Renal failure: It's all relative

Anybody have a spare kidney they’re not using?

Just thought I'd ask.

I’ll need one in a few years, and I had best start my search soon.

Keeping a sense of humor is important.

The nephrologist told me Wednesday that ideally he’d like to see me undergo a living donor kidney transplant, as opposed to opting for dialysis three times a week.

I told him I have no siblings and could never ask a friend, neighbor, or relative for a kidney. Not that I’d be able to ask a sibling if I had one!

It was 36 years ago when I learned that I did in fact inherit polycystic kidney disease from my father’s side of the family. 

He had it as did several of his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments became commonplace among the relatives. All of them are long gone, so I couldn’t ask them about it if I wanted to!

An older cousin of mine had a kidney transplant about a decade ago and is doing well. I suppose I could contact him.

A year ago I was told to limit my potassium and sodium intake. OK, I’ve been avoiding bananas, avocados, nectarines, spinach, and other "healthy" foods that have a high potassium content. And I've been reading labels and buying lower-sodium items. 

But on Wednesday the nephrologist informed me that phosphorus also is not my phriend. I now have another list of foods containing phosphorus that I should limit or avoid.

I feel like asking the doctor for a list of foods I am able to eat. That might be simpler! The restrictions are looking overwhelming.

I realize kidney transplantation is not as risky as it was 40-plus years ago when my father was on hemodialysis. 

And I also realize that many people have undergone successful transplants. But the concept will take some getting used to.

As a wise person once said, “One day at a time.”