Kidney Transplant a 'Second Birthday' for Lacey Woman

Amber Neumann considers April 4 — the day she received a lifesaving kidney transplant — her "second birthday."

Neumann, 37, of Lacey was diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) six years ago after a check up from hernia surgery revealed numerous cysts on both of her kidneys.

“I was part of a paired exchange,” Neumann said. “Someone I knew was willing to donate a kidney but they weren’t a match. They were still willing to donate.”

Neumann had been on New York’s non-living donor list for a kidney transplant but the wait is five years.

Earlier in February, Neumann underwent dialysis surgery.

“We were at the point where we couldn’t wait any longer,” she said.

On Christmas Eve, Neumann found out she had been listed with the individual who had been willing to donate their kidney.

April 4, Neumann was checked into New York Presbyterian Hospital to receive her new kidney. The hospital was one of the first to do paired exchanges. More than 400 kidney transplants are performed a year at the New York City hospital; two others were done the same day as Neumann's.

“We were paired with another couple. My kidney came from a gentleman across the country,” she said.

That night she underwent surgery.

The experience was very much like a prime time medical drama, she said. She was notified when her new kidney was placed on a plane and when it arrived.

Just 96 hours after the completion of the surgery, Neumann arrived home in Lacey.

“We were lucky because it started working immediately. The surgeons came out very excited. My numbers started to come down immediately. They were thrilled,” she said.

Moving forward, Neumann will continue taking various pills to help fight infection. Twice a week for six weeks, followed by once a week for six weeks, Neumann will visit the hospital where doctors will do a check up and monitor her blood work.

“We still have a long road but at least it’s at home,” she said.