Kidney Disease News

My name is Latonya "Michelle" Speight I have End Stage Renal Disease. What does that mean? I have Kidney Disease that has gone almost into the last stage. Kidney Disease has six (6) stages, with stage 1 being in the early stage and stage 5-6 is what is called End Stage (Final Stage) of the disease. At this point there is no treatment or medicine that can turn this disease around. Your options of survival are: Dialysis or a Kidney Transplant.
I have have this disease now for over 6 years and it has been a long and sometimes hard road. Through of all the up's and down's I have had to stay positive and keep the faith that it will all work out in the end.
I am located in North Carolina. I am on the National Donor's Registery in to different cities here in N.C. I have been on the Transplant list at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, N.C. for 3 years. I am on the Transplant list at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. for a year. Why be on two different lists? Well, they service two different sections of the Carolina's and the more lists that your on the better your chances could be to recieve a transplant.
I have to say that I am a very lucky and blessed person to not be on Dialysis at this point. Doctor's have said, " you should have been on Dialysis by now, but your not". I always smile and look up to the sky and say a silent thank you, because I know to whom that I've made this far and not had to be placed on Dialysis.

The reason why I wanted to start this blog is to inform anyone out there who knows nothing or a little bit about this disease. I want everyone to be aware that this is a serious problem in our community and no one is really talking about it. I'm sure you know a person that has it or either has died from it. I want people to understand that we need more Donor's and how that process works. People far the unknown. I believe that you should always do research on things you don't know or understand.
When you decide that you may want to give an organ to someone you should first do your research. If there is something you Do Not understand then ask questions so you can get a better under standing. You will then be contacted from the hospital. They will have you come in a take a series of test and the person receiving the transplants insurance covers that testing. The testing may take some time because of scheduling, but once all of the testing is done they will let you know your results. I left out an important first step. You need to know what your blood type is and if it is compatible to the recipients. If they feel your health is going to be compromised in any compacity they will not allow you to even do the transplant. The testing is so thorough and YOU CAN LIVE WITH ONLY ONE KIDNEY YOU DON'T NEED BOTH OF THEM.
So for now I hope that this has got you at least thinking about Kidney Disease. As time goes on you will know so much about this disease and you may be able to educate someone about this disease.