From The Editor: Karen Mayry is a long-term diabetic who knows the
importance of good diabetes control. Karen was the original president of our
Diabetes Action Network at its inception in 1985. She also serves as president
of the National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota..
Karen discusses her kidney transplant, an important issue for anyone with diabetes. People experiencing renal failure should realize at some point they may have to choose between dialysis and transplantation. Kidney transplant recipients enjoy a high rate of success (organ survival) and their quality of life is vastly better than on dialysis.
Here's what Karen says:
In 1968, Marshall and I had been married for three years. During a routine visit
to my doctor, Marshall was told that my kidneys were failing and that my life
expectancy would be shortened dramatically. According to medical knowledge at
the time, he was correct in relating that persons with diabetes were not able
to have kidney transplants. Luckily, I did not require a transplant until 1977,
when my brother, David, donated a kidney to me. Dr. John Najarian, MD, Chief
or Surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospital, performed the surgery.
Twenty-five years later I am healthy, busy and fully involved in life's activities. I have had the opportunity to be married to my biggest supporter and wonderful man, join the thousands of volunteers in the National Federation of the Blind, travel, and benefit from the love of my family and friends.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!