A Kidney for D Scott

What do my kidneys really do, anyway? I have never been an expert in biology.  Probably started with the 3rd grade fainting episode during my first dissection experience.  So, when all of this started with Scott's kidneys, I'll admit, I was dumb to the importance that kidneys have to our bodies or even their basic function. The kidneys are bean shaped organs about the size of an adult fist. Most people are born with two kidneys. They are located on each side of the backbone, against the back wall of the abdomen, at about the level of the lowest rib. The kidneys do many things to keep your body healthy and in a state of balance.  The primary function of the kidneys is to regulate the fluid environment in the body.  This is done through the formation of urine.  By making urine, the kidneys are able to: Regulate blood volume by removing excess fluid from the body Regulate blood pressure Filter out waste products of metabolism Maintain the body's chemical balanc

What the heck is CREATININE anyway? When Scott gets his blood drawn to check the different markers, the one they talk about the most is creatinine.  It is the most commonly used indicator of kidney function. What is it made of? Creatinine is a waste product created when our muscles break down through normal wear & tear.  We all have creatinine.  Healthy kidneys filter it out of the blood, put it into our urine, and it leaves our bodies.  When our kidneys aren’t working well, it builds up in our blood. What is a normal creatinine level? Creatinine levels can vary based on age, race, and gender.  But there is a “normal” range.  In adult men, normal is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/deciliter.  A person with one kidney might have a level around 1.8-1.9.  A level around 5.0 in adults indicates severe kidney impairment. Scott is between 6 and 7. What are the symptoms of a high creatinine level? Every person is different, but Scott is consistent with

Another friend connected me with her cousin, Brian, a great story of a donor's experience... 1.           To whom did you donate and what was your prior relationship?    I donated my kidney to Gary  on 1/12/2017 (can’t believe it’s almost 3 years now).  I did not know Gary previously but I did work with his mom once at a prior employer. 2.         What motivated you to donate?    Gary’s mom (Helen) sent an email to a bunch of colleagues and friends letting them know that she was retiring to move back to Denver, CO to be closer to her son (only child) who had a rare kidney disease and was on dialysis.  My wife happened to be on the email distribution list and she sent it to me as an “fyi” as she thought it was a sad event.  After reading the email I also felt sad for Helen and her family and noticed that Gary was the same age as my middle son (26 at the time).  I simply thought that if it were my son I’d be begging for someone to help so I sent her an email and asked about th