A hot topic today in the transplant world is that of the potential recipient being given enough information about risk factors relating to a potential donor. In fact, researchers at Penn have proposed major changes in informed consent policy.

Today is my "Kidnaversary!" (the one-year anniversary of my kidney transplant)...

In celebration, my nephrologist's office called and gave me the results of my bloodwork from last Friday - Creatinine .9 with a Tac (Prograf) level of 6.7. Awesome!!!

(((HUGS))) to my bro (and his kidney) that continues to produce the most wonderful pee on planet earth on an hourly basis. I wouldn't be here like I am without him.

Kidney Foundation Admits: Kidney Patients Should be Notified of Potential Risk from Fluorides and Fluoridated Drinking Water.

... LINK ...

Ellijay, GA: June 3, 2008 – A new position paper from the National Kidney Foundation concludes that individuals with chronic kidney disease should be notified of the potential risk from exposure to fluorides. The document acknowledges gaping holes in research concerning kidney impacts from fluorides, lending new ammunition to the growing numbers of cities, health professionals, water agencies, and citizens who question industry and government assertions that water fluoridation has been proven safe. continued...

As you probably already know, there is a serious shortage of organs available for transplant here in the US. Now, from the LA Times comes a story that may provide even MORE of a setback for efforts to sign up more organ donors.

Happy Earth Day, everyone! What will you be doing today, this month, every day, or all the time, to celebrate?

Our family is honoring Earth Day in several ways: My son is participating in National Turn off the TV Week (a voluntary effort to raise awareness that life without television is not torture and can even be fun!), my DH is taking our gas-"friendlier" vehicle to work (instead of his sports car), we're all taking special care to remember to turn off our lights, computers, monitors and electronic devices...

...and I'm right here, promoting National Donate Life Month.

What? NDLM and Earth day, together? Am I out of my mind? How could one possibly draw a connection between the two? Here's your answer...

World Kidney Day (WKD) is on March 13, 2008 - "The purpose of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys – an amazing organ that plays a crucial role in keeping us alive and well – and to spread the message that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable."

... and what better way for this kidney patient to promote awareness than by creating a contest?

Win something from me while winning some knowledge about your kidneys and how to keep them healthy.

Here's something fun to do, and while it has absolutely nothing to do with kidneys (or health or medications) it certainly can't be bad to party with me at the Ultimate Blog Party 2008! Fun and crazy parting on the net - woo hoo!

Without further adieu, let me introduce myself to you...

I'm Krissi. I'm a 31 year old optimistic realist, and My Kidney Blog tells you about (part of) my life's story: of my life-long journey with chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure (ESRD), hemo-dialysis and kidney transplantation.

The Six-Word Memoirs website is going viral. And, really, why shouldn't it?

While we vacationed in Arizona over the holidays, I happened to see a vehicle in a parking lot that had the actual Donate Life official symbol on the license plate!

I took a cue from the comments on "I'm Not Contagious (You Are!)" and had a little fun with my on-board/in-flight face mask...