As my kidney function decreased I had to start Dialysis . I was very reluctant to start it at first, and was scheduled to meet with ""Rudy"" Dunbar the Home Hemo Dialysis Trainer and head nurse at Fresinius Medical Care Dialysis Center of Gastonia. Both she and Dr. Nigbors Physician Assistant Anna, explained how Dialysis would work. Meanwhile, I was referred to Metrolina Nephrology in Charlotte, and was scheduled to meet Dr. George Hart to begin the process of obtaining a kidney transplant. I was impressed with him the first time we met, because of his caring compassionate nature. He helped me feel at ease by answering my questions and listening to my concerns about transplantation. The staff in his office were very professional in explaining how my insurance would work with Medicare to cover the enormous cost associated with transplantation. I also had surgery around this time to establish an AV Fistula in my left arm \r
by Dr. Callicut in Gastonia.\r
\r
\r
On Friday, Oct. 23,2009 I received a call around 7 p.m. to come to Carolina Medical Center. I was told that a kidney had become available which seemed to be a perfect match for me. The kidney would be coming from Pennsylvania via. airplane to Charlotte. Once it was delivered to the hospital further tissue matching would be done with my body's tissue, and if everything matched up, I would have the transplant surgery the following day. It matched nearly perfectly and I was transplanted the following day By Dr. Gores. Either late Saturday or Sunday morning complication arose and I had respiratory distress due to a collapsed lung. My heart became irregular and Dr.'s thought I was having a heart attack. What had happened was due to internal bleeding. Dr. Fotiadis quickly figured out my problem and I credit him for saving my life as I was in critical condition. Dr. Cassingal operated and found the bleeder and stopped me from bleeding out, and packed the surgical site to absorb the blood. A couple days later, He surgically removed the packing and closed my incision. I will forever be greatful and indebted to Dr. Fotiadis and Dr. Cassingal for their response to my critical care needs and for saving my life.\r
\r
I am forever greatful for what this group of Dr.s and The Lord my God, who is the Great Physician, have done in\r
my life. Transplation is truly one of God's miracles.\r
\r
Due to this miracle, I am starting to reclaim my life again.\r
I have filed to run for re-election for a third term in office as Sheriff of Cleveland County. Please keep me in your prayers and pray that the citizens of Cleveland County will understand that a kidney patient such as I can reclaim their life again and return to work. Yet, even now, people are trying to tell me that because I was out of work some this past year due to my illness I should just retire. I'm in my 34th year serving the citizens of Cleveland County, and the last 8 years as Sheriff. It seems that many people view Kidney Disease as a death sentence, or something that you can't overcome.\r
But for some of us it is not. I'm not one to sit still. I'm 54 years old and I have much of myself to give serving my community. So if you have family here, encourage them to vote for me in the 2010 May Primary.\r
\r
If you are someone who needs encouragement and are facing transplantation I would be willing to talk with you and share my journey with you. I can be contacted via telephone. My phone number is in the Shelby Phone Directory. Pardon me for not publishing it here.\r
\r
Pros: Caring Professionals who are willing to listen and help you.
more