Kidney Transplant - Lori Bormann

My name is Lori Bormann and I am 37 years old. In 1991 at the age 21 I went into kidney failure and was put on haemodialysis for three years. Following that, I was then put on C.A.P.D at home dialysis for eight months. In October 31, 1994 I received my first kidney transplant from a deceased donor and it lasted twelve and one half years which was pretty good. In July of 2007, my body began to reject my new kidney, my creatine was starting to climb and I was not feeling well.

The doctors in Windsor advised me that if I wanted to go back on dialysis it was my decision and in Jan. 2008, I made that decision. On Feb. 19 I began hemodialysis treatments myself at a satellite centre every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 3 to 4 hours a day.

Those weekly sessions took its toll on my body so, in July2008 I decided again to perform C.A.P.D. at home. This home treatment gave me more freedom to complete tasks around the house and enjoy the outdoors in between sessions. This went on for seven and one half months while my loving and caring father diligently drove me to London for various tests. My dad and I spoke about the possibility of a family related donor, and he volunteered to be tested immediately.

My operation was initially set for November 12th, but due to abnormal blood pressure, the surgery was cancelled. We were all disappointed, but we also knew there was going to be a next time. Finally, on Feb.11, 2009 my father, family members and I made the journey to London and everything worked out fine.

My father is such a transplant advocate now and he says, “If a person wants to be a live donor there is one thing you can be assured of right from the beginning; the hospital staff perform extensive testing and examinations to ensure a good match. During a twelve month period I have made the journey eight times to the University Hospital in London. I was so impressed with the staff and their commitment to ensure a good match for the recipient, but also their responsibility taking care of the donor to make sure he or she is fit to undergo an operation and be able to resume their life in a full and productive manner all the while stressing the risk factor associated with any operation.

“For those who may be interested in becoming a live donor, I must tell you the care and concern for my well-being by the professionals at University Hospital was superb. I was in awe of the battery of stress & blood tests, x-rays, MRI exams, nuclear stress tests, body scans, interviews with mental health professionals, surgeons, heart specialists and so on. All of these procedures are designed to ensure I was fit enough to withstand the operation,” states John.

“As a bonus, if I was not acceptable as a donor, I would have the knowledge of the level of my health, as tests were performed on my heart, lungs, and all major organs which, without the testing, I may not have known of any wants and needs to correct, so it is all good. Today is March 7, I recently spoke by phone with Lori and it is remarkable to hear the vitality and strength in her voice as she is sharing her days activity with me”, adds Dad.

My dad recovered in three days and I in one week. We are both resting and recovering at home. I am so grateful that my dad is such a loving and giving person who thought nothing of giving his daughter the “Gift Of Life”. He says, “it was no big deal”, but I told him that it was.

He gave me a lifesaving miracle and I will always be very thankful for that. My dad is not only my father, but my hero and mostly my best friend".

Written by Lori Bormann.