am satisfied with dialysis because I would feel horrible without it. I thank God for this life-giving invention.
THIS IS MY STORY. GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO ME!
My kidneys were affected by me having system lupus erythematosus. In 1989 the doctors noted that I was spilling protein in my urine - a sign of kidney disease. Finally made the decision and had the fistula installed in my left arm in August 2011.
A surgeon makes a fistula by using MY own blood vessels. My artery was connected to my vein. My vein grew bigger because of increased blood flow. The vein is beer so it can handle many needle insertions. (https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hemocatheter)
In December 2012 my doctor made a mistake and punctured my artery in my fistula. I was put in the hospital. Therefore a dialysis catheter was placed in my right upper chest. I started dialysis while I was in the hospital. Then on to the dialysis center, 3 days per week. I was so sick. Just wanted to sleep all the time. But eventually went back to work full time.
In January 2013 I started training for home hemodialysis. I was so excited to do dialysis at home. But, Irv and I were in a rollover wreck where our Titan hydroplaned on a wet University Drive near Providence. WOW. He was taking me to sign up for Medicare. You only have 60 days to sign up after the start of the dialysis. It the only disease covered by law to paid by Medicare. I was upset to learn that 30 months after being on dialysis, Medicare becomes the primary. I had Blue Cross and Blue Shield for 28 years and it is now secondary. UGH!!
Eventually, the dialysis catheter became infected. UGH! My blood pressure was 65/35. My nurse told me to go to the emergency room ASAP. I was hospitalized, again. The catheter was removed and I was treated with antibiotics because I was so septic. I was ignorant and did not realize how sick I was until 3 years later. Some people die from being sepsis. My husband was worried about me but I told him the Lord will handle it. He kept telling me it was serious. By no means did I comprehend what he was telling me. I was in a wheelchair for months.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body is fighting a severe infection that has spread via the bloodstream. If a patient becomes "septic," they will likely have low blood pressure leading to poor circulation and lack of blood perfusion of vital tissues and organs. (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sepsis_blood_infection/article_em.htm).
But I continued on with dialysis. I returned to work. But, I was so exhausted and weak. I made the decision to retire and concentrate on my health. RETIREMENT - THANK YOU JESUS! I retired in January 2014. I started work for Calhoun Community College as a part-time Math Lab Assistant (tutor). I have loved my job. I am able to help and love what I do. I am also working on my dissertation with Northcentral University. My goal is to complete in 2017.
NOW FOR THE FUTURE!
My first step is to find a live donor. That's the hard part. If a person wants to be a live donor they can follow the directions below:
Those who want to donate to a kidney patient via VANDERBILT can call 1-615-936-0695, option 2, to see if you are eligible and fill out a donor form at http://www.vanderbilthealth.com/transplant/29111.
Those who want to donate to a kidney patient via UAB can call 1-888-822-7892, or (205) 975-9200 to see if you are eligible and fill out a donor form at https://www.uabmedicine.org/patient-care/treatments/kidney-transplant/donor-form.
The second step is to fundraise for the money need to buy my medicine after the transplant.
There are many sites to fundraise.
HELP HOPE LIVE, http://www.helphopelive.org 800-642-8399.
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR TRANSPLANTS, http://www.transplants.org 800-489-3863.
GO FUN ACCOUNTS ARE TAXABLE AND RECOMMENDED TO NOT USE.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATIONS.
HELP HOPE LIVE
Starting a fundraising campaign with HelpHOPELive is an easy and effective way to raise money for uninsured medical expenses. To get started, just tell us a little about the reason for the fundraising campaign using our online campaign request or call us at 800.642.8399 and we'll help you make the best choice for your unique situation.
Fundraising
From the initial point of contact, we'll connect you with one of our expert Fundraising Coordinators who will work closely with you, your family and friends to identify a fundraising plan of action that fits your individual needs. Our fundraising plans often include ideas for community events, online engagement and social fundraising - whatever works best for the patient and their network of support. Funds raised through these efforts come to HelpHOPELive where they are held in a regional restricted fund in honor of the patient for the region where the patient lives, together with other funds raised in that region, and are available throughout the patient's life to pay uninsured expenses.
Paying Medical Costs
Our staff manages all the funds raised and pays bills directly. Once your campaign starts receiving donations, getting expenses paid is as simple as submitting a Fund Request Form with the appropriate backup (bill, receipt) to HelpHOPELive. In an effort to respond to our patient's urgent needs, our Financial Department issues checks weekly.
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR TRANSPLANTS
Patient Fundraising
At NFT, we understand patients are Frightened and anxious about the transplant process.
By signing up to fundraise with NFT, you're tapping into a world of wonderful and helpful resources. Our trained fundraising consultants know how to effectively raise money to help with your transplant expenses. They will walk you through the process, offering helpful guidance along the way. Since 1983, NFT's fundraising campaigns have generated nearly $75 million to assist patients during their transplant journey.
We know each patient is different, and what works for one patient may not be the right fit for you. That's why we work with you and your volunteers to determine the best approach to fundraise in your community. Our patients have raised significant amounts of money to assist with their lifelong transplant expenses.
It´s easy to sign up for NFT's fundraising assistance program - just contact us at 800-489-3863 and ask to speak with a fundraising consultant, who will explain the process of fundraising through NFT. You may also contact us at info@transplants.org for this information. After your initial conversation with the consultant, NFT will send you a packet of information, including an application, policy agreement and other materials to begin the process. You may also download and print the packet of information below:
To view our patient brochure, please CLICK BELOW
http://www.transplants.org/sites/default/files/nft/NFT%20Patient%20Brochure%202015_4.pdf
To complete an application, please CLICK BELOW.
For more about the benefits of working with NFT, please CLICK BELOW.
http://www.transplants.org/sites/default/files/nft/Benefits_Updated%20Oct%202015.pdf
For references, please CLICK BELOW.
http://www.transplants.org/sites/default/files/nft/References_0.pdf
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If any of you would like to help me fundraise for medical expenses, message me on Facebook or email me at janice.isbell@gmail.com, or call me at 1-256-694-9451!!!!! ALL MONIES ARE HANDLED BY THE ORGANIZATIONS.
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Now you all know I have a lot on my mind.
But my Lord keeps me day-by-day!
Janice Mitchell Isbell,
His Servant
