By Gloria Fuller

My name is Gloria Griffin-Fuller and I live in Florence, South Carolina. I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in the mid-1980’s. I was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and began dialysis on Jan. 13, 1998. At the end of my first treatment at the dialysis center I remember saying bluntly, “I cannot live like this.” I was completely exhausted, nauseated and I had a weakness never experienced before. Putting my trust in God and my healthcare team, I was able to endure almost two years of dialysis without any problems.

I was officially placed on the transplant list on Oct. 16, 1998. On the night of Dec. 2, 1999, I received a call from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). I was told that a kidney was available, but it needed a biopsy because it came from an older donor. The next morning I went to dialysis as usual. At approximately 10:00 a.m., I got the call that everything was fine from the biopsy of my donor kidney.

My husband and I traveled to Charleston MUSC immediately. The surgery went well, but my new kidney did not work. The chief surgeon explained that although this was rare, it sometimes happened. My first reaction was, “Why me?” I remained in Charleston for one month, and during this time my faith and patience seemed to be put to the test. I had developed blood clots and needed 15 plasma exchanges. Using the hemodialysis graft in my left arm, I was given new blood plasma, but my own red blood cells were returned to me. During one of these exchanges, I remembered the name of Dr. Charles Drew, who left humankind an important and life-saving legacy, the blood bank, and I was being saved by that legacy.

Some days I would go from the plasma center directly to the dialysis center. I could not eat, there was medication always flowing through my body and my new kidney still did not work. In addition to all of this, I developed steroid-induced diabetes (diabetes mellitus) and became insulin dependent.

I went home for only one month before returning to Charleston (MUSC). I had developed a high fever, was weak and did not have an appetite. I was immediately diagnosed as having Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that can infect the kidneys. After 12 IV treatments of antibiotics, I was released. Miraculously, God touched me with His healing hands of mercy and I went home with a working kidney. The transplant surgeon looked at me and said, “Mrs. Fuller, it’s working.” The tears just started flowing. I knew God had worked His miracle and He continues to work miracles in my life.

I have been hospitalized with three serious infections and after three years, it seems I will be going back on dialysis. My transplanted kidney is in chronic rejection. Yet, my spirits are high. I have just published my first book of poems and I am working on a second addition. I am recuperating from pneumonia, but I feel just fine. I face each day with hope and courage. I hope that sharing my story with you has lifted your spirits and you too can face a brand new day.

Mrs. Gloria Fuller is a member of the American Association of Kidney Patients. Mrs. Fuller resides in Florence, South Carolina.

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