Thursday, July 17, 2008

A week to go, and something on the Today Show.

I week from now, I will be (hopefully) recovering nicely after my surgery. Yesterday was my last battery of blood tests, as well as an EKG and a couple of x-rays. Now, all I need to do is stay healthy and alive for the next 7 days. I've noticed over the past 24 hours that my emotions are starting to well up as my brain more fully grasps what I'm actually doing. I keep picturing myself seeing my recipient for the first time, both of us knowing that we have each changed the other's life forever. It isn't often that we can have such a profound effect on another human being, and it's what drove me to do this. I tell people I am doing it for selfish reasons; it's that feeling when we first meet eyes that I crave.

This morning my mother called to tell me to put on the Today Show. Apparently they were doing a piece on a new advancement in kidney donation. Instead of cutting a few incisions through which the instruments and cameras are passed, as well as the incision for the kidney to be removed through, one incision is made in the belly button to accomplish everything. The end result is less pain and a shorter recovery. Hopefully, this will encourage even more people to donate.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

antony,
noticed the spelling, it's your friend jenny.
wow, just read the entire site with all the posts and the comments. i must say you are the most admirable person i have ever met, this donation is so important, and i commend you for this gracious deed.
in saying the above, this actually does not come as a surprise. you are a dear man and i wish you only the best during this event. my best thoughts are with you and look forward to chatting more after thursday. oh, the lucky recipient, name not to be disclosed. great to have dinner with you and amy tonight. talk to you soon.

love,
jenn

adegiulio said...

Thanks Jen for taking the time to read my blog, and for your kind words. I'll be posting from the hospital (with pictures!) so please check back often.

Angie said...

Thanks for posting this! I believe the smaller the surgery the faster the recovery and this is especially good for donors who wish to go back to work as soon as possible without any complications!