The kidney transplant happened yesterday, and it seems to be going well. And while you wanted to tell people individually, with the procedure happening so quickly you simply ran out of time. In the most fortunate turn of events, your wife turned out to be a perfect donor. The fact that you have a genetic and progressive disease means that you had to have both kidneys removed. Your wife donated one of her kidneys to you, so you now both only have one kidney.
In the case of a kidney problem, it is difficult to find a clinical study. The hereditary kidney disease you have is called polcystic kidney disease and it means that over time your kidneys would have gradually gotten really big and gradually lose all function. The fact that yours had hit 19% six months ago meant that you were forced to get evaluated for a transplant. You were quickly approved, and before you you had much chance to tell many people, let alone figure out a donor, your wife was tested and matched. Even without the hope of any clinical study, it seems that you are being given a chance for a longer and happier life.

Medical Research Studies and Clinical Trials Provide Many Patients Hope and a Second Chance
Clinical drug development depends upon Phase 1 clinical trials and an entire structure of follow up tests and trials. In fact, in order to make it to market, any new product has to go through a series to make sure that they are safe and ready for general use.
Consider some of these facts and figures about the clinical drug trial process and the many ways that these studies impact the nation’s economy, as well as the health of millions of many future patients:

• Researchers are legally required to obtain consent from a parent or guardian if they plan on using children, defined as anyone younger than 18.
• Although a clinical trial lasted 460 days in the year 1999, in the year 2005, a clinical trial lasted 780 days, an indication that studies are far more stringent today.
• 46% of Americans somewhat agree that taking part in a clinical study is as valuable to the country’s health care system as giving blood.
• Although they are important, some 96% of respondents never participated in a clinical trial

Finding the right drug or treatment can make all of the difference in the world to patients who are in need. From kidney transplants to heart conditions to childhood illnesses, clinical studies provide hope to individuals and families alike.