I’ve dealt with chronic high blood pressure and diabetes for years, but the real gut punch came in March 2021, when a routine visit to my endocrinologist turned nightmarish. He discovered that my kidneys were not functioning properly, and I was in kidney failure. In April 2022, after extensive testing, I was placed on the national kidney transplant list.
I had to make a lot of changes in my life, and while I’ve stayed as positive as I can be, it’s been a scary time for me and for my family. In August 2022, I became very ill. Every day was a struggle to get through. Mornings were awful. I would dry heave or throw up every day. Evenings brought excruciating cramping in my legs, and I was exhausted all the time… I could fall asleep anywhere, any time.
I began dialysis on September 8, 2022. The decision was difficult, and I battled with it for a long time. There were surgeries to implant ports, changes to my diet and fluid intake, and scheduling changes at work. I’ve tried to keep a normal work + life + dialysis balance, but it hasn’t been easy.
I’m blowing through my sick and vacation time at work at an alarming rate. Dialysis is three days a week, 4 hours at a time, and an 87-mile round trip from my home to the center where I have treatments. The treatments are grueling for me. While in the chair, I try to read, listen to audiobooks, and watch videos, but the sensory stimulation is very challenging. The fluorescent lights are terrible; the center is loud; the machines buzz constantly; and people are always talking.
To stay active in the National Kidney Registry, I also go for bloodwork once a month. I have a constant ache in my right side due to a small stone and I have daily fatigue.
The good news is that the dialysis is working. I’m grateful for that, and that I am still able to work. I am well enough to take my dog for walks and I can still drive. Still, it affects me physically, emotionally, socially, economically, and professionally. While I am grateful that dialysis is working, it is not a long-term solution. At 38, I have a lot more living left to do! Receiving a kidney from a living kidney donor will greatly improve my quality of life and on average give me 15-20 years longer to live.
People would describe me as having an upbeat outlook on life. No matter what’s going on in my own life, I always make time to check on my family, friends, and the people I love. Helping others gives my life purpose and meaning. I have been called a natural healer. I am an artist, a curious soul, and a believer in spreading light and love in the world.
I have experienced the full range of emotions: sadness, fear, brokenness, anger, and frustration. Some days I am super hopeful and hold on to that tightly. I am humbled by the kindness of those who have been tested on my behalf. I also have days when I think this is my life now… cancelled vacations, chronic pain, and days hooked up to machines.
If I were to find a match and get a new kidney, I would look forward to living my life to the fullest. Eating and drinking what I want and as much as I want, staying up past 9:30 pm. Spending less time needing help and having more time to be the helper. I wouldn’t take a thing for granted. I’d live my best life and help others to do so, too.
If you are interested in finding out if you could be a match, contact Geisinger.com/transplant, and speak to someone about whether you could be a candidate for testing.
Family and friends of Andrew Granick are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Andrew has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
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