KIDNEY FOR PATRICK

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Good News and Bad News....

Sorry for such late updating here.

The good news... Despite all the medications Patrick has been on to suppress his immune system, with the help of some heavy duty antibiotics, Patrick was able to fight off the infection he had. In fact, the next day his fever was down and he was feeling much better. It was a very scary day for all of us knowing how serious the infections was. Thank God he got over it OK.

The bad news... Doctors have very little hope at this point that Patrick's new kidney will start to function like it should, and they will eventually have to take it out. But for now, his body needs to heal from what he has already been through. Devastating news and a hard day for all.

But a little more good news... Patrick will not lose his spot on the transplant waiting list and he should be able to get another transplant down the road. It will take some time to find out exactly what his antibody level is once he stabilizes a little more. Because of this, he cannot have another live donor transplant for at least 6 months, but then we can search for a donor again. It's important to know that Patrick's body did not reject his new kidney, but for reasons unknown, some of the kidney tissue died post-transplant and it became non-viable.

For now, Patrick goes back on dialysis. He was discharged from the hospital Monday night and is staying at the Ronald McDonald House for another two weeks while he goes back and forth to the U of M for monitoring, tests, labs and getting him set with a dialysis regimen again.

I don't think anyone expected the road to be so difficult and it's hard to know what to even say about all of this, but one thing is for sure, Patrick and his mom are strong and together they will make it through all of this crap (to put it nicely) to get to their well-deserved happy ending!

To our Snyder Family Hero... Not sure if you read this blog or not, but we all hope and pray you are feeling OK and recovering well. It's hard to imagine how difficult this all must be to you as well. We hope it helps you to know that we are eternally grateful for what you did... nothing will ever change that. We wish you many blessings in your life!

Friday, June 3, 2011

A Rough Ride for Patrick...

It's been quite a roller coaster ride these past two weeks. Things haven't gone perfectly and definitely not as planned. I'm sorry this update doesn't bring better news... Patrick is very sick with possible sepsis and possible rejection. He has a high fever, is needing oxygen, and is feeling ill overall. Just so I don't mislead anyone, this illness is very serious, however he is not in intensive care. Results of a biopsy yesterday showed some dead kidney tissue and an ultrasound showed some blood flow to the kidney, but limited. Another biopsy and anti-rejection treatments (plasmapheresis) will be done today. It is possible they may have to go in and remove his new kidney soon.

But even with all this very devastating news, there is always hope and faith. Patrick desperately needs prayers now. Please pray for strength and courage for Patrick as well his health. He is going through a very difficult time right now.

Please also keep in your prayers Patrick's donor. He is still recovering and regardless of what happens... he will always be a hero!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Doing Well After Transplant...

First of all, Patrick, new kidney and donor are ALL GOOD! After a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride the first 24 hours after transplant (emergency surgery was needed after transplant to fix a lack of blood flow to kidney), Patrick is recovering and his new kidney is working and producing urine! All seems to be going well and doctors are optimistic that his kidney will continue working!! Patrick's donor is also doing well on his road to recovery... We could never thank him enough for what he has done!!

Thank you to all of you for all your prayers and support! Keep checking back for updates and maybe even some pictures.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

PATRICK HAS A NEW KIDNEY!!!

Today is a very special day!!! Patrick's transplant surgery went well and he now has a new working kidney! To quote Patrick's mom's Facebook status, "Pack just got out of surgery, the new kidney is making urine!!!!!!" A big thanks to Patrick's donor once again... the gift you have given is amazing! And thank you God for this wonderful blessing for Patrick and his family! Will continue to give updates on Patrick's recovery.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Yes it's true... A KIDNEY FOR PATRICK!!!

Finally, the update we've all been waiting for!!! After almost 3 long years... Patrick has found a match!

Talk of the possibility of it has been buzzing around now for a while, but out of fear that something could change and that we'd be starting back at square one again, it was in Patrick's best interest to keep the news quiet. But as of last week, it is official! Patrick received his surgery instructions and information in the mail and the date is set! On Wednesday, May 18th, Patrick will be getting his long awaited kidney transplant and a brand new start on life!!!

Patrick's donor would like to remain anonymous, but hopefully he will read this update and know how truly grateful we all are for this gift he is giving to Patrick. There really are no words and we wish you all the blessings you deserve in your life. Thank you!

Please keep Patrick in your prayers for a successful transplant and for a speedy recovery without complications. After transplant, Patrick will recover at the U of M for approximately a week. From there, he'll be staying at the Ronald McDonald House for about 3 more weeks so he can be checked and monitored closely by the U of M. During this time, his mom will be unable to work. Patrick's donor will also be unable to work for a while as he also needs some recovery time. We are continuing to sell cookbooks to raise money for their expenses. Please consider purchasing one... they have over 500 recipes and sell for $20 each + $5 shipping. Send an email to snyder555@arvig.net if you would like to order one!

Will post an update after transplant. Thank you all for your prayers, love and support!

Patrick's Story

Patrick was born on February 24, 1994, with chronic kidney failure. He was in need of a kidney transplant, but doctors said he would have to wait until he was big enough to undergo this operation. As a baby, Patrick spent much time in and out of the hospital. Eventually Patrick’s parents were tested to be a donor for him, and thankfully, his mom was a match. When Patrick was 16 months old, he underwent a life-saving transplant and received his mom’s kidney.

This was truly the beginning of a new life for Patrick. Patrick was able to grow and play and have a pretty typical childhood. He took anti-rejection drugs every day, had monthly lab draws taken and followed a few simple rules to protect his kidney. He went to school and loved spending time with cousins and friends, playing with the neighborhood kids, having bonfires in the backyard, going to movies and playing video games. Life was good.

In August of 2008, Patrick’s lab draws began to show a change in his kidney function. This happened occasionally during times of illness, but his levels always bounced back to normal. This time it was different. His kidney function continued to decline and eventually there was no denying that Patrick’s kidney was failing and he would soon need another transplant. In October of 2008, doctors told Patrick’s mom that Patrick had only a 17% chance of finding a donor, due to a build up of antibodies in his blood, and that because he had built up antibodies to the kidney his mom had given him, he would likely not match with any other blood relatives either. This was heartbreaking news and we knew that finding a donor would be difficult. A month later, testing showed that Patrick had built up even more antibodies and they were then told that he now only had a 6% chance of finding a donor. Patrick’s mom was devastated.

Over the past two years, Patrick has been in and out of the hospital, through invasive treatments, blood transfusions, a biopsy, surgeries and serious complications. He is on high dosages of multiple medications. He has been closely monitored with weekly lab draws and it’s been an ongoing struggle keeping his blood pressure, cholesterol, potassium, hemoglobin, etc. in an acceptable range.

Patrick is in the 10th grade and should be attending high school with all his friends, but instead he is tutored at home. He is missing out on most of the normal things the other kids his age are doing and life as he knew it has basically come to a halt.

Patrick is now on dialysis at home for 12 hours every day.
Dialysis is hard on Patrick some days, but because Patrick no longer has remaining kidney function, it’s necessary. It’s been a blessing, however. Dialysis allows Patrick to feel better and is buying precious time to find a kidney.

TO BE TESTED TO BE A DONOR FOR PATRICK...

Contact:
Transplant Coordinator
University of Minnesota
1-800-328-5465 - Choose Option 1
or call
612-672-7272
give Patrick's full name and date of birth:
Patrick Sibert, 2/24/94
When you call, follow the automated prompts. If you get voice mail, just leave your name and number and say why you're calling, and she'll get back to you. Please be patient, it may take her a couple of days to call you back, but if you don't hear back from her, please try again. Once you've been tested, you will need to call for your results in 7-10 days. Please read THE Q&A below for more info on requirements of becoming a donor and being tested.

Common questions about getting tested to be a donor...

Do I have to have a certain blood type to be Patrick's donor?
Yes, you need to have a blood type of A or O to be a possible donor for Patrick. It doesn't matter if it's positive or negative, only if your type is A or O.

How do I find out of I am a match or not?
If you know your blood type you're one step ahead. But if you don't know your blood type, that's okay, they can find that out. the Transplant Coordinator at 1-800-328-5465 (seer her contact info above). She will ask you a few questions and if you're eligible she will send you a packet with information about being a donor. Once you receive your packet all you have to do is go to your local clinic and get some blood drawn. The paperwork and everything you need for this will be in your packet. It takes 7-10 days for the results. She will call you to let you know if you are a match.

What does it cost to find out?
There is no cost to you whatsoever to find out if you're a match. There is information on that in your packet.

What if I live in a different state?
It doesn't matter what state you live in, you can still be tested. Funds are being raised to help cover expenses, including any necessary travel expenses for the donor.

What about age?
You need to be at least 18 years or older to donate.

How healthy do I need to be?
The Transplant Coordinator will ask you some health related questions and determine if you are eligible to be a donor.

Will my own health be affected if I become a donor?
Studies show that people who donate their kidney are just as healthy as those who don't. There is an excellent news article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about being a kidney donor. To read, click here.