Recovery from my Oct 22 kidney transplant is going great. Low pain, good labs, and even my doctor was shocked by the progress.
Author: Chad
Chad is a writer, kidney‑transplant recipient, and long‑time Type 1 diabetic who tells the truth about chronic illness with honesty, hope, and a little humor. After eighteen months on peritoneal dialysis and a life‑changing transplant from his donor Jeff, he now uses his story to help others feel less alone in theirs. His blog blends lived experience, faith, and practical insight for anyone navigating kidney disease, diabetes, or the long road between diagnosis and healing. When he’s not advocating for organ donation or demystifying the medical maze, he’s cheering on others walking their own hard paths — one real, human moment at a time.
In The Beginning…
Facing kidney failure in 2023, I navigated diagnosis, treatment options, and tough conversations—grappling with ESRD and the reality of dialysis & transplant.
(endless) Thank Yous…
Grateful for every hand, heart, and hero who helped me through dialysis, transplant, and recovery. It truly takes a village—and mine showed up big.
About the Living Kidney Donor & Recipient Blog
Two people. Two stories. One miraculous intersection. A kidney donor and recipient share their transplant journey from both perspectives. Browse our interlinked stories by category, timeline, or curiosity. Because every kidney transplant story is unique, yet somehow universal.
Kidney Transplant – Stats (2024)
In 2024, 27,759 kidney transplants were performed in the United States.
Cross-Match Kidney Transplant 101
Two amazing donors, two recipients, one powerful swap: cross-matching made two transplants possible through paired donation and a shared commitment to saving lives.
Kidney Transplant Surgery 101
Transplant surgery is a major operation and comes with risks for complications just like any other. During the surgery, you will receive general anesthesia and possibly other forms of pain-blocking anesthetic as well. Your transplant surgeon will make an incision in your lower abdomen to insert the new kidney and connect it to your blood vessels and bladder. […]
Two Types of Kidney Donation
There are two main types of kidney donation.
Meet Our Transplant Doctor
Get to know Dr. Arika Hoffman, Transplant Surgery at UNMC
About Kidney Dialysis
Dialysis removes waste and fluid from the blood when kidneys fail. It can be done at home, in a center, or hospital using HD or PD methods.
Other Kidney Transplant Stories
Real stories from others living with kidney disease, dialysis, and transplants—voices of resilience, hope, and connection.
My Kidney Dialysis & Transplant – Fears
A raw, intimate glimpse into the fears that haunted my transplant journey—rejection, exhaustion, and the ache of waiting for hope to arrive.
Kidneys 101
Kidneys power life by filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating pressure, building blood cells, and strengthening bones with unseen persistence.
Why become a living donor?
Learn more about becoming an organ donor and what is involved in the process.
Living Kidney Donor – FAQ
All donors get a very thorough medical evaluation to make sure it is safe to donate. The longer a patient is on dialysis, the higher the rate of medical problems.
Timeline Of Events
Diagnosed in 2023, I began dialysis, pursued transplant options, and received a new kidney in Oct 2025—now healing, hopeful, & off dialysis.
Become an Organ Donor
Consider these reasons to become an organ donor.
Recipient Surgery Day
Six days of pain, care, and slow steps became a journey from fear to gratitude, carrying a new kidney and renewed purpose.
The Night Before My Kidney Transplant
On the eve of transplant I stood between two worlds, praying for peace, trusting God, and awaiting a new chapter of hope.
The Future of Artificial Kidneys
A breakthrough implantable artificial kidney is moving closer to reality, offering continuous, dialysis‑free care and new hope for people living with kidney disease.