Josh McKinney with his mother after the transplant operation. Photos courtesy of Josh McKinney
After 16 months on dialysis, the time had come for the next step on my journey: transplantation.
After months of tests following the discovery of my kidney failure in fall 2014, we discovered my mother was a suitable match and she would be donating her kidney to me.
Heading into surgery, I had no nerves or fears. I was ready to move forward. My life had been placed on hold and it seemed unfair. I was tired of feeling sorry for myself and throwing pity parties right and left as I watched my friends and brothers getting married, having kids, settling down. I had become a patient first and foremost.
I know, I know. A bit melodramatic, right? Now you know why I work in the arts.
The morning of surgery, I spent some time with family until it was time for Mom to go down to the operating room. As I looked from my room down into the waiting area, I saw my family getting situated for what was sure to be the longest hours of their lives, and it hit me. They needed the transplant just as much as I did. They suffered as I suffered.
Not only that, but my mother was putting herself through major surgery for me, literally giving me a piece of herself. She was giving me life again, 30 years later. My pity party ended.
McKinney with some of his theater students
I remember being wheeled into the frigid operating room. The mask was placed on my face, and that was it. The next thing I remember was coming to in the recovery area feeling much better than someone who just went through major surgery should feel. The next few days were spent on an IV drip to wipe out my immune system so my body would not attack the foreign kidney. And that was it. I had received a kidney transplant.
Now here I am, almost a year later. The kidney is working well, which is the only thing that matters to me at this point. It takes the body one year to fully heal from a transplant, and that first year is the hardest. Considering how long it takes for kidneys to fail, I knew I needed to set my expectations high.
McKinney with his parents, Debbie and Dan
My life now consists of several medications, fluids and exercise. I’m determined to keep this kidney going for as long as possible, and not just because I’ll hear about it from my mother if I let something happen to it. She still has the look nailed down from my childhood.
I have to take care of this kidney because I only get one life. I have dreams and goals and hopes for my future. Because of my mother’s selfless gift, I was able to attend my brother’s wedding to his beautiful bride, who is now my loving sister. I get to spend time with my nieces while anxiously awaiting the arrival of two nephews later this year.
Life does not get much better than this.
Josh McKinney is artistic director of the New Albany Arts Council, and is better known to the council’s student actors as “Mr. Josh.” Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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