# @upmchealthbeat on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CcvRrnnlyBq
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20935497-upmchealthbeat-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/b15e625bbb.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-04-24T15:23:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UPMC (@upmchealthbeat) — https://gondola.cc/upmchealthbeat

## Caption

"My #transplantjourney began in February 2014 when one of my calves began to swell. Doctors monitored my swelling for about two years and gave me medication to treat it, but it never seemed to improve. Not once did I think that my swollen leg was a result of my kidneys failing. I had no other symptoms, and when doctors at UPMC Harrisburg told me about my diagnosis, I couldn’t believe it. I was put on dialysis for about five years starting in 2016 and continued treatment until shortly before my transplant in March 2021.

When I received my diagnosis, I was very surprised because I thought I was a healthy person with just a swollen leg. However, I didn’t want my condition to become who I am. My sister was in kidney failure during the same time, so my guess is that this might’ve been hereditary.  Nevertheless, I began my search for a living donor. I wasn’t very persistent at first, only letting my family, friends, and church community know that I needed a new kidney.
 
My wife was evaluated and ended up being compatible; however, she wasn’t the best possible option for me. In the past, there have been two other instances where someone at church needed a transplant, and both living donors came from my church community. I thought if that could happen twice, why not a third time? Patricia Scott, a lovely woman from my church, decided to go through the evaluation process. Because she didn’t want to get my hopes up, she underwent her evaluation in private. After she learned she was able to donate, she told me the news. I was part of a paired exchange, and when Patricia was told that even though she would be unable to donate to me directly, she always had the option to stay on the list in case another kidney came along to complete the exchange. She agreed, and I am here today because of her generosity and bravery. She had three kids under the age of 10 at the time and had enough going on in her own life. Why she chose to donate to me is a blessing, and thanks to UPMC Harrisburg and my support system, I am getting along great in my recovery." - Pierre, kidney transplant recipient

Register to become an organ donor at registerme.org/UPMC.
#DonateLife #DonateLifeMonth

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## Tags

transplantjourney, donatelifemonth, donatelife

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