Couple recovering after kidney transplant

By: NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer
Family cites blessings, looks forward to a healthy year together | Wednesday, January 2, 2008 9:25 PM PST ∞

AGUANGA -- Just one month after kidney transplant surgery, Catherine Apodaca, the donor, and David Apodaca, the recipient, are on their way toward recovery.

The couple went under the knife Nov. 28 at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, where Catherine, 53, donated one of her healthy kidneys to her husband David, 48, who suffered from polycystic kidney disease. Before the transplant surgery, the Apodacas, who have been married for 15 years, feared they would not be able to financially survive while they were both recovering from the procedure.

However, the Aguanga family experienced an outpouring of monetary, spiritual and emotional support from residents who learned of their story -- something for which they said they will be eternally grateful.

"We appreciate everything people have done for us," Catherine Apodaca said. "You would think because of all the things we went through that this would have been a horrible year for us, but it turned out to be the most wonderful year ever. Everything we thought was going to be negative turned out to be a blessing."

Catherine said the members of Rancho Community Church in Temecula surprised her family with gift cards for items such as food, gas and clothes. Several donors made contributions that allowed the Apodacas to continue paying their mortgage and bills while they are off work. It was an extraordinary experience, she said, to give her husband a kidney -- and one that has changed both their lives.

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. The cysts, which are filled with fluid, can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys, which reduces its ability to function and leads to the organ's failure, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

David was dangerously close to having to undergo dialysis and was drained of much of his energy because of the condition when he was interviewed in November. However, his body has so far accepted the organ and is functioning normally, he said.

"Everything is working good. I'm a little sore, but I feel great," David said. "I won't ever have to go on dialysis if all goes well."

He said he has to take 16 pills each day, which include antibiotics, antirejection medicine and supplements to keep up his immune system. David said the number of doctor visits has already dropped from two per week to one per week. He said he is ready to start looking for a new job in anticipation of a full recovery in March.

Now, the Apodacas are looking forward to what they call a renewed life together. Granted, they have scars to remind them of the events of 2007. Catherine said she has a 3-inch scar above her bikini line, while David has a 10-inch scar along the side of his abdomen. But just as the surgeon's knife left a lasting mark on their bodies, the goodwill of others will also stay with them.

"You wouldn't believe how the community came out to support us," David said as he listed church members, relatives, friends and the doctors that helped his family through their uncertain times.

"But most of all, I want to thank my wife," David said. "This was the greatest Christmas gift I've ever received."

-- Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.

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