by: Tim , aka "Mike Mercury" on car forums
(This web page was updated in July 2020)
Many will be stunned upon reading this, some have known for years. July 22, 2020 was a fourty year milestone for me. On July 22, 1980 I had a kidney transplant operation; I was age 24.
At age 13, a strep throat infection traveled down my chest cavity, unfortunately damaging my kidneys before the strep was diagnosed and treated. Time and high blood-pressure further attacked my kidneys until at age 24 I was diagnosed with complete kidney failure ( 6 % total function, both combined ). After 6 months of dialysis treatments, my older brother John donated a kidney. My health has improved drastically over my early days with kidney failure. I never dreamed I would of regained my health to further my quest for the good life; and I am certainly living a dream life!
Many are surprised when learning of my kidney transplant. Many ask if I have any restrictions; and the answer is NO. Next I am usually asked if I still have my original kidneys; YES. Since they weren't cancerous, there was no need to remove them. I have 3 kidneys (but only the transplanted one is working). Another popular question asks what I attribute the success of the past 40 years to; well, here it is:
* A caring family; a generous brother
* A wonderful kidney specialist; Dr. Muthiah
* A super wife
I have had NO kidney related illnesses in the past 40 years. The transplant has worked that well.
Below are a few more pictures of others that have made my life the miracle it has become:
Yvonne; my wife of 39 years. Pic taken July 2000 We met just one year after my transplant and were married within 3 months. I never thought I would remarry again; but when the perfect match comes along, one quickly changes their mind.
Dr. Muthiah. My kidney specialist from the beginning. This pic taken July 22, 2000.
I have enjoyed excellent health ever since this life saving procedure.
Hello to all the Vette Barn -Corvette Forum members reading this !!!