GFR Test Completed This Morning --
First a comment . The process of being medically evaluated for kidney donation seems to be a long and rigorous one. But thus far it has allowed me to meet some of the nicest people! Being greeted with a smile and by first name in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at NYU Hospital was a great beginning for my day. Then there were two really sweet people who explained the test and inserted two leads - one in a vein in each arm. In addition, almost every person I have met along the way (NYU Blood lab, the local Quest Lab, etc.) has said they will pray for the success of my approval and Heather's successful receiving of my kidney. Now on to the test.
The first step was to completely empty the bladder. Next came insertion of a lead in each arm. One arm (R) was set up for injection of the Technetium 99 radioactive isotope. The other arm (L) had a small IV bag at the end with a switch port near my wrist to allow drawing blood. Then drank a cup of water and was placed laying on my back and put into a scanning machine. Once placement was confirmed, and anything metal in the region of interest (i.e. belt buckle, zipper) moved, the Tc99 was injected. The progress of the isotope was tracked by the scanner for 60 minutes (lay still, keep arms at your sides). Once the 60 minute period was complete there was then a 2 minute scan of my bladder.
After scanning was completed 5 or 6 vials of blood were drawn from the non Tc99 arm. The lead where the Tc was delivered was removed. The IV bag and switch port were removed but the lead left in place. A little heparin was put in to help avoid any clotting in the line and I was free to go for 90 minutes.
One tuna fish and diet coke later I was back in the Nuclear Medicine Dept. 5 or 6 more vials of blood were drawn at that time. The lead was removed and I was on my way home!
Results are to be available tomorrow. Unfortunately tomorrow is a Saturday so guess nothing much will happen till next week. Fingers will be crossed till we hear. :-)
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