Justin Bigford

My name is Justin, I am 41 years old and Im in Stage 5 (End Stage Renal Failure)

I was diagnosed in April 2024 from some irregular bloodwork.  After a 2020 work injury and trying to push through the pain with Motrin so I could continue working to survive, it was too much for my kidneys to handle.  I started with peritoneal dialysis at home, which was ok at first until the nephrologist gave me too many medications which built too many toxins in my body for the peritoneal dialysis to be able to remove on a daily basis.  I decided to fire my nephrologist and with to Hemo dialysis and got a new nephrologist.  First I had to get an access port in my chest until I was able to get a fistula put in my arm.  I received a fistula in my left arm which stopped working after a week, so I had to get another fistula in my right arm as well as another surgery to move the vein artery for better access.  I go to dialysis 3 days per week and have had to change my diet to mostly vegan, which has helped tremendously.  I have been on the UofM since February 2024 for a kidney-pancreas transplant.

I’ve  had a few friends and family get tested but they were unable to donate due to health issues.   I have a good support group that keeps me going through this tough time.