Nephrectomy. Not narcolepsy. Not necromancy. Bilateral Nephrectomy.
A bilateral nephrectomy is when you remove both kidneys at the same time in preparation for a kidney transplant. Some people who get a kidney transplant just get a kidney slipped in with the two old ones. And some people get one kidney removed to make room for the healthy kidney. But if you are like Adam, you get both of your very enlarged and cyst covered kidneys taken the hell out.
“But wait!” you say, “How can a person live without their kidneys?” Through the miracle of dialysis my friends! Which is essentially what is keeping Adam alive now. Because his kidneys are already more or less non-functioning.
We had originally thought they would just remove the old kidneys and insert the new kidney all in one operation. But that’s not recommended, at least in Adam’s case. That is because the removal of the kidneys is a major operation and it affects many vital bodily functions, like blood pressure. When the new kidney is introduced, the goal is to give it the optimal chance of success. That means giving Adam’s body, and blood system in particular, a chance to recover and stabilize before introducing the donated organ. Because the donated kidney is a precious gift. We want it to be happy.
And really, we’re not going to miss the old kidneys much. I mean, they gave Adam a little more that four decades of reliable performance, but lately? Total buzz kill. They have worn out their welcome.
The nephrectomy is scheduled for March 5. He is also getting a bonus hernia repair while he is there. The hernia is also a result of the kidneys and their enormity. Adam will be in the hospital for about a week following the procedure. After that he will convalesce at home.
adamsnewkidney 