The Many Faces of an Extraordinary Woman
Not missing a beat after Kidney Disease
Bryce Robinson
Sometimes our flight through life is met with unexpected turbulence that either increases our will to live or burdens us to a point where we feel the only choice is to crash and burn. Chicago police officer, mother, wife, grandmother, and entrepreneur are titles that easily describe the vibrant spirit of Audrey Wilson. When the hurdles of life came knocking, retreating to a corner was not an option. Mrs. Wilson opens up about being a formal model and a successful kidney transplant recipient.
HTM: Why do you feel its important for people to be kidney donors?
AW: I cannot stress the importance of organ donation. Kidney disease is prevalent in African Americans and Hispanics. It is critical that more of us become organ donors in order to increase the odds of receiving a kidney in a reasonable length of time.
HTM: Symptoms of kidney disease?
AW: I had no symptoms at the onset of my disease which would have caused concern. I was out of town and suddenly became very ill. I was extremely fatigued, nauseous, lethargic and urinating rather frequently. By the second day into my trip, I had to be rushed back to Chicago and taken directly to the hospital. While en route my blood pressure was so high that I became temporarily blind.
HTM: What was going through your mind?
AW: Total terror, are the doctors wrong? Are they right? Am I dying? Oh God my poor children!
HTM: Was there ever a doubt that you would find a donor?
AW: Yes, My husband was the first to be tested to donate a kidney and was a perfect match. His nephrologist informed him that while he was not hypertensive, his blood pressure was not in the acceptable range for donation. The doctor then suggested that if he lost about 25 pounds it would make a significant difference in his blood pressure. He went on a rigorous diet regime consisting of tuna and salad, biking 5 miles per day, lemon water. He successfully lost 30 pounds in 2 months and the doctor still ruled him out. My son Brian was not a match. My daughter Ashley was not of age. A friend stepped up and was also a good match, going through all the testing, then backing out one week before the surgery. Of course I was devastated and had to start dialysis.
HTM: Were you extremely active before diagnosis?
AW: Socially, my life was very fulfilling with a new job, family and friends. Physically, I was at the top of my game, very athletic. Emotionally, I was a happy person.
To read more about this article, purchase the November 2007 Issue.
