Lets see ....where do I begin?..........
Well, my name is Larry and I am 45 years old, I am originally from New York City where I
lived for 30 years. I got married to my wife Lori in Oct. 1988 and we moved to Florida in 1989 & we have no plans of moving back to live
in NY. We lived in Orlando, FL for 10 years. At that time
I was managing a Target store in Orlando. I last worked for Target in 1992,
which ended up being my last job that I have had. I left work because my
health started to go downhill.
(I now presently live in Weston, FL)
Since the age of 17, I got diabetes & the diabetes was starting
to cause other problems. First, it started affecting my eyes. My vision slowly
deteriorated over time, despite about a dozen different types of surgeries.
Within a year I had became legally blind. I still am legally blind, but I
have sort of adjusted to it. The only thing I am really unable to do is drive.
I basically can see clear to about 20 to 30 feet but beyond that it is
blurry.
That same year (1992), I also developed kidney failure & after staying
on a strict renal diet for 3 years to prolong the need for dialysis, in January,
1995, I went on dialysis & my health really went downhill from there.
At many times during that period of dialysis I had to be hospitalized for
different reasons, & a few times I nearly died.
I then started looking into a kidney transplant, but a few days after I decided
to do this I read about a new transplant they were performing in Miami. They
were performing Kidney/Pancreas Transplants, so in April, 1995 I went to
Miami & the next month I was put on a list for the double transplant.
On July 23, 1995 I had the transplant & it went great!
After more than 8 years, I am still doing pretty good! No more dialysis, no more
diabetes, no longer taking any insulin injections & I am on no type of
diabetic diet at all. I am basically feeling almost NORMAL (but then again, what is normal?).
My only real problems after my transplant were my eyes,
In October , 2001 I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, which was caused by the steroids I have had to take for the past 6 years for the transplant, but I really can't complain.
In Sept, 2003, I developed some new problems, such
as high blood pressure and anemia, and that time I did not know the cause of
these problems. I started seeing a Hematologist a few months after and
found out it was my kidneys that was causing my anemia.
In May, 2004 I had a rejection of my kidney. I was admitted to the hospital and was given high doses of steroids for several days and it seemed to had turned things around. My numbers went back to normal levels.
Then in August, 2004, while on vacation, I started feeling quite ill, and when I got home I called my transplant center and they had me admitted to the hospital. My kidney was rejecting again, but this time they could not save it. After a few days I was back on dialysis.
I was back on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List in Miami on Dec 17, 2004 and they say the waiting time can be anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. In September, 2006, after getting impatient waiting for over 2 years on the list at Miami, I got on the waiting list at Florida Hospital in Orlando and I also I transferred the time that I spent on the waiting list in Miami over to the waiting list in Orlando. A few weeks later O got "the call" that a kidney became available and I was the proud recipient of my second kidney!!
After a few complications I am doing better now. It was not the perfect kidney but I am still so very grateful! As long there is no need for dialysis I consider it all a success, even though it was a rough ride to get where I am today.
What do I like to do for fun? Right now I am still kind of stranded at home
because I can't drive and I am on dialysis 3 days a week which limits what I can
do. I do try & get out everyday & take several
walks. Before my illness, my wife & I loved to travel. We would go
on vacations whenever we got the chance. We usually vacationed 3 weeks a year.
We visited many places, like the Gulf Coast & the Blue Ridge and Smoky
Mountains. I love the beach & the mountains. I love all sports. When
I was healthy I basically participated in all sports, from baseball to football
to white-water rafting & so on.
My wife, Lori, is a resort manager at a timeshare resort & she works
very hard & long hours.
Someday I hope to have that successful business at home & make enough
money so she doesn't have to go to work anymore.
Please click below if you would like to get in touch with me via email. I
would love to hear from you whether you are looking to get a transplant,
have had a transplant, want more information about the transplant, or for
any other reason you might have.
I do look forward to hearing from you or speaking to you
online
Good health to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Larry
