My journey toward renal autotransplant surgery has been long, complicated, and full of moments where I had to advocate fiercely for myself. It started with pain — deep, persistent flank pain that kept interrupting my life in ways I couldn’t ignore. I went from appointment to appointment, trying to explain symptoms that didn’t always show up neatly on scans, but were very real in my day‑to‑day life. Even when it felt like I wasn’t being heard, I kept pushing, because I knew something wasn’t right in my body. Eventually, a specialist finally connected the dots: my kidney isn’t receiving blood flow the way it should. Whether it’s vascular compression or structural issues, the result is the same — chronic pain and a kidney that’s struggling. When I learned that renal autotransplant surgery might be the best option, it was overwhelming. It’s not a common surgery, and it’s not a small decision. But for the first time, I had a name for what was happening and a path toward relief. Getting approved was its own journey. I had to navigate insurance reviews, surgical consults, and the emotional weight of choosing a major operation. I had to explain my symptoms over and over, making sure my lived experience was taken seriously even when imaging didn’t tell the full story. When I finally got approved, it felt like validation — like someone finally understood what I’ve been carrying. Now I’m preparing for the surgery ahead. Renal autotransplant surgery is highly specialized. On the day of my operation, my surgical team will remove my kidney, preserve it carefully, and reimplant it into my iliac fossa — the lower pelvic area where blood vessels are more accessible and less likely to be compressed. They will: -reconnect my renal artery and vein to the iliac vessels -reattach my ureter so my kidney can drain properly -ensure blood flow is restored in a way that reduces pain and protects kidney function It’s a delicate procedure that typically lasts several hours and requires meticulous vascular work. Knowing that is intimidating, but it also gives me hope for what the pain free version of myself will look like I’m going into this surgery with clear, honest expectations about what recovery will look like. Healing from renal autotransplant surgery isn’t quick or linear — and I’m preparing myself for that. I expect to be in the hospital for about 3-5 days while my kidney function stabilizes and pain is managed. I know I’ll have abdominal and pelvic discomfort, and that walking early is important even when fatigue hits hard. I’ll have regular labs and imaging to make sure the transplanted kidney is functioning well and the vascular connections remain stable I’ll need to avoid lifting anything heavy and slowly rebuild my strength over 6–12 weeks. I know it may take months to feel fully normal again, but I’m hopeful. I’m preparing not just physically, but emotionally. I’m learning to give myself grace, to pace myself, and to accept that healing is a process measured in progress, not perfection.
This page is geared more towards updates and how the journey is going. Please note there is absolutely no pressure or expectation for anyone to join the meal train. I have been asked how people can help, and for those loved ones who are far away so this gives them a way to do that if they choose. Your care means a lot, in whatever form it comes.