eHealthWatch Double Transplant Testimonial
Bill Hahn with Richard Salick, Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Don't miss Bill's upcoming blog on SpaceCoastMedicine.com.
Bill Hahn with Richard Salick, Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Don't miss Bill's upcoming blog on SpaceCoastMedicine.com.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – My story began nearly 30 years ago when at the age of 25 when I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, just one week before getting married. Wow, two life changing events in the same week – I was shocked!
I was an avid runner, wasn’t overweight, and maintained a proper diet, but there it was staring me in the face. Obviously, my life would never be the same.
I tried my best to control my diabetes with insulin shots, diet, daily exercise and constant blood glucose monitoring but it was a constant battle.
I fell victim to the many complications of the disease including blindness, coma and seizures. I only gained good control when I went on an insulin pump 25 years later.
End-stage Renal Failure
Bill Hahn with Erin Kahle, Constituent Services Program Manager, National Kidney Foundation of New York.
Soon after, I was shocked once again in March 2008 when I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure – another life changing event.
I went on dialysis three days a week, and though it was tiring, I maintained my fitness and good blood sugar control until receiving a kidney–pancreas double transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida on Dec. 31, 2008.
I was one of the lucky ones, having to wait only eight months from my diagnoses until receiving my transplant. That’s when I got my first glimpse of the joy of living…AGAIN!
Now, just 10 months after receiving my double transplant I’m no longer diabetic, I’m no longer on insulin and I’m no longer on dialysis. Another life changing event!
Back To Living
I now run 20 miles a day on my Precor elliptical cross trainer, I continue to practice my art of Lyrical Photography and I’m back to work full time in the health and wellness industry. Because of my transplant, and my improved health and vision, the therapies I maintained to survive are daily habits that have given me the joy of living…AGAIN!
Through my upcoming blog on SpaceCoastMedicine.com, I want to share my story of being a living and breathing example that you can have an active, happy and productive life during dialysis and even more so after getting a transplant.
As transplantation continues to advance, patients still far outweigh donors. The longer a patient remains on dialysis waiting for a transplant the more uncertain the outcome.
Waiting time on dialysis is the strongest modifiable risk factor for successful renal transplant outcomes. Please become a donor or donate to the National Kidney Foundation. Help give to others what has been given back to me – the joy of living.
I look forward to volunteering my time, efforts and attitude and hope to share it with the 26 million others afflicted with CKD.
A special thanks goes to my donor family, my transplant team at Shands Hospital in Gainesville and my family support team. A group I now re-join in the joy of living….AGAIN!
Bill Hahn is a double transplant recipient, former pro surfer, business owner, personal trainer and published Lyrical Photographer. He has owned Home Fitness Warehouse in Melbourne, Florida since 1992. You can reach Hahn at 866-387-1745, or e-mail amuse6168@att.net.
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