MY TRANSFORMATION

by Betty Walker

I was born in 1953 in Dover Plains, New York. In spite of the fact that I was diagnosed with diabetes at age five, my childhood was more or less "normal." I graduated from high school in 1971, and earned an A.A.S. degree in Nursery Education from Duchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York. My problems began at that time.

Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy took my sight before the end of 1974. In January of 1978, I was confronted with renal failure as well. After coping with losing my sight, which I did by daily thanking God for each day, I felt this new development was just another of life's hurdles that I had to jump over. If I could not jump, I would climb; no matter how slowly I would have to climb.

When I went on hemodialysis, most of the time I felt very ill. I was so nauseated that I could not eat. My social life was nonexistent, and I no longer enjoyed any hobbies. I was so tired that most of the time between dialysis sessions I spent in bed. Life went on like that for about six and one half months. When I decided to have a kidney transplant, I figured I had nothing to lose. Dialysis was always there to fall back on.

On July 13, 1978, I was "born again." My mother, Fran Bator, gave me life when I was born and gave it to me again when she became my kidney donor. The transplant was done at Yale-New Haven Hospital. It should be called a "transformation," because that is what it was for me.

I could hardly believe it, but, the day after the transplant, I wanted to eat! I was told that I had to wait one more day. Given Jello and ginger ale the next day, I told the doctors I wanted "real" food. The following day, request granted, I ate like a horse, devouring every bit of food on my tray. I felt like running or doing something to release my energy. My hematocrit rose from 12 to 40. All of my blood chemistries were now normal. The only problem was with my blood sugar, which had risen because of the steroid I was prescribed as postoperative medication.

The most frustrating thing for me was that I could not take a shower or a bath until my stitches were removed. Wouldn't you know it--they left them in for 16 days! As soon as the doctor removed the stitches and was out the door, I was in the shower.

Since I became blind I have had this philosophy: I never say something CAN'T be done unless first I try it and know that I can't do it. So far the only thing I've found I can't do is drive a car. I lead a fairly active life since my transplant. My favorite leisure activity is horseback riding. Yes, it can be done by a totally blind person. I also enjoy swimming, hiking, sailing, ice-skating, arts and crafts, cooking, baking, and writing poetry. Included here is one of my poems, "Natural High," expressing my outlook on life.

In closing, I would just like to say: "Never give up, and don't let anything get you down."

If anyone would like to write or call me, my address and phone number are: Betty Walker, 1826 Mississippi, Jefferson City, MO 65101; telephone: (573) 634-7969.

Natural High

Whenever I am feeling high, I find it very hard to lie. My face will have a big bright smile, And when I talk, I talk a while. My high is not from any drug; I may be "up" from just a hug. Its cause is just a love of life That I hold on to with great strife.

Author's Postscript

My original article was written in February 1980, for the "Danbury Hospital Dialysis Newsletter," to encourage dialysis patients to choose transplantation.

I have now had my kidney transplant for 18 1/2 years. I have had no major problems in those years, and my blood chemistries continue right in the middle of the normal range. I continue to do all of the things that I enjoy, and I work actively in the National Federation of the Blind.

David Walker, of Michigan, and I were married in 1982 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the National Federation of the Blind Convention. Shortly after our marriage, a new job for Dave brought us to Jefferson City, Missouri, where we reside today.

I have been president of my local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, and have served on the national board of our NFB Diabetes Action Network. I encourage anyone who is undecided about transplantation to "go for it."