My Transformation

My Transformation

MY TRANSFORMATION

by Betty Walker

I was born in 1953 in
Dover Plains, New York. In spite of the fact that I was diagnosed with diabetes
at age five, my childhood was more or less "normal." I graduated from
high school in 1971, and earned an A.A.S. degree in Nursery Education from Duchess
Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York. My problems began at that time.
Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy took
my sight before the end of 1974. In January of 1978, I was confronted with renal
failure as well. After coping with losing my sight, which I did by daily thanking
God for each day, I felt this new development was just another of life's hurdles
that I had to jump over. If I could not jump, I would climb; no matter how slowly
I would have to climb.
When I went on hemodialysis, most of
the time I felt very ill. I was so nauseated that I could not eat. My social
life was nonexistent, and I no longer enjoyed any hobbies. I was so tired that
most of the time between dialysis sessions I spent in bed. Life went on like
that for about six and one half months. When I decided to have a kidney transplant,
I figured I had nothing to lose. Dialysis was always there to fall back on.
On July 13, 1978, I was "born again."
My mother, Fran Bator, gave me life when I was born and gave it to me again
when she became my kidney donor. The transplant was done at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
It should be called a "transformation," because that is what it was
for me.
I could hardly believe it, but, the
day after the transplant, I wanted to eat! I was told that I had to wait one
more day. Given Jello and ginger ale the next day, I told the doctors I wanted
"real" food. The following day, request granted, I ate like a horse,
devouring every bit of food on my tray. I felt like running or doing something
to release my energy. My hematocrit rose from 12 to 40. All of my blood chemistries
were now normal. The only problem was with my blood sugar, which had risen because
of the steroid I was prescribed as postoperative medication.
The most frustrating thing for me was
that I could not take a shower or a bath until my stitches were removed. Wouldn't
you know it--they left them in for 16 days! As soon as the doctor removed the
stitches and was out the door, I was in the shower.
Since I became blind I have had this
philosophy: I never say something CAN'T be done unless first I try it and know
that I can't do it. So far the only thing I've found I can't do is drive a car.
I lead a fairly active life since my transplant. My favorite leisure activity
is horseback riding. Yes, it can be done by a totally blind person. I also enjoy
swimming, hiking, sailing, ice-skating, arts and crafts, cooking, baking, and
writing poetry. Included here is one of my poems, "Natural High,"
expressing my outlook on life.
In closing, I would just like to say:
"Never give up, and don't let anything get you down."
If anyone would like to write or call
me, my address and phone number are: Betty Walker, 1826 Mississippi, Jefferson
City, MO 65101; telephone: (573) 634-7969.
Natural High
Whenever I am feeling high, I find it
very hard to lie. My face will have a big bright smile, And when I talk, I talk
a while. My high is not from any drug; I may be "up" from just a hug.
Its cause is just a love of life That I hold on to with great strife.
Author's Postscript
My original article was written in February
1980, for the "Danbury Hospital Dialysis Newsletter," to encourage
dialysis patients to choose transplantation.
I have now had my kidney transplant
for 18 1/2 years. I have had no major problems in those years, and my blood
chemistries continue right in the middle of the normal range. I continue to
do all of the things that I enjoy, and I work actively in the National Federation
of the Blind.
David Walker, of Michigan, and I were
married in 1982 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the National Federation of the
Blind Convention. Shortly after our marriage, a new job for Dave brought us
to Jefferson City, Missouri, where we reside today.
I have been president of my local chapter
of the National Federation of the Blind, and have served on the national board
of our NFB Diabetes Action Network. I encourage anyone who is undecided about
transplantation to "go for it."