Kidney Transplant Testimony
Peace, Love and Blessings to all
In March of 2000. I felt tired and weak I went to the doctor, had blood work done and the results showed both my kidneys failed. My Nephrologist recommended that I should have a biopsy done, which I did, the results showed that I am not diabetic, hypertensive, or have lupus. However, a lot of scar tissues were on both kidneys, he also said that they will never function again.
I cried and prayed and asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins. I read Isaiah 38 – Hezekiah’s Illness, which consoles me. Isaiah’s son Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall prayed wept and begged the Lord to give him a few more years. The Lord answered his prayers and gave him fifteen more years to get his things in order. I prayed and asked the Lord to take me safely through my dialysis treatments and let me be with my daughters and grandchildren. The Lord answered my prayers, and I’m now enjoying life with my three granddaughters, one grandson and three great grandchildren. Praise God, thank you Jesus.
The first year it was very hard for me, as it was very difficult to handle dialysis. Getting up early in the mornings, three times per week, getting there at 5:45 am and doing three hours per session was essential, but difficult. Special thanks to my husband for his generous support during those difficult, fulfilling and encouraging periods along the journey. Before my care giver would start the dialysis machine, I would pray for myself and the rest of patients, asking the Lord to take us through our treatments safe. Praise God, my prayers were answered. My sister in Christ Bernice Reece picked me up on Wednesdays. Sometimes we would go out to breakfast and then to the mid day service at First Church. Occasionally she picked me up for Sunday mornings service. Continued blessings for my sister. Love you Ms. Bernice.
Patients with kidney disease are on strict diets, as we must watch our potassium, phosphorous, vitamin K, fluid intake and take our medications. I thank God, that He was with me and lead me to follow instructions from the professionals. I was allowed 32 ozs fluid per day, includes water, vegetables and condiments.
Ms. Joyce Batson a retired dialysis nurse always encouraged me to put my name on the transplant list and let me know that I am a good candidate for a kidney so I can live a better life. I’m so thankful that she did. Love you Ms. Joyce.
I had my ups and downs never complained how I felt, after my treatment I was having a lot of pain, tired, and sleepy. However, after 17 years I took Ms. Batson’s advice and contacted NYU June of 2017 and after numerous tests I became a candidate for a kidney transplant December of 2017. Praise God, thank you Jesus.
In January and June of 2019, I received calls from NYU informing me they had a kidney for me. When they were tested, unfortunately they turned out to be diseased which obviously did not meet the transplant standard. I didn’t give up; I knew the Lord would never leave me nor forsake His children. On November 23, 2019, I received a call from NYU that there was a kidney for me, I was told to be there by 3:00 am, I arrived there on time. I was prepped for the surgery and was taken to the OR for surgery at 9:00 am. Upon arrival to the OR I started to cry and this song came to me immediately, “you come this far by faith leaning on the Lord trusting in His Word.” A young African American surgeon came over to me and told me that he would be my surgeon today. Instantly I was filled with joy and had a lot of confidence, I told him keep up the good work, God bless you and I love you. The surgery started at 10:00 am and I woke up at 4:50 pm. Praise God, the surgery was successful.
The transplant surgery was done on 11/24/2019 and on 11/26/2019, I was in a lot of excruciating pain the nurse practitioner told me the following morning I would be going down for a CT scan. The result showed that I had a big hematoma (i.e blood clot). Surgery was done the following morning which was Thanksgiving Day. Praise God, it was successful. I thank the Surgeons, doctors, nurses, technician and cleaning crew.
When I came home from the hospital I was in a lot of pain. The Lord was always there holding my hands giving me encouragement and I knew that He was always there with me. Two songs that took me through this journey, “Order my steps in your Word dear Lord” and “you come this far by Faith leaning on the Lord trusting in His word He never fail me yet”. Some mornings I woke up singing Order my steps in your word dear Lord, that is a wonderful song. Brothers and sisters, I’m always singing either one when I take my morning walk at least three times per week for about 45 minutes which keeps me energized all day. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a Kidney and a second chance at life.
I was 49 years old when both kidneys failed, I celebrated my 70th birthday June of 2021, thank you God for that precious blood that you used and washed me from my head to the sole of my feet, you always held my hands guide me when I am going through dark days. Lord thank you for your blessings and I’m grateful for all what you have done for me on this journey.
Thank you, Rev O’Connor and the entire church family for your prayers and support.