We got up early, actually our usual times -- Barbara at 5am and me about 5:30am. I had to be careful not to eat or drink anything. I finished up my 24 hour urine test and wound up with two large bottles. We packed these carefully in plastic bags and kept them refridgerated. At the last minute we put them in one of our knapsacks. We left at 7:00 am for my 9:00 am appointment. The trip was actually less than an hour, but we didn't want to take any chances.
It was another cold morning when we took the NY subway from Gerry's apartment in lower Manhattan to Presbyterian Hospital. The subway was packed like sardines -- guess this is typical for NYC. We got a real laugh when they announced over the PA that all backpacks were subject to search. How would we ever explain this!
We got off the subway and walked 5 or 6 blocks to the hospital. We got there at 7:45 am. Everyone was just arriving, but they brought us into the transplant waiting area right away.
We first met with Marian our coordinator (there is a separate team for the donor and recipient). Marion took some data and explained what was going to happen during the screening.
Next I had 8 vials of blood drawn and BP check. My white coat high BP kicked in as usual.
Then we met with the social worker, Ilana. She was very nice and explained the whole procedure, including preparation, operation (procedure), recovery and follow up visits. She had to ask multiple times if I was being paid to donate. We signed some papers showing that everything had been explained to us.
We have to get ready to catch the bus for home, so I will continue this the next time that I get internet access.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Emily Here. I remember those multiple questions. Not only was I asked about being paid to donate. I was also asked multiple times if I knew what I was getting myself into and how I felt about that.
ReplyDeleteYes, Emily. They did want to be very sure that I really wanted to do this.
ReplyDelete