Andy Howeys Birds of Prey

02/04/2025

New job opportunity
Full time

25/01/2025

24/01/2025

Job opportunities
Seasonal work

06/11/2024

Last nights stop Gruinard Bay

07/10/2024

Wonder if this one’s going to get copied

19/07/2024

18/07/2024

11/07/2024

This is probably the most difficult post I’ve ever had to write. The reason for all the blood tests and recent doctors visits is that I’ve been suffering from a long term kidney illness. As a child I had an illness called Henoch Schonlein Púrpura. The net result of that is that I now have a progressive deterioration in kidney function leading to where I am now. It came to light about 17 years ago as a result of contracting Campila Bacta and has been managed with blood pressure medication and visits to the renal department ever since. Originally I was told I’d probably need intervention at about age 72 but recent tests have proved that to be optimistic. I’m now facing the prospect of some form of dialysis in approx 1 to 2 years. However there is an alternative. A pre-emptive live donor kidney transplant would not only help preserve my own kidney function and ability to carry on life as normal but maybe give me another 20 years unsupported living. It’s a massive ask and I never thought I’d have to do this, but, after a home visit from the renal coordinator this week, I don’t have the time to dwell on it any longer. If anyone out there would consider donating a suitable kidney then the transplant team would arrange everything. I know how this sounds but trust me I wouldn’t be doing this if there was another option. Also to prevent the possibility of coercion offers shouldn’t go through me they must be made direct to the transplant team so I have included their contact details if anyone feels they could help. The greater the number of prospective donors the better the possibility of finding a good match. People can live perfectly normal lives with just 1 kidney, my own Mum had 1 removed when she was in her 30s and she will be 90 next year. So these are the transplant team details 0141 451 6200 or [email protected]
To say I would be grateful would be the worlds biggest understatement, tbh I don’t know how I’d feel, the last few months have been at times, shocking, emotional and scary. As always I’ve tried to carry on and do my best and will continue to do so as long as I can, I just don’t know how long that will be. I’m also dreading the flood of comments a post like this could provoke so please be kind. A simple thumbs up would would be enough for me to know you are thinking about me at this difficult time. My new bracelet is to warn medical teams not to use this arm for blood test etc in case I was unconscious, to help protect my veins should I need them for future treatment.

01/04/2024