Fear Leads to Inspiration

Since my first post I kind of went into denial. I was diagnosed with Stage Four kidney failure. It does not go much higher than that. Ha ha ha One of those things where if I do not talk about or acknowledge it, it does not exist. I knew the clock was ticking however and I needed to do something.

I applied for a kidney transplant through the University of Kentucky Hospital. One thing that some may not know is that you can apply to as many transplant lists as you would like no matter what State or geographic location. The challenge with this however is the distance and having to go to appointments.

If I live in Kentucky can I apply for a transplant through a facility in Florida or California? Yes you can. Keep in mind you must be able to travel to that location for testing and checkups on your dime for travel and accommodations. That is what usually discourages folks from doing this. My recommendation is to apply at locations that you feel comfortable with within your travel range.

I live in Louisville, KY yet I applied for University of Kentucky Hospital which is over an hour away. The great thing is they have a clinic in Louisville at Norton Hospital minutes from my house. All testing and appointments were located at the clinic and the actual transplant will be in Lexington. I could have also applied through other local hospitals to better my chances.

Why didn't I? I was so impressed with the University of Kentucky that I knew I wanted to place my care with them. Now that I am accepted, I have a checklist of tests, cleanings and appointments that I must complete before I "go active."

The great thing is my wait time for a donor begins the second I go "inactive" and it accrues until my status turns to "active." Typically the average wait for a kidney is five to six years. So now that the process has started, how do I get inspired to get off my ass and do it?

My theory was to participate in something that I have been fearful for in my life and confront it. At this point, that fear FAR outweighed any fear I have about the transplant. What was my fear?

Being naked.