David Cartwright's Kidney Transplant Journey Through COVID-19
David Cartwright鈥檚 eight-year journey to his kidney transplant听caused him to require dialysis,听the process by which听waste, salt and extra water are removed from the body by machine, since the kidneys can no longer perform this function.听
But this timing听landed听David听in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.听听听
鈥I was ready to finally schedule my transplant late in February 2020,鈥澨he听says.听鈥Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,听my surgery was postponed to an undetermined date.鈥听
In the meantime, he adds, "I contracted COVID-19.鈥听
David had to听undergo a complete recovery before he was听eligible to receive a transplant.听听
Toward the end of June, he got the call听he鈥檇 been awaiting听from听the听国产情色 and NewYork-Presbyterian Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program:听It was time听to schedule his surgery.听Living more than an hour away from Manhattan, David was hesitant to make the trip.听
鈥But my friend and donor,听Kathy,听is a nurse and reassured me that we would be in good hands at WCM/NYP,鈥 David says.听鈥I was tested for COVID-19听several times before my听July听transplant,听and again on the day of听my discharge.鈥听
Despite the ongoing pandemic, David was confident in the care he received during the transplant听and recovery听process.听听听
鈥I always felt safe.听Everyone I met--valet staff, cleaning, security, nurses and doctors--made me feel like I was special. With masks, gloves and extra precautions, my care was personalized, professional,听and extra precautions were taken by all the staff to make sure I was safe and felt safe,鈥 he says.听
David continues his post-surgical听care听with听the听国产情色 and NewYork-Presbyterian Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program听and highly recommends the center听to others.听
He adds: 鈥I have received the most professional care where ever staff member went above and beyond to protect me, make me feel safe and made me feel like they were all part of my team.鈥听