Kidney Transplant

Kidney transplant patient Michelle tells how The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center made her patient story a success.

Meet Michelle

Michelle's love for dogs started early in life. At the age of eight, she got involved in the 4-H Club in her hometown of Louisville, Ohio, and began training and showing dogs in competitions. Her hobby continued during college, and Michelle would regularly work with her beautiful Labrador dogs in between studies.

Then one day, she started feeling ill. The flu was going around campus, so Michelle thought she had just caught the bug. But when she started feeling worse instead of getting better, she went to the doctor. Seeing how dehydrated Michelle was, the doctor checked her into the hospital and recommended a blood test. The results revealed it was actually her kidneys failing, not the flu.

Her Kidney Couldn't Be Saved
A Transplant Was The Best Option
She's Returned To The Dog Show Circuit

Share Your Story

Has Ohio State made a difference in your life?
If you have a story to tell about how the doctors, nurses and staff at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have made a positive difference in your life, or the life of a loved one, please share it with us. It’s our patients’ stories that give us the biggest reward in what we do, and we’d like to hear yours.

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Explore Living Donor Kidney Transplant Expertise

When James' kidneys failed, we had the expertise to transplant the healthy kidney donated from his friend, Craig—a surgery that saved James from lifelong dialysis.

Hear James & Craig's Story 

Her Story

Michelle shares her story, from finding out about her condition to why organ donation is so important.
Michelle talks with her nurse Joanie Steele about the follow-up care at Ohio State.
Now, It's All About the Dogs (1:40) Michelle talks with her nurse Joanie Steele about the follow-up care at Ohio State.
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Michelle talks with her transplant surgeon Dr. Ronald Pelletier.
Michelle & Dr. Pelletier (1:24) Michelle talks with her transplant surgeon Dr. Ronald Pelletier.
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