My Story – Mary Jo Patroski

Mary Jo Petroski lives in Cheektowaga, NY.  She has Blood Type “O” You can reach Mary Jo by using the form below.​

Hi!
My name is Mary Jo Petroski. I’m 48, a mother of 3, and in need of another kidney transplant.
I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth again. For the last 20 years, I’ve had my brothers’ kidney working inside me, and now I need another gift of life.
My kidney disease started before I even knew it. I was 18 living life, not a care in the world. But life had other plans for me and I became pregnant with my first child. That’s how I found out kidney disease would forever be a part of my life. It was scary at that time in my life, I didn’t know much about kidneys or what they really did for you. After having my daughter, I needed a kidney biopsy, and that is a prodecure where the nephrologist took a sample of my kidney to define what my disease was. It’s called “idiopathic Glomeruloscelerosis”. Also known as a disease that scars the glomeruli or the filtration system of your kidney(s).
From that point of finding out what life would be like; I fell into a routine of eating foods that are kidney friendly, made sure I stayed hydrated, exercised, and watched my blood pressure weekly. It was tough at first, but with any change, good habits are key to keep your native kidneys longer. So, with having my first child at 18, doing everything I should to keep myself healthy, I became pregnant again, at 28, my kidneys said it was way too much to handle, and my kidneys failed when I was 5 months pregnant. I was put on emergency dialysis. With a chest catheter. Needed dialysis 3 days a week. Was very grueling on my body. Not only was I worried for me, I was worried for my baby boy. Eating and watching fluid intake was my main concern. I wanted to do everything I could, to help my baby get the best possible start in life. From starting dialysis to having him, was 2 months. I had to have him earlier, because my body wasn’t going to withstand anymore. I was eventually induced at 34 weeks. Baby was healthy, but I wasn’t. Right after I had him, I needed to go right to dialysis.
I continued to go and do dialysis for months, but this time, I was able to get down to 2 days a week. I was very vigilant in watching what I was eating and drinking. Never had extra weight to take off because of watching everything that was going in. Doctors, dietitians and nurses couldn’t believe it. 2 days a week! I was determined not to sit in a dialysis chair longer than I had too!
During that time, my brother, who is the oldest of 8 in my family, began getting tested for me. I was shocked he wanted to help me. He was a perfect match. Doctors were pleased. I’d have a good chance of keeping the kidney a long time.
Until a year ago, I received a call and it wasn’t what I expected. Acute kidney rejection, while at the same time going through a divorce and here i am, on more medications now than I’ve ever been. Constantly monitoring blood pressure, watching intake of foods and fluid. Making sure I’m not having any swelling in my legs. Trying to still work, take care of my youngest who is still home with me, on top of doctors appointments. Some days I don’t know how I handle it, but I do and did it all to get myself registered to receive a kidney. Tests were grueling, but I did it!
I want to be able to have a healthy feeling again. To have energy. To be able to live.
I am very thankful for the 20 years of having my brothers kidney, I had wonderful things happen to me. I had another baby, a little girl, with my transplant, traveled, celebrated life and I lived a good life. But NOW, after nearly 20 years of having my brothers gift, I need another kidney transplant. Life has thrown some curveballs and my health took the brunt of it. My kidney now, is only working at 14%. I am at Stage 5 kidney failure. I continue to watch what I eat, what I intake on fluids, exercise, still am a mom to a 15 yr old, working part time, and being present as much as I can. These days, I take more breaks throughout the day. My energy level is slowing down and brain fog has set in. I can’t remember anything. With all this said, I will keep fighting for a kidney though. Being positive on the days when it’s the hardest, is the toughest by far. It’s the fear that I won’t be here to see my kids graduate, get married or have kids. It’s a scary thought when something like kidney disease changes your outlook on life. I want to be here! I want to keep living!
I want to show my kids never to quit. To be strong when times are tough. To be positive. To stick together.
I want to continue being the mother of 3, with hopefully one day I can rock my grandbabies and go whale watching. Please share my story. I want to live longer and feel healthier!

harmonie92530@gmail.com