Real Estate Talk:
This realtor’s kidney story

I was prepared to do whatever it took to get my life back

By Joseph Marovitch

June 6, 2024

Dear reader,

I have not been writing for the last month, and WestmountMag.ca has been covering for me by publishing earlier articles I wrote. We thought it may be of interest to some readers to know why.

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with failing kidneys. I continued to work as a realtor but, very quickly, the situation became critical. My kidneys completely failed. Two and a half years ago, I started dialysis three nights a week and four hours per night. The adjustment to my life was difficult. I went through stages of depression, anger and then resolve. I could not do much in life as the process sapped my strength and, eventually, my physical body. I decided to immerse myself in work and writing to keep from losing my mind, however, over time, one also loses their motivation. Nonetheless, I wilfully kept moving forward.

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with failing kidneys. I continued to work as a realtor but, very quickly, the situation became critical. My kidneys completely failed.

I did not make the situation public in my work life, but I did to friends and family. I successfully worked to the best of my ability as life became more difficult.

Two months ago, I received a call from the Glen Hospital. I was informed that a live kidney was donated to me and that I would have the surgery on April 25, 2024. I could not believe it. I was about to give up.

The kidney was provided through what is called a crossmatch donor. My very good friend, Michael Simpson, had a friend named Doug Williams, who wanted to donate a kidney to save someone’s life. So, Michael told Doug about me. To donate a kidney, the donor must be a blood and tissue match to the recipient. The donor must also go through months of testing to see if they are a match. Doug did the testing and found out he has a healthy kidney but he is not my match. Doug opted to enter the crossmatch program. This meant that as soon as a match for me showed up, Doug would then donate his kidney to another recipient in the program.

Then it happened. A donor in Edmonton, whom I am not permitted to know, selflessly donated one of their kidneys so I could move on and live a normal life. On April 25, Doug had his kidney removed in the morning, and I received a healthy kidney in the evening.

‘A donor in Edmonton, whom I am not permitted to know, selflessly donated one of their kidneys so I could move on and live a normal life.’

The kidney transplant process is not easy, despite what all the TikTok videos say. There was a complication as my bowel broke through the stitching and caused a major obstruction. I had to have a second surgery, reopening all the stitches from the surface skin down to the kidney to reposition the bowels. While in my hospital room with heavy painkillers, I had hallucinations in my sleep and waking hours, mostly related to work but also conversations with Christopher Walken and other people who were not there. The hallucinations ceased when I stopped the painkillers.

Walking was difficult due to two major surgeries close together and twice being put under. After thirteen days, I was permitted to go home. The recovery is about three months of physiotherapy, walking short distances with a cane and adjusting to the anti-rejection drugs which must be taken for life.

I am home now. The anti-rejection drugs reduce your immunity to nothing in the first month, so I stay home to avoid getting sick which could cause the kidney to be rejected. Every day, I get stronger and, in a few weeks, I will be out and about. I was prepared to do whatever it took and go through whatever hell I had to to get my life back. There are no regrets, and through the pain, all I feel is a tremendous sense of relief.

‘Every day, I get stronger and, in a few weeks, I will be out and about… There are no regrets, and through the pain, all I feel is a tremendous sense of relief.’

I want to dedicate this article with great appreciation for saving my life, to thank Doug Williams, Michael Simpson, my amazing wife Tracey Hill, who walked me through the whole process, the anonymous donor from Edmonton, the doctors, nurses, and staff of the transplant clinic of the Glen Hospital who were just amazing and finally, last but not least, my fantastic surgeon, Dr. Paraskevas.

Should you have questions or comments, please refer to the comments section at the bottom of the page. As well, to view past articles, click here.

Next article: The importance of communication and coordination between client and broker

STATE OF THE MARKET

Good news! The inflation rate has dropped to 2.7%, and as a result, the Bank of Canada reduced the key interest rate to 4.75%, the first reduction in four years. According to a May 31 article in the Financial Post written by Economist Naimul Karim, the economy has slowed down more than the Fed expected, which is why inflation is down, and the Fed rate followed.

‘Good news! The inflation rate has dropped to 2.7%, and as a result, the Bank of Canada reduced the key interest rate to 4.75%, the first reduction in four years.’

The result of the Fed rate decreasing 25 basis points is demand, and property values should increase. This may not occur right away, but with pent-up demand, we should see this soon.

Have a great week!

LET’S NOT FORGET THAT PEOPLE WITH CANCER ARE VULNERABLE TOO!

You are invited to keep giving to the following organizations since it’s now more important than ever to support cancer research! Click on the logos below to find out how:

Feature image: Carloscruz, Artegrafia – Pexels

Other articles by Joseph Marovitch
Other recent articles