
At one point, approximately two years ago, I was in and out of the hospital on a bi-weekly basis with the doctors thinking it was my diabetes acting up again. I knew differently. We all know our bodies and you should always trust your gut so that’s exactly what I did. Second opinion here I come!
Upon seeking a second opinion I was informed that I had Celiac disease with a 99.8% positive test. I was told that diabetes and celiac play hand-in-hand. If you have one, you will more than likely develop the other. Of course I was happy about finally knowing what was wrong but I was still upset about having another food restricted diet to follow.
Things went well for a while but that soon came to an abrupt end when things suddenly went downhill without any notice. In the hospital, out of the hospital. Back and forth, back and forth. This was my life every second week. Again the doctors assumed that it was because of my diabetes but you know what they say about assuming… Let me tell you that the doctors totally fit the part as it wasn’t my diabetes but actually my kidneys shutting down! This is something that I was preparing for since I know that diabetes affects the kidneys but it was a complete shock to hear that I would need dialysis for the rest of my life unless I was eligible for a kidney transplant.
Despite having to be away from my wife and little one for more than a month in a different city, I’m grateful for the diagnosis as I’m eligible for a kidney and pancreas transplant. This means that I will be given a pancreas as well as a kidney, leaving me only to worry about the celiac disease. No more chronic kidney disease or type 1 diabetes. Yay!
I’m currently going through the screening process for a living* or non-living organ transplant and it has taken a lot of running to and from appointments as well as to dialysis every other day. However, to have these tests completed means that I’m one step closer to being healthy and being able to take my son sliding and to the pool to practice his swimming techniques. Things that I can not currently do with a chest catheter.
Some of the complications that I’m dealing with due to the diabetes is nerve damage, diabetic neuropathy or bleeding in the back of the eyes which is controlled with LASIK treatment. Unfortunately for me, I need to have my eyes frozen with a needle in order to undergo these treatments. I also suffer from gastro-parisis which is a fancy word for lazy stomach. My stomach has a harder time digesting food because of the nerve damage caused by the diabetes. I constantly shake due to the nerves as well as suffer from anxiety. As mentioned above, I also suffer from chronic kidney disease which causes me to have kidney stones quite often as well as having to attend dialysis which causes a lot of issues too but that’s going to have to wait until another time so I don’t bore anyone by rambling, lol. I wish I could tell people what to look out for but with the multiple different issues that I suffer from it’s too hard to pinpoint what I felt due to each separate disease.
I’m extremely grateful for the medicare system here in Canada as I know it would be even more difficult for me without some kind of financial aid. Speaking of financial aid, I have had a tremendous amount of help from the blogging community including Journeys Of The Zoo and I’m extremely thankful for the kind donations and general support I’ve received from them. It’s absolutely amazing knowing that there are still kind hearted people in the world.
Given all the challenges in Jason’s life, you might think that he’d be sad or bitter but he’s far from it. He is generous, giving and always thinking of others. I’m sure that he has his moments but they’re the exception.
Want to Help? Jason and his Family are raising money for his upcoming transplant. You can donate here.
To Find out How You can become a Live Organ Donor visit the Living Donor Paired Exchange Program Website or Follow them on Twitter.
Know Anyone That Has Had an Organ Transplant?
Waiting for a Kidney and Pancreas Transplant #organdonation @JimminyMagee @zoojourneys http://t.co/5EfQFDxJjg
— Journeys of The Zoo (@zoojourneys) May 7, 2015
Jason was born in Saskatchewan and now resides in Quebec. He has two sons, a loving wife and three cats. He loves to cook and hopes to obtain a culinary degree. In his spare time he enjoys being outdoors and blogging with his wife.
Connect with Jason Magee Website | Facebook | Twitter
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A very good friend of mine desperately needed and ended up getting a kidney transplant. I urge everyone that believes in it to register as an organ donor, and consider living donation too!
Dear Rene,
So glad to hear that your friend had such a happy ending. The saying that “it’s in you to give” doesn’t only apply to blood.
I’ve added the information about “Becoming a Living Organ Donor” to the bottom of this post as well (it was originally posted in Jen’s post, http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/2014/10/living-organ-donor-canadian-feature.html).
Besos Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Do You Let Your Kids Talk to Strangers?
No, I don’t know anyone waiting for an organ transplant for which I am thankful. The waiting must be very stressful and then the actual transplant itself isn’t easy either. I wish Jason all the best and hope it all works out well for him.
Sending all the very best well wishes for Jason and his family. Wish I could help more.
Sending positive vibes and happy thoughts your way! Thanks for sharing!
Diabetes is such a horrid thing to have. There have been so many advances in treatments, but still no assured cure.
best wishes