Reborn Father/Son Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
Jose Rodriguez's
Father/ Son Kidney Transplant; A second chance at life.
It started with an annoying blood pressure check at my dentist's office! I was not happy to do this, but I had nothing to lose, or did I? As a 25-year-old, I felt healthy and invincible, so why the blood pressure check? The blood pressure reading was very high, so high that my dental appointment was cancelled. I was encouraged to see my personal physician to address this potential medical crisis. I waited a few days because I thought it was nothing. But three days later, on July 5th I met with my doctor and as the high blood pressure reading was still present. She took a blood sample to determine a baseline for my blood pressure.
I returned to work after my appointment without giving it much thought. Four hours later I got a call from the clinic inquiring if I was feeling okay. I responded positively by declaring, "I feel great!" My physician countered by advising me to visit the emergency room because the test didn't look normal and I might be dehydrated. I informed my co-workers I needed to leave for the emergency room because my test results were not normal. Upon my arrival at the Mercy Hospital emergency room, I was greeted by medical staff waiting to give me IV fluids and a battery of more medical tests. After seeing 6 or 7 physicians, the last one told me, "well I have some tests to go over with you." I took a deep breath and felt that everything was fine, in my mind all this was a mistake. He reported, "you have kidney failure." I became emotional and immediately questioned the results. I was overwhelmed by a river of sadness, hopelessness, and my world came crumbling down.
On July 20th, I underwent surgery to have a fistula placed in my right arm. The fistula would allow me to start dialysis when the time came. Dialysis would be another unwanted phase of my life while awaiting a kidney. In October of 2017, I visited the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to get an evaluation and be placed on a deceased donor list. On November 2017, I was notified that I was placed on the donor list, waiting time was anywhere from 1 to 6 years.
In November and May, my father started the process to see if he could be a live donor match.
Meanwhile, I started the dreaded dialysis treatment, on March 28th, 2018. My life now revolves around my three weekly dialysis treatments. Through it all I just want to get back to my normal daily activities and have time to be with family and friends.
After several trips to the Mayo clinic and long days of fasting for both my father and me, my dad called on May 24th, 2018 to say he was an "Approved” living donor match!! In the excitement, I called my nurse to schedule my kidney transplant.
Our surgeries are set for July 2nd. I will be heading to the Mayo Clinic on June 28 and my last dialysis will be there on June 30th.
I am now asking for your help with the cost of medical expenses while I'm off work. Funds will be used to cover anti-rejection medication and other medical costs.
My father and mother will both be off work without pay. Since my father's act of kindness and love is voluntary, he does not qualify for short-term disability. This is unfortunate because he is giving me a second chance at life. I am asking for funding to pay for all his related expenses incurred as the result of this life-giving kidney surgery. This includes loss of income, food, lodging, and transportation while in Rochester and afterwards.
Thank you for your all your support and prayers as I strive to reach my goal. Especially, thank you to my father, Ramiro Rodriguez, who is giving me a second chance at life!
Father/ Son Kidney Transplant; A second chance at life.
It started with an annoying blood pressure check at my dentist's office! I was not happy to do this, but I had nothing to lose, or did I? As a 25-year-old, I felt healthy and invincible, so why the blood pressure check? The blood pressure reading was very high, so high that my dental appointment was cancelled. I was encouraged to see my personal physician to address this potential medical crisis. I waited a few days because I thought it was nothing. But three days later, on July 5th I met with my doctor and as the high blood pressure reading was still present. She took a blood sample to determine a baseline for my blood pressure.
I returned to work after my appointment without giving it much thought. Four hours later I got a call from the clinic inquiring if I was feeling okay. I responded positively by declaring, "I feel great!" My physician countered by advising me to visit the emergency room because the test didn't look normal and I might be dehydrated. I informed my co-workers I needed to leave for the emergency room because my test results were not normal. Upon my arrival at the Mercy Hospital emergency room, I was greeted by medical staff waiting to give me IV fluids and a battery of more medical tests. After seeing 6 or 7 physicians, the last one told me, "well I have some tests to go over with you." I took a deep breath and felt that everything was fine, in my mind all this was a mistake. He reported, "you have kidney failure." I became emotional and immediately questioned the results. I was overwhelmed by a river of sadness, hopelessness, and my world came crumbling down.
On July 20th, I underwent surgery to have a fistula placed in my right arm. The fistula would allow me to start dialysis when the time came. Dialysis would be another unwanted phase of my life while awaiting a kidney. In October of 2017, I visited the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to get an evaluation and be placed on a deceased donor list. On November 2017, I was notified that I was placed on the donor list, waiting time was anywhere from 1 to 6 years.
In November and May, my father started the process to see if he could be a live donor match.
Meanwhile, I started the dreaded dialysis treatment, on March 28th, 2018. My life now revolves around my three weekly dialysis treatments. Through it all I just want to get back to my normal daily activities and have time to be with family and friends.
After several trips to the Mayo clinic and long days of fasting for both my father and me, my dad called on May 24th, 2018 to say he was an "Approved” living donor match!! In the excitement, I called my nurse to schedule my kidney transplant.
Our surgeries are set for July 2nd. I will be heading to the Mayo Clinic on June 28 and my last dialysis will be there on June 30th.
I am now asking for your help with the cost of medical expenses while I'm off work. Funds will be used to cover anti-rejection medication and other medical costs.
My father and mother will both be off work without pay. Since my father's act of kindness and love is voluntary, he does not qualify for short-term disability. This is unfortunate because he is giving me a second chance at life. I am asking for funding to pay for all his related expenses incurred as the result of this life-giving kidney surgery. This includes loss of income, food, lodging, and transportation while in Rochester and afterwards.
Thank you for your all your support and prayers as I strive to reach my goal. Especially, thank you to my father, Ramiro Rodriguez, who is giving me a second chance at life!
Organizer
Jose Madrigal
Organizer
Champlin, MN