With this blog, I plan to chronicle my kidney donation, from when I first decided to do it, to the testing routine, through surgery, and finally the recovery process. I hope that through my first-hand experience, I can convince more people to be live kidney donors.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Program your tivos now!
The eight of us involved in the kidney swap will be on the CBS Morning Show around 8am. Be sure to watch!!
Hey, hope it goes well on the morning show -- please post the link if so.
My friend who donated last week (and who feels pretty much just the same way you do, fine but tires easily) also ended up being on TV in Denver last week (there are two videos here -- the second tab above the video that comes up is actually the better of the two).
We had no idea, but apparently her three-way paired donation made history in that it was done in three different states simultaneously. She got to meet her recipient *before* the surgery -- the whole thing was pretty cool.
I think it's fantastic that all 8 of you involved in your paired donation will be able to meet. I mean, donating a kidney is wonderful in and of itself -- but how cool that you'll be able to see the other seven folks who were part of it. I think it's great karma for the world -- making more people aware of how we are tied to each other.
Anyway, I'm wondering if the Denver thing sorta set a media thing about paired donations in motion -- the friend she wanted to donate to, but whom she wasn't compatible with (and thus how she came to be part of a three-way paired donation) will be on TV in Winston-Salem, NC, tomorrow as well.
Very cool stuff, and I think you organ donors are truly awesome folks! Congratulations, and thanks again for making the world a better place.
Just watched the vid on www.cbsnews.com - it is prominently available...and you can click on it and make it "full screen" with good quality.
Looks like fun - and you helped that guy next to you who got teary eyed!
Fun they named the guy at the "end of the chain": Lucky Luther!!
I've commed with both The National Kidney Registry Founder and Fox News - waiting for responses from both...still look forward to communicating with you.
Hey Anthony, I've watched the video about 5 times and still can't believe that's us up there! This kidney donation as been the center of my life for a year and a half now, and I'm having a hard time moving on from it. To anyone who might be reading and considering donating a kidney, this has been an exceptional experience, a real feel good experience. What is a week or two of discomfort when you can give someone their life back! Anthony, I hope you are continuing to feel good and that we can all stay in contact with one another.
I'm with you Laura. I keep watching it, amazed at how good it makes me feel. Physically, I'm pain free, but feeling a bit run down lately. I hope I get my appetite back soon!
I read through all your posts. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. I'm Melissa Swanson from www.callingallkidneys.blogspot.com. It seems that you and I are having some of the same experiences. I'm now on day 4 after the surgery. I'm still having a lot of pain, but my pain tolerance is very low. I'm just dreading the 1,200 mile flight home on Wednesday. It's going to be rough. I wanted to tell you that what you did was absolutely wonderful! I watched the news story. I think the chain reaction is so cool.
Dr. Ratner jsut saved the best for last :). I had a catch with my 5 year old son yesterday and I think I'm paying for it today. Mostly just tired and a little weak, but trying to gain strength every day. How is the belly sleeping going?
hi guys, just wondered if any of you hd been contacted by the poughkeepsie journal? they called me on friday and did a 10 minute Q&A over the phone. anthony, i assumed they would call you cuz of your location.we are having fun reading all the posts of people sharing their experiences. this has been way cool, and i am feeling better every day.
Yeah Andy, they contacted me. I spoke with someone for about 10 minutes also. I'm glad to hear you are doing well...this weather has the ability to ruin anyone's spirits...
I somehow continue to find myself receiving messages intended for you. Can I get you some coffee, sir? Need me to make any photocopies.
Message copied below.
Your intern,
- Simon
Message:
Anthony, Congradulations Read your Blog.....you are in leagues of your own now...Altruistic donors are a special breed. It is individauls like you that can have a major impact on the masses of individuals suffering for kidney failure. I hope you have seen our web site www.kidneyregistry.org Our mission is to save and improve the lives of thoses unfortuniate individuals in need of a life saving kidney transplant. Please help spread the word about the National Kidney Registry. Your expierence could go a long way to encoraging others to also step up to the plate to help their fellow man. If you would like to please feel free to contact us on 1800-936-1627 we would like very much to hear from you and about your individaul expierence
Love this blog....I am on the other side.....the recipient...hopefully soon. I am not on dialysis, but will be in less than 2 years. We are in the process of waiting for the phone call from MUSC transplant team to get the ball rolling. My sister is hoping she is a match. Your gift is truely awesome. A real hero. Thanks! www.sjogrensandme.blogspot.com My blog talks about what has gotten me to the point of transplant if you are interested.
And with all this free time you have after 'work' (some 'stock' thing, right?), don't forget to look up chicken coops. Maybe I can help you imitate Pavlov with chicken calls and feeding your pups (you aren't feeding them chicken-flavored kibbles, right?).
Here's to non-stinky people and stitches that keep you going.
My name is Anthony DeGiulio. I'm 37 and live in upstate New York with my weimaraner, Frankie. One of my dreams is to save someone's life. Since I don't think I will ever pull anyone from a burning building or perform CPR on a stranger, I figured donating a kidney might be the closest I would come. This is the story of my experience.
22 comments:
Hey, stop by the house!
Please.
:)
Hey, hope it goes well on the morning show -- please post the link if so.
My friend who donated last week (and who feels pretty much just the same way you do, fine but tires easily) also ended up being on TV in Denver last week (there are two videos here -- the second tab above the video that comes up is actually the better of the two).
We had no idea, but apparently her three-way paired donation made history in that it was done in three different states simultaneously. She got to meet her recipient *before* the surgery -- the whole thing was pretty cool.
I think it's fantastic that all 8 of you involved in your paired donation will be able to meet. I mean, donating a kidney is wonderful in and of itself -- but how cool that you'll be able to see the other seven folks who were part of it. I think it's great karma for the world -- making more people aware of how we are tied to each other.
Anyway, I'm wondering if the Denver thing sorta set a media thing about paired donations in motion -- the friend she wanted to donate to, but whom she wasn't compatible with (and thus how she came to be part of a three-way paired donation) will be on TV in Winston-Salem, NC, tomorrow as well.
Very cool stuff, and I think you organ donors are truly awesome folks! Congratulations, and thanks again for making the world a better place.
dude, a little more notice would have been nice!! that's what youtube is for i suppose.
Anthony: I'm with Tommy! :-) But we'll catch it there or on CBS web site I'm sure.
Please see my comment just left on your blog of prior day.
Thank you.
Rick
Just watched the vid on www.cbsnews.com - it is prominently available...and you can click on it and make it "full screen" with good quality.
Looks like fun - and you helped that guy next to you who got teary eyed!
Fun they named the guy at the "end of the chain": Lucky Luther!!
I've commed with both The National Kidney Registry Founder and Fox News - waiting for responses from both...still look forward to communicating with you.
Best wishes.
thanks Rick.
Here's the URL:
http://tinyurl.com/5k5xeq
great stuff.
Sorry guys for the late notice...I kinda forgot to post it until I was already in the city...
Hey Anthony, I've watched the video about 5 times and still can't believe that's us up there! This kidney donation as been the center of my life for a year and a half now, and I'm having a hard time moving on from it. To anyone who might be reading and considering donating a kidney, this has been an exceptional experience, a real feel good experience. What is a week or two of discomfort when you can give someone their life back! Anthony, I hope you are continuing to feel good and that we can all stay in contact with one another.
Laura
I'm with you Laura. I keep watching it, amazed at how good it makes me feel. Physically, I'm pain free, but feeling a bit run down lately. I hope I get my appetite back soon!
I'll stay in touch as long as you do!!
I read through all your posts. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. I'm Melissa Swanson from www.callingallkidneys.blogspot.com. It seems that you and I are having some of the same experiences. I'm now on day 4 after the surgery. I'm still having a lot of pain, but my pain tolerance is very low. I'm just dreading the 1,200 mile flight home on Wednesday. It's going to be rough.
I wanted to tell you that what you did was absolutely wonderful! I watched the news story. I think the chain reaction is so cool.
What fills the empty space when the kidney is gone?
I just asked my surgeon, Dr. Ratner that very question and he said your bowels fill in the empty space pretty quickly.
Hey Laura, Dr. Ratner was my surgeon first!!
How are you feeling? I'm still kinda run down and fatigued, though no pain...
Dr. Ratner jsut saved the best for last :). I had a catch with my 5 year old son yesterday and I think I'm paying for it today. Mostly just tired and a little weak, but trying to gain strength every day. How is the belly sleeping going?
hi guys, just wondered if any of you hd been contacted by the poughkeepsie journal? they called me on friday and did a 10 minute Q&A over the phone. anthony, i assumed they would call you cuz of your location.we are having fun reading all the posts of people sharing their experiences. this has been way cool, and i am feeling better every day.
Yeah Andy, they contacted me. I spoke with someone for about 10 minutes also. I'm glad to hear you are doing well...this weather has the ability to ruin anyone's spirits...
Anthony,
I somehow continue to find myself receiving messages intended for you. Can I get you some coffee, sir? Need me to make any photocopies.
Message copied below.
Your intern,
- Simon
Message:
Anthony, Congradulations
Read your Blog.....you are in leagues of your own now...Altruistic donors are a special breed. It is individauls like you that can have a major impact on the masses of individuals suffering for kidney failure. I hope you have seen our web site www.kidneyregistry.org Our mission is to save and improve the lives of thoses unfortuniate individuals in need of a life saving kidney transplant. Please help spread the word about the National Kidney Registry. Your expierence could go a long way to encoraging others to also step up to the plate to help their fellow man. If you would like to please feel free to contact us on 1800-936-1627 we would like very much to hear from you and about your individaul expierence
Nah, just get the phone while I'm out to lunch..I'll bring you a doggy bag..
Thanks for the message. Someone is going to get themselves a shiny piece of coal for his holiday fire..
Love this blog....I am on the other side.....the recipient...hopefully soon. I am not on dialysis, but will be in less than 2 years. We are in the process of waiting for the phone call from MUSC transplant team to get the ball rolling. My sister is hoping she is a match.
Your gift is truely awesome. A real hero. Thanks!
www.sjogrensandme.blogspot.com My blog talks about what has gotten me to the point of transplant if you are interested.
Thanks Vicky for the kind words. I'll check out your blog after work. Good luck!
And with all this free time you have after 'work' (some 'stock' thing, right?), don't forget to look up chicken coops. Maybe I can help you imitate Pavlov with chicken calls and feeding your pups (you aren't feeding them chicken-flavored kibbles, right?).
Here's to non-stinky people and stitches that keep you going.
Anonymous, I look forward to hearing your chicken calls, especially since your boss will be away and you'll have all that free time...
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