Hey, Girl!!

What is your city / state and country of residence?

Harvey, Il USA

How are you touched by transplantation?

I am a Recipient

If you are a recipient, what type of transplant did you receive?

Kidney

Recipients: In this space, feel free to list those you are grateful to for receiving the Gift of LIfe:

I am grateful to my donor and his family for making the choice of donating life. I do not know them personally or their story of why they chose to donate, but I am truly thankful for the wonderful gift given me.
I myself am a donor and encourage everyone I know to become donors. It is a generous and thoughtful thing to do.

If you are a recipient, what type of donor did you receive your Gift of Life from?

Deceased Donor

What is your principal transplant med(s)?

Cellcept, Prograf, prednisone

What is your hospital and, or doctor's name, city / state and country?

University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
USA

About Me: Please use this space to tell the community about yourself and your unique experience with transplantation:

I became a kidney patient in 1990. My doctor informed me that eventually I will have to go on dialysis. Less than a year later, I was rushed to the emergency room needing emergency dialysis. Yes, my doctor explained to me what to do and what not to do.as far as my eating and drinking. I listened attentively but was so sure in my mind that this must be someone else he is talking about, not me!

Having been placed on dialysis, in an instant, my life had changed forever. My life was no longer my own, it belonged to a machine and the doctors and others responsible for my care. I felt totally out of control!

I started with Peritoneal Dialysis, having two young school age children, I was able to be at home. Denial about my illness went on for five years. I would do what I was supposed to do while thinking "This is a dream, it will go away". When Peritoneal did not work for me anymore, I was prepped and started Hemodialysis. Every time the needles went in my arm, it was like a little piece of me died each time. Through it all, I kept my head up and tried to be an encouragement for others in the clinic.

To sum it up, 15 years later, I received my kidney transplant and life couldn't be any better. I have two wonderful grandsons born the same year of my transplant. I went on Cruise to the Bahamas. I recently started a new job! I feel good! There is no limit to what I can accomplish now!

Please help us reach other members by telling us how you found Transplant Cafe:

I also belong to DonateLifeIllinois.com and in the discussion board for kidney transplant, someone mentioned this site, so here I am.

What is your relationship status?

Single

Entertainment: What is Your Favorite Type of Music, Bands, Movies, Art, Books, etc.?

I like Gospel, R&B, smooth Jazz

What is Your Favorite Quote(s)?

Hebrews 11: 1,2
NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Romans 12:1
I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

My Personal (non-commercial) Website, Page, or Blog URL:

http://DonatLifeIllinois.org/MargaretSewell