By Melanie Fischer

It was the last day of school before Christmas break. As a school nurse I was looking forward to two weeks vacation, sleeping late and relaxing. My three children were filled with Christmas anticipation. Although Kristen and her kidney disease was the number one thing on my mind these days, I had no idea of the life changing phone call we would receive that night.  It was about 12:30 a.m. when the phone awakened us from deep sleep. “We have a kidney for your daughter,” were the words that startled me into reality. I was filled with excitement, fear and uncertainty. Was this the right thing to do for Kristen and for our family?

Kristen was diagnosed with Interstitial Nephritis (a chronic and progressive kidney disease) when she was about 8 ½ years old. It took months for us to accept this. Kristen just wasn’t sick enough for something this serious. Sure there were signs like her constant thirst, failure to grow over the past year, and her increasing paleness, however, she was still able to go to school, play and do things that eight year olds do.

The next year and a half was a very difficult time. With Kristen’s serum creatinine increasing, her energy and quality of life were decreasing. Soon Kristen was on anti-hypertensive medicine to control her rising blood pressure. She was also receiving erythropoietin (Epogen) injections which would raise her blood counter to counteract the anemia that results from chronic kidney disease. Being a nurse, I was able to give these injections myself to Kristen. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life. As a nurse I was aware of the therapeutic benefit the shots provided. As a mother, it broke my heart to hear her scream from the burning medicine.

The incidence of pediatric end-stage renal disease is estimated to be 2-4 per million of population. It was unbelievable that this was happening to my baby. Fortunately, God guided us to the most wonderful pediatric nephrologist. The information and support we received from him and his nurse got us through some of the darkest times.

It didn’t take us long to realize Kristen needed a transplant soon. My husband and I debated for hours about who the donor should be. We were fortunate that both of us were a match to Kristen’s blood type. Since I am the mother and usual care-giver of the family, we decided my husband would be the donor. In the evaluation process however, he was disqualified due to some high blood pressure and mild kidney function abnormalities. Then an unexpected pregnancy on my part changed the picture even more. God was leading us somewhere, I knew that deep in my heart.

Unfortunately, due to some complications it was necessary for Kristen to start peritoneal dialysis. One week after dialysis started and a little over three months of being on the transplant waiting list we received the magical phone call that I will remember for the rest of my life.

We left on the first flight that morning for the transplant center. After arriving at the hospital they took about 15 tubes of blood from Kristen. One more crossmatch needed to be done between the donor and Kristen. The waiting seemed endless. Finally, we received the word everything was fine and surgery began late that afternoon. A little after midnight Kristen was back in her room and doing well.

Kristen’s kidney began working in the operating room. We were amazed at how quickly Kristen’s creatinine returned to normal. Kristen was in the hospital for two weeks because of intravenous anti-rejection drugs. It was so exciting to watch Kristen improve and get stronger day by day. She was back in school a month after surgery.

Kristen is 12 years old now and recently celebrated her two-year kidney transplant anniversary. She is a honor roll student, a cheerleader, girl scout and has a paper route two days a week. Kristen’s artwork has won several awards. Her drawing was chosen by AAKP for its 1995 Holiday greeting cards. Outside of daily meds and monthly blood tests we have a normal life again.

The magic of transplantation is amazing. We are truly blessed to have a healthy daughter and family and friends whose support and love are unending.

 This article originally appeared in the Spring 1996 issue of aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 11, No. 2.

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