Bella is back, thanks to a very special kidney

Bella received a kidney transplant from a living donor — her dad, Bill. When they boarded the flight to Hawaii, Nancie and Bill had no idea their 12-year-old daughter was days away from being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It was spring break and everyone was excited for the family adventure to begin. The day before the trip, Bella saw a local orthopedic specialist after feeling pain and weakness in her legs. She otherwise felt well, but with softball season approaching, she didn’t want to risk injury. The specialist drew blood and was hoping to have some answers for the family upon their return home to Connecticut. End-stage renal disease: A devastating diagnosis Just hours after landing in Hawaii, orthopedic specialist Dr. Daniel Green of New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery called. Bella’s leg pain was not just an orthopedic issue — it was due to bone disease brought on by kidney failure. Grateful for Green’s perseverance, Nancie and Bill were in shock. How could their healthy, active daughter be so sick? The remainder of spring break was emotional as they “cleared the decks” to be able to fully focus on Bella’s health. Back home, doctors confirmed the diagnosis and felt Bella would need a kidney transplant. “I had never had surgery before, so for me there was a fear of the unknown,” she remembers. “But I knew I had to deal with it, and it was comforting to know I’d get better after surgery.” New England natives, Nancie and Bi...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & Conditions Our Patients’ Stories Dr. Nancy Rodig end-stage renal disease kidney transplant Kidney Transplant Program living donor Source Type: news