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When Nun was first diagnosed with kidney disease in his early 20s, it didn't feel like a life-changing moment. For years, this condition remained manageable and relatively quiet. Forty years, Nun can slowly and subtle sacrifices, especially when he gets over his 30s.
“I'm starting to notice a drop in energy,” Nun said. “And then by my mid-30s, my stomach was swollen and I couldn't take deep breaths. I didn't feel like I was.”
By last fall, Nunn's kidney function had undergone a severe recession. He was always exhausted and needed an hour's nap in the evening just to take care of the kids. His world was shrinking under the weight of his illness.
What comes next will change everything.
Nun's living donor turns out to be someone who knows him intimately, his nephew, Paul.
A few years ago, Paul had temporarily moved with Nun. It strengthened their already strong family ties, so Paul eventually bought the house next door. And when he saw his uncle's health deteriorate, Paul stepped up in the greatest way possible.
“In the beginning we talked about waiting for donors to come along,” Nun said. “But Paul decided to take the test and when he found out he was a match, the doctor asked him why he wanted to do this, and he simply told them, “I can protect my uncle.” They said that was the right answer, so we started moving the process forward. ”
On March 16th, Nunn received a new kidney and a new opportunity in life.
Trust and compassion at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
A longtime doctor at Nunn at Mercy South recommended seeking transplant care at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
“Dr. Randall, I will never forget that guy. On the morning of my transplant he went in and said, 'We'll let you set up.' Just calm, confident, exactly what you want to lead something so big,” recalls Nun.
Dr. Bastani stood out along with all the nurses in the 7 South.
“There was Melissa, who always thought ahead and helped me with things I didn't even know I needed. Jim was there during the worst pains of my nephrectomy and the next morning he told me about Dad-style Pep. Andrew was consistently kind.
Nunn said one of the most difficult parts of the transplant journey was letting go of control. “I had to give up on my expectations. I waited for the test and let the process unfold, which was tough, but necessary.
New breathing, new life
After the surgery, Nun's recovery is stable and breathes life.
“I can take deep breaths again. I walk every day and the fog in my brain is gone. I feel like I can have a real conversation again.”
He is still learning how to live with the changes that come with the recovery of the transplant, but the benefits cannot be denied. He is able to walk his mother down the aisle at her wedding, attend her son's high school graduation and look forward to returning to work.
He also writes a book about his experiences, hoping to shed light on the tacit parts of his journey. “I didn't find anything to describe the darkest day or unexpected symptoms. I want to give others something I didn't have.
Thank you to stay with you
The Nun's story is one of love, loss and renewal. His father died of kidney disease, but his nephew's selfless gift gave him a second chance, and the care he received at SSM Health SLU hospital counted the chances.
To the team at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, Nunn simply said, “Thank you. You didn't just take care of me. You gave me life back.”
