Organ donor gave patient new life as a nurse

A gift from a stranger gave Teresa Evinrude, now a nurse at Dialysis Center Inc. in Kalispell, a new life.

At 29, she became a dialysis patient after her kidneys failed from complications of diabetes. Three years later in 2000, Evinrude received a kidney and pancreas transplant that freed her from both dialysis and Type 1 diabetes.

Her eyes mist over remembering that gift as well as the many medical providers who helped keep her alive in spite of her failing kidneys and many other chronic health issues.

"I had fabulous care from everyone," she said. "I work with a couple of those nurses now."

Evinrude shared her story to encourage organ donations and raise awareness of kidney health. Now 40, she recalled that her journey began in 1979 when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Major complications began about 15 years later, with eye problems cropping up first.

"I actually went blind in my right eye," she said. "I had several eye surgeries."

Evinrude said she was so involved with her eye problems that she didn't focus on signs of kidney failure such as swelling in her legs. Her nephrologist gave her the devastating diagnosis of end-stage renal disease.

"In June of 1997, she said, 'It's time to go on dialysis,'" Evinrude recalled.

She began with peritoneal dialysis, an at-home option in which the patient receives a tube in the abdomen through which a cleansing fluid is induced, then drained to clean toxins from the body.

After a year and a half on peritoneal dialysis, Evinrude developed an infection that forced her to switch to hemodialysis. During three- to four-hour treatments three times a week, her blood was removed and cleansed, then returned through a surgically-created fistula in her forearm.

From the day she first started dialysis, Evinrude began investigating transplantation.

"That was the first thing I thought of," she said. "On dialysis at 29, I knew I wanted a double transplant of a kidney and pancreas."

She had family members willing to give her a kidney, but Evinrude was afraid her severe diabetes would destroy the new kidney. She waited two years for the Food and Drug Administration to approve the kidney/pancreas transplant since her insurance wouldn't pay for "experimental procedures."

After extensive screening, Evinrude was approved and placed on the waiting list for donor organs. She received her first call to come to Seattle in October 1999.

Although she matched the donor organs in cross-matching tests, the person just above her on the list also was compatible and received the transplant. Evinrude wasn't discouraged.

"I learned so much about the process," she said.

On May 31, 2000, Evinrude received the call that changed her life. Thanks to her earlier test run, her trip and surgery went off without a hitch even though her airplane was slightly late, delaying her arrival at Virginia Mason in Seattle.

"The doctors were waiting and they took we away," she said. "In an hour, I was in surgery."

When she got out about eight hours later, her parents had just arrived to welcome her into the intensive-care unit. After nine days in the hospital and then five weeks as an outpatient in Seattle, Evinrude returned to Kalispell.

Although she must take immunosuppressants, blood-pressure pills and other medications, the transplants freed her of dialysis and diabetes. Evinrude knew exactly what to do with her newfound energy and health.

"I always said if I get a transplant, I'll go back to school," she said.

Her timing was perfect in August 2000 to join a new nursing partnership program between Montana State University and Flathead Valley Community College. Four and a half years later, she completed her studies.

She began her career at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, then moved to the dialysis center three years ago. It was a perfect fit.

"I love my job," Evinrude said.

She often gives her perspective as a former dialysis patient and the recipient of transplanted organs to others who may be considering the process. Evinrude still has the damage from her days with diabetes and battles side effects of required medications.

But the change in her quality of life and freedom make it all worthwhile.

"I don't even have words for how much better it is," Evinrude said. "I try and tell my patients that."

She said she sometimes feels sad about the death nine years ago of the stranger who saved her life. However, experience shows that surviving families find organ donation helps them cope with death by giving life to someone else.

Evinrude hasn't met the donor's family but words could never express the depth of her gratitude.

"I feel really, really good and blessed," Evinrude said. "It's changed everything. I'm not sick any more."