It’s a New Year, a time for change, renewal and to begin again. Patricia Jordan, a kidney transplant recipient received a life-saving organ on September 22, 2005. Patricia, age 38, waited 4 ½ years on the transplant list for a kidney. During this wait, she maintained kidney function through the use of hemodialysis. A dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, were used to clean her blood. She needed dialysis because her kidneys no longer removed enough wastes and fluid from her blood to keep her healthy. Her treatments usually lasted about four hours, and were done three times a week.

Thousands of candidates are waiting for kidneys, 40% of them are African-Americans, who suffer from chronic kidney disease. African-Americans are disproportionately represented on the waiting list due to diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, polycystic kidneys and other inherited diseases.

Prior to Patricia’s diagnosis, she visited her primary physician several times complaining about unusual fatigue, low energy, mental cloudiness and joint pain. The doctor dismissed her complaints, stating she should just take better care of herself.

It was after being denied insurance that their blood tests showed that she was in renal failure. Her doctor finally followed through with testing. Afterwards, he diagnosed her with renal failure and found that she was in immediate need of dialysis and needed to be placed on the transplant list. Although she had all the classic signs of renal failure, her physician was unresponsive, not unlike many doctors who dismiss our concerns about our own bodies. Patricia encourages you to become your own advocate, to change doctors who will not work with you, diligently monitor your medication, and always do your own research!!! As Patricia waited for a life-saving organ, she continued to run and maintained a healthy diet.

She currently works at Alverno College as a computer lab assistant, and is also pursuing a degree in Business Management and Computer Science. Her goal is to start her own business. She now celebrates both days, one as her rebirth and the other as her birthday.

-April Sharkey