My Photo Transplant Journey

[somethingwillhappen]

lol fags

[ShellsPink]

Hello Gina....for the pneumonia, did you take Cipro, Levaquin or Avelox?? Just wondering, and hope you're doing well. Thanks.

[laspanishchica]

My mom did her Dissertation for her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy on Endstage Renal Disease and Religious Coping Styles...

[ItalianStallionette]

Oh yeah Las? I'm a buddhist. Not many monks go to the hospitals though.. lol

[helenofirvine]

Gina you are a great example of courage and humanity!

[T0MMY2GUNS]

You are a beautiful person inside and out, your attitude is so positive towards what most folks would be! I hope the very best for you and your family! Keep smiling! You are an insperation to us all! Sincerely, POPS

[Lizador]

My cousin, Sarah actually died waiting for a kidney donation. So I have seen the eefects first hand... And (while she had MANY other health problems that contributed to her death) I know how frightening and stressful it can be.

This is a wonderful video. I am so glad that you were able to recive this donation, and that it was able to help you. You look fantastic!

Good luck to you and your family.

[dwljk]

ahhh perfect music to go with it, Indigo Girls are so encouraging. Saw them a couple of months ago live here in Athens.

glad you showed these!

[jkvagabon]

DAMN GINA!!!!

wow you are bigger than life.

wow........ ugh WOW!

i just dont know what to say..... i love you.

[thetalesend]

you're my hero!

[DawndeeDALLAS]

Wow ...What a journey~Glad you are doing good these days~

[pinkflower2112]

You both are very brave....I'm happy to see you over come this illness and get better. I know you'll never be 100%, but damn girl, you've come a long long long way. There's a product out called "Air Borne" or something like that, it helps people not catch other peoples colds and stuff. Maybe that would be good for your kids to take when you have the flu. I take it when I have to travel on a plane (that's not too often). Thanks for posting all this for the public...Great job! :)

[izzysmart]

very nice video, Very well done mate, you so strong and full of life, you a great person and funny too.. Imune system I don't get sick much cos off etherium gold (montomic gold) I use other montomic stuff to, everyone has a cold around me know, i just get a headache for couple of days, and have to blow my nose in morning other than that nothing i swear its help the imune system other people said the same may worth you researching mate.. peace

[xenokyle]

Was going to answer your lesbian/dyke question but it wouldn't be appropriate here so will in another video...or might email you?

So glad your transplants eventually worked out!

How did you keep looking so good even when sick?

[TheMaskedMarauder6]

I love your transplant videos! I wish my grandfather was still here to interview about his transplant. He got his transplant right before his birthday, so that was pretty neat.

Much love and good health to you!

[mary234]

You're a wonderful teacher!

[stublo2]

WOW, glad you got through this, had no idea you went through anything like this. Glad its behind you :)

[r1100s]

I am a pilot, and once saw a public speaker who was also a pilot. He had some wisdom that has stayed with me through the years....

It's always clear on top. "Clear on top" is a pilot term.

No matter how bad the weather looks now on the ground....once we climb we will get above it. The weather never lasts. It's always clear on top.

I've found this to be a good way to live life. You obviously have too.

Climb through. It's ALWAYS clear on top!

(The speaker's name is "Ralph Hood").

[ItalianStallionette]

Wow r1100...That is actually quite amazing.

I'm very moved by this.

I'm giong this think about it, because I don't want to forget it.

Thank you..

I will remember this forever.

~gina

[CliffBetweenTheLines]

Gina, this was realistic and inspiring. It brought many memories back of my own mother's transplant journey. Thank you for sharing this :)

[mickmusing]

There's more than one answer to these questions, pointing me in a crooked line... I WAS, after all, raised by lesbians...I can't wait until next month, Gina. Can I squeeze you?

[ItalianStallionette]

Yes you can certainly squeeze me, but where is the question? teehee... I am gonna run to you and JUMP into your arms..

[tomken8d]

My God, you have been through such Hell.

God Bless you, Gina.

[Julsinmaine101]

Great video Gina:)

Thanks for sharing your photos with us...Yes..I agree,you have been through alot..God bless you and your family:)

[debv5354]

Gina I am so glad that is behind you. You are a very brave lady. You are always in my prayers

[jrsnyderjr]

There hasn't been a day this past month I haven't thought of you. I'm not sure I'm ready to talk out loud about what I've been through since 02/03 with my kidneys. Some people know the light version of what has happened and the worst they know is my left kidney failed. I had my second outpatient surgery today and I'm a very lucky man considering what I could've been facing. I've thought of your strength a lot. Fortunately I will return to normal but there was a very uncertain scary period ;~}

[twish1999]

I have been thinking about you JR

:-)

x hugs x

[VioletKitty411]

You are so brave and thank you for sharing your story. My legs were swollen like that last week, I can't imagine having them like that for extended periods! I also have one of those cam walkers. I wore it for 5 months I think. Blessings (((hugs)))

[JesslittleangelL]

i look forward to seeing the interview!!!

I absalutely love the last picture....

love you!!!

xoxo...

ps... baby any day now!!!!

[aajunior]

Thank you Gina. Great Video. Many Blessings to you.

[lthrdyke6]

Thanks for sharing your personal journey and educating people like me.

[txnrobin]

thank you, gina, for such an intimate view into your life. i'm looking forward to the interview ;)

[woosteria]

Wow Gina, you are a such brave person, and so upbeat for all you've gone through. I truly admire you!

Kate

[MyPinkRainbow]

congradulations that was a wonderful video

[RoseSiegel]

what a survivor u r! and your hair is gorgeous, long or short.

[dsears2002]

This is a perfect reason, why I love this community. Thank you for sharing and explaning so well.

[ItalianStallionette]

Ahhh that's nice dsears.. I was worried I said it boring., but I'm was trying to speak about it as level as possible... Peace to you...

[twish1999]

Wow

How wonderful that you can share this with us Gina

Thank you so much, this means a lot to me

:-)

x hugs x

[ItalianStallionette]

Hello my Queen Nutter!!! How is the palace today?

[twish1999]

It is FULL OF NUTS!

[imajeanyus]

thank you so much for sharing this.

[ItalianStallionette]

You're welcome imajeanyus..

[GroceryBag]

Beautiful. <3

I really adore and admire you.

[ItalianStallionette]

Cool name Grocery Bag..

[BOBIzizou87]

Thank you for sharing!

Great video! =)

[ItalianStallionette]

Luv ya BOB

[oneiblind30]

Thank you for making this video, I've been a donor since 16 always wondered what happened during this. I also think it rocks your partner was able to be a donor for you Thats #1. Love #2 The most connected I could imagine.

[ItalianStallionette]

I made a video before this one saying that everyone can leave their questions for Shari (my donor). I'm interviewing her, but answering what you all want to know.

[LarenKee]

This was really touching- this subject is near to my heart and I appreciate you sharing your story.

[ItalianStallionette]

x0x0x0 laren..

[achampag]

what a marvelous video gina

thank you for sharing so much w us

=)

[ItalianStallionette]

ACHAMP RULES THE SCHOOL!

[bugsinrug]

You are one heck of a strong woman Gina, and because of getting to know you and your story, I have signed my organ doner papers. luv you, Chris

[ItalianStallionette]

Ok Chris...I just love you to pieces... Whether you signed it or not, you're special in my heart.

[bugsinrug]

No, really...I did. I had to renew my Ontario Health Card and the lady asked if I wanted to be an organ donar...I said yes, and she handed me to the papers to sign. :-) You are special in my heart too Gina.

[Ranblv]

Don't really know what to say, thanks for trusting us with such a personal story, you are a true example of spirit over adversity.

[ItalianStallionette]

Wow Ran! What a nice compliment.. I appreciate it.

[robtran]

It was very hard to look at some of these pictures, Gina, but I'm glad you posted them. People need to know what those with transplanted organs have to deal with.

[ItalianStallionette]

Hey Rob, I can understand why some of the photos are hard to look at. I have more, but I think I will skip some of them. It's painful to look back, but I need to talk about it. It helps me see how far I've gone, and why it's so important to take care of myself today.

[robtran]

Amen.

[dizzylizzybeth]

Great video, my father died from the effects of diabetes. He had kidney failure...It was soo har to see him on dialysis. I am soo happy for you that your spose gave you her kidney, That is a wonderful sing of love!!!

[ItalianStallionette]

I am very sorry for the loss of your father. A BIG internet hug for you..

[MeanBlackDude]

I am learning SO much from you Gina. Thank you for sharing some of your past experiences with me.

[ItalianStallionette]

I'm going to start calling you The Awesome Black Dude... :)

[dreamer72fem]

My mom's kidneys and liver shut down a couple years ago. Kidneys went just because of the stress from the liver...but with dialosis her kidney function came back after the shock of things. But we found out she has a diseased liver and is in a pre-liver transplant program. Her liver is at a stage now where she doesnt need the transplant now...but she has to keep up with the program in case it should tank out.

[ItalianStallionette]

Is your mother on dialysis? I'm so sorry she is going through so much. I'll keep her in my prayers...

[dreamer72fem]

Her kidney function came back to where she doesnt need dailysis anymore. Just had to go do her test every 6 months in the pre-liver transplant program she is in. We were never so happy to see someone start to pee in all our lives. My best friend had a lung transplant a couple years ago and his life still isnt normal..but he is alive. So I know how important the donor programs are.

[suburbanmom]

A powerful video. Hugs, Alana

[chitter0chatter]

That's an amazing story. Thanks for sharing with us.

[ItalianStallionette]

Thanks chitter...

[n8tn808]

Congratulations on getting through such an ordeal of life. I know how it is in an off beat way being a near drowneding surviver my self.(happened when i was a young child)

I go into it a bit in my videos

[ItalianStallionette]

Thank you n8t! I'll check it out..

[inrharmony]

Thanks for sharing this...this was sort of a trip down memory lane, with my mother going through the same journey that you did. In particular, I remember the swelling in her legs. She was about your age when she became ill, so I was about the same age as your kids. Wow...and what more could be said of Shari...I'm glad that you know, because words fall way short.

[ItalianStallionette]

really inrharmony? Would you mind talking on the phone with me about this?

[inrharmony]

Gina, I'd be happy to. You can send me a pm and we can set something up. This weekend is WAY busy, but after is fine....

hugs....

[Daliwolf]

This video caused all kinds of emotions to well up in me. I can't even describe it. I am really glad we are becoming friends, and now I feel so blessed to have you in my life!!! You have been through so much! I am NEVER going to complain about my life again. Period!

[ItalianStallionette]

You know what Dali...I have two windows open... One answering comments, and the other is watching YOU! hahahahah You know, life is funny. We all have our things that are hard. I've learned that my health situations have been a great blessing. Just wait until I interview Shari... It's gonna be cool.

[ItalianStallionette]

You know what Dali...I have two windows open... One answering comments, and the other is watching YOU! hahahahah You know, life is funny. We all have our things that are hard. I've learned that my health situations have been a great blessing. Just wait until I interview Shari... It's gonna be cool.

[ItalianStallionette]

You know what Dali...I have two windows open... One answering comments, and the other is watching YOU! hahahahah You know, life is funny. We all have our things that are hard. I've learned that my health situations have been a great blessing. Just wait until I interview Shari... It's gonna be cool.

[ItalianStallionette]

You know what Dali...I have two windows open... One answering comments, and the other is watching YOU! hahahahah You know, life is funny. We all have our things that are hard. I've learned that my health situations have been a great blessing. Just wait until I interview Shari... It's gonna be cool.

[ItalianStallionette]

You know what Dali...I have two windows open... One answering comments, and the other is watching YOU! hahahahah You know, life is funny. We all have our things that are hard. I've learned that my health situations have been a great blessing. Just wait until I interview Shari... It's gonna be cool.

[ItalianStallionette]

You know what Dali...I have two windows open... One answering comments, and the other is watching YOU! hahahahah You know, life is funny. We all have our things that are hard. I've learned that my health situations have been a great blessing. Just wait until I interview Shari... It's gonna be cool.

[Clarachk]

This was pretty cool of you to share with us. I do think about you when I am away from the Tube. Just the other night I was wondering about you and Cheri (sp?) and I would really be interested to find out how you two came to be. I mean, how often does it happen that your SPOUSE is a compatible donor? WOW! What the hell are those odds?

[ItalianStallionette]

I know Clarachk... Wait until I interview her. I'm going to share something that will suprise everyone...

[Clarachk]

Oooooooh (Rubbing hands together). I am STOKED to see/hear. Let that interview RIP, okay? I'm waiting here with bells on.

[StephStance]

Ooo baby

[ItalianStallionette]

Hi steph!!! :) You're bringing sexy back!

[Dlorezzz]

Gina , thanks for this video. It was very educational for those of us that have not experinced a transplant. I am so glad you are doing so well. You are a beautiful person both physically and in spirit. I am so glad I met you here on youtube. Your courage is so admirable. I totally love you, Dolores

[ItalianStallionette]

Dolorezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, I love your name... Did you know that??? BIG HUGS

[pierz1981]

Hi Gina, This is a truly inspiring video. It just goes to show your true strength of character. I hope you never have to go through that again.

Love the photo of you and Shari kissing - it shows how much you mean to one another! x

[ItalianStallionette]

Thank you Pier. All transplant reject..It is a treatment, not a cure. I hope I will have this transplant for many years...

[pierz1981]

Hi again.

I did wonder that when I wrote, but lets hope you have many years to go before having to go through it again.

You certainly taught me something new today! Thank you. Keep the videos coming!

[ItalianStallionette]

Me too pier. I don't want my kids going through it again while they're growing it. peace..

[dafttool]

Thanks for sharing. I hope the worst is behind you.

[ItalianStallionette]

knocking on wood Daf! hahaha

[Michelle5451]

Thank you for show and tell day; it gives us a better understanding of the hard times you went through. That must have been a frightening and painful time for you and your family. I love how you dealt with it with your kids.

[ItalianStallionette]

Why thank you lovely Michelle! You do what you have to do... hhehe

[girlietexan]

I like this Gina, very educating. So sorry for the hell you've been thru.

[ItalianStallionette]

Hey Girlie... I love calling you girlie, BTW. LOL everyone has their own hell to live through...

[HolidayinCambodia2]

Thanks for sharing that video, it's just really great. 5/5. :]

[KabulaIsTrying]

Very good and shows me so much what I see inside you and how you are so talented at sharing with the world what deep inside your made of. The best of..Gina

Thanks for that!

[ItalianStallionette]

Thank you so much Trying..

[gyloir]

Thank you for sharing this. I did not even know about some of the things that would happen with this.

Nice to see you and your kids having some positive outlooks during that time.

On a positive note I must also say, your short hairstyle in the later pics looked good :).

[ItalianStallionette]

I know gyloir.. I was even suprised about what can happen going into a second transplant.. Thanks for the hair comment.. heehee

[amylove1975]

This brought tears to my eyes. The end picture was the BEST!! True love!

[ItalianStallionette]

amy, Thank you so much... She's the best wife I could ever have. I have been blessed beyond words! Plus, she's cute as hell.

[PPJnet]

Indigo Girls!!! *YAY* thank you so much for sharing...

{{{hugs}}} to you, Gina!

[ItalianStallionette]

PP, the indigo girls RULE!

[Tobie2]

Such an awesome video!!! You're 5awesomegays all by your self!!!!!

Love the picture of you and Shari kissing :O)

[ItalianStallionette]

I love you tobie.

[Illuminatta]

This was amazing...thank you so much, really! And you look adorable with short hair! :)

[ItalianStallionette]

Illuminatta, stop making me blush..

[Illuminatta]

tee hee. If I weren't such a raging heterosexual, I'd...never mind.

[ItalianStallionette]

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA Illuminatta!!! You're funny... Sexy Het!!! LOL

[TubeSkanke]

Thank you for this, and sharing! I love you like a sister, don't ever forget that!

Mwah!

[ItalianStallionette]

Me too Skanke... You mean alot to me!

[dmfrederick]

It was very nice of you to share this, I'm very glad that you can share something like this to us. Thanks for being an inspriation! Love ya Lots!

[ItalianStallionette]

Oh Frederick... Your kindness is an inspiration to me!!

[LatteSue]

Thanks for sharing that Gina.

My husband's kidney/pancreas transplant experience was a bit different so this was very interesting.

[mizzie37]

I too have a kidney disease and my legs swell like that on a daily basis -- sometimes the Furesomide works and sometimes it dont. Swelling can be very painful!

Thanks for sharing :)

[ItalianStallionette]

Really mizzie? Have you reached the dialysis point? What percentage do you have of your kidneys? I'm assuming it's your birth kidneys...

[mizzie37]

Nope I havent reached the dialysis point yet, I am dreading when that happens. Not sure what percentage is but the doc tells me im at a .5 if that makes any sense to ya? And yes it is my birth kidneys.

[MGB1000]

Great video. Its nice to see the kids getting to be part of it in a fun way.

[timido66]

Thanks for sharing Gina. I think a lot of people don't realize it's the whole family that goes through the transplant process. I have good friend whose husband had double kidney transplant and this video helps me understand a bit more of what they went through.

[ItalianStallionette]

Hi Timido... When did he have his transplants? Also, how is he now? :)

[timido66]

His transplant was two years ago and he's doing great. He and his wife are expecting their first child this year. He waiting a long time for his kidneys. He got his from an infant and I'm sure that was a difficult thing for the child's parents to go through, but they saved his life.

[ItalianStallionette]

yes, that's right Van. I forgot about that. You have to pardon my memory.. Is your friend feeling better now?

[manyonerise]

Very very nice of you to share this. Thank you so much. When and how did you first know or be diagnosed with the kidney disease? (it may be in your other vids but I don't know where to look) Thank you! :D Jess

[ItalianStallionette]

Manyonerise, I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 3.

[KIRKIN2112]

Wow! Moving to say the least. You really are a superhero!

[ItalianStallionette]

Thank you Kir kin... Everyone has the ability to through just about anything...

[JaycieKyler]

that was a good video.after my last operation My feet had swollen up like that.They gave me some kind of medication that made you urinate alot to get the fluid off.made you go to the bathroom alot.have a good day. lookin forward to next vid.

[TheaterOfMemory]

This is great! You and me and Furnifur should get together sometime :-)

[ItalianStallionette]

Ok Theater!!! Whatcha wanna do?

[TheaterOfMemory]

we should do a video encouraging people to come to TubeNJ :-)