​Kristy, Age 49

Propionic Acidemia

Well, it is time to check in since it's been a while.

My husband decided after 12 years of marriage (the day after) that he no longer loved me nor wanted to be married. He'd actually decided this much earlier but told me this the day after our 12thAnniversary. One reason is that I am sick too much. I write this because this is the newsletter about our diseases. My husband (Ex now) donated his Kidney to me seven years ago with the expectation that I would get healthier and would be able to work again. That did not come true. He did not like being the one making all the money in the relationship. There were other issues as well; but needless to say, we got a Divorce almost a year ago.

I was devastated and it was only for friends, family and Faith that I got through it. But, I cannot believe where I am now.

I am discovering ME!

I am back to my maiden name! Plus, I have taken my dog and cat and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada! It is beautiful here with the mountains and, Yes, I even love the heat. I have just purchased a 3 bed/2 bath single-family house. So, excited to start updating and decorating to make it mine!

The Ex does not know where I am and can only reach me by e-mail if he so desires: which he has not tried since I told him to “Please Leave Us Alone”. With God's help, I am on this new adventure.

Kristy
bewareofhare@yahoo.com
Las Vegas, NV

From the Fall 2014 OAA Newsletter

---

​Kristy, Age 46

Propionic Acidemia

I just celebrated my 5th year as a Kidney Transplant Survivor. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease and on March 6th, 2007 had a successful transplant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with my husband as my donor. He wanted to be the first one tested even before I began dialysis and he was a perfect match! In May, we will also be celebrating our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary. I am very blessed to have him.

While the transplant was greatly successful, I have been suffering from numerous other problems such as Headaches, IBS, and other Unexplained Abdominal Issues. I had a Colonoscopy/ Endoscopy performed in January, 2011 which showed I have Melanosis in the Colon, LA Grade Acid Reflux Esophagitis and Acute Gastritis. I have also been in contact with Christina T. Lam M.D. a Clinical Fellow in Medical Genetics at U.C. L.A. who is doing a study on me to see if my Kidney Disease or even if the Early Menopause I’ve suffered may be due to my Propionic Acidemia.

I am so thankful to Kathy Stagni for putting up with and answering my seemingly endless questions as I work through my many medical issues and also to everyone that puts together the OAA Newsletter. There are times when it is really comforting to remember that we are not alone with our diseases.

Kristy (pictured above with husband)
Cypress, CA.
​
From the Spring 2011 OAA Newsletter