Aleana W.
Yelp
Came here on 12/2/2022 for an all day living organ donor evaluation. Literally ALL DAY- from 7:30am- 4:30pm. The hospital is super easy to find, conveniently located right off the Lodge 10 freeway on West Grand Blvd. They have garage parking, which can be validated or free parking in front of the main entrance. Tons of parking in free area, as that's where I parked. While here for my 9 hour day I had the pleasure of meeting the entire living organ donor team, a total of 9 people. They consisted of the surgeons, social worked, psychologists, nurses, medical doctors and a handful of others on the team. Each and every single one of them was welcoming, professional and patient, as I sent approximately an hour with each person. They listened to my concerns and answered all of my questions throughly. It was a LONG day, I'm glad I was able to have a support person with me which was my 13 year old daughter. She was super awesome keeping me company. Plus, all the entire donor team was very engaging with her- I appreciated that the most. I've been communicating with my donor advocate Emily since June, when this process began. She's amazing! She's been so supportive this entire process, which has been a half a year in the works. I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for me, not only my advocate- but along the way became a friend. My gratitude for her has no words. While here the entire day, my daughter and I got a 30 minute lunch break. I truly wanted to just take a nap, but both of us were starving. We were both given $5 vouchers to eat in the cafeteria, which was awesome. The cafeteria had tons of items to choose from including gran and go items, cooks making hot food and a grill with burgers, fries and chicken. Their was hot soups, salads and tons of snacks and beverages. Daughter was happy with her sandwich and fries and I got 2 super fresh garden salads. Our vouchers paid for everything we got, so the prices were super cheap for a good lunch. At the end of my meetings with the entire donor team, I was sent to X-Ray for pictures of my chest and abdomen. From there I was send to get a complete cat scan. Both the technicians where very welcoming and friendly. I was exhausted by then, and I appreciated their compassion. I couldn't have had a better experience for something that wasn't/isn't required. My intent was to donate my kidney anonymously.
Fast forward Tuesday 12/6/2022.
My cat scan revealed that my right kidney has 3 arteries, they one they wanted to take. My left kidney has 2 arteries. Most people only have 1 artery to each kidney. 10% of people have 2 arteries, and only 1% of people have 3 arteries. This coupled with the fact that I have sepsis just less than 2 years ago, ruled me out for donation. It's unfortunate because all my test these last 6 months have proved that I'm one of the healthiest people alive. But my risk factor with so many arteries makes the doctors worry for my health.
I don't regret all the time and effort put into this experience. If it would have worked out, it would/could have been life changing for someone.