29.06.2016

Together we are strong! This is such a challenging and lengthy fundraising effort for Gordeev. Igor's case is CLOSED! After the full surgery fee has been paid - 60 000$ Igor will be placed on the waiting list. We look forward to his speedy recovery. Thank you all so much for your tremendous support and participation in the life of this extraordinary young man!

17.05.2016

"Hello, friends!)
I'm sure I can call many of you friends, even though we haven't met yet. A special thank you to everyone for that.
I've done a lot of testing these past few weeks and have lost a few syringes of blood.) Overall, the results are good. For example, the hematologist was pleased with the blood tests, and most of them were specifically for him.
Let's run through some of the results.
1 Lung tumor marker Cyfra 21-1 showed a level of 7.0 mg/ml (normal 0.0-3.2). 
An increased Cyfra concentration 21-1 is characteristic of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) - a group that includes several types of carcinomas, plus it is used to monitor invasive bladder cancer. However, the sternum X-ray is clear. Furthermore, chronic kidney disease can add some confusion to this issue. The marker will be retested in a month; if the level rises, we will examine the lungs with other tests.
2. Homocysteine (normal 5-15 μmol/L) when accumulated, behaves on the inner walls of arteries in much the same way as a crowd of thugs at the exit of a A nightclub patient reacts to any unfamiliar object: it simply attacks. An increase in its blood level by 5 μmol/L leads to an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular lesions by 60%. Plus nephro- and retinopathy. I have an excess of 20 units (35,8 μmol/L). So far, this is the most puzzling point in terms of a strategy for dealing with it.
3. Gastrointestinal tests have shown a high risk of developing an ulcer or cancer. Additional tests are scheduled for this month.
4. Again, parathyroid problems, high PTH and calcium. I stopped taking the latter in tablets and am using Rocaltrol. I am monitoring. Share The parathyroid gland in my right arm will most likely have to be removed.
5. Lymph nodes. The submandibular ones are acting up! It's been five years. Next up: a biopsy, determining the nature of the infection, therapy, and then the operation. A transplant requires an absolutely "clean" body.
6. A bunch of other minor problems that simply need to be removed like burrs from pants after a walk in the woods. Carefully and patiently.
7. Heart ultrasound, both at rest and after intense exercise, is excellent. Five years of dialysis (especially with the quality of the procedure we have in Ukraine) seems to dictate pathologies. Nope. The wild mustang inside is stamping its hooves, neighing, and not sweating. This means: I have Time. And that's important. And that's great.óIt's great.
In 20 I'll be 26. I already know a lot about my body and I admitáthat there's a lot to respect about it. My body isn't moping or whining. It's holding up and awaiting a transplant. It won't solve the problem completely and won't offer any guarantees, just like cancer remission. But it will add time and opportunities. This realization fills my sails. Find what will fill yours. Thank you."

27.04.2016

"I ask everyone to forgive me for the silence and not to worry. Everything is fine. Nice and calm. That's probably why I'm silent. To be honest, I'm enjoying it. In 5 hours, I'm heading to dialysis, and this will be my third, which provides better cleaning than the previous ones. The fx filters60 were replaced with fx80 (the difference is purely in size, resulting in a larger effective surface area inside the filter). It's temporary.
 I'm slowly going through the doctors. I've accumulated a lot of symptoms. They all need to be addressed (most importantly, their causes, of course) so I can safely take a place on the waiting list and be ready for a transplant at any moment.
I haven't yet received a proper consultation from an endocrinologist regarding high parathyroid hormone levels and bone problems, which are most likely caused by a new parathyroid adenoma (the one in my arm). I haven't had a repeat contrast. Today's hematologist consultation.
On Fri, 22I had a cardiac ultrasound before and after exercise in April. They say it's strong. No abnormalities. But we need to figure out why I'm short of breath (there's no fluid in the lungs).
Constantly high potassium (6,8) even while following a diet. They say this is a high risk. Therefore, the diet is even stricter, and the cleansing is more extensive. Although the latter isn't great for my bones yet. We're monitoring.
Dialysis is better. I've been looking fresher lately, and I'm sleeping well. Thank you for your continued interest."

21.03.2016

"I'm feeling pretty good. All the side effects remain, but I'm managing them for now. 
The dialysis treatments are going well. Despite the water shutoff, which significantly lengthens the treatments (by an hour and a half) without increasing, and even decreasing, their effectiveness, I'm getting through my effective 4:30 (and a total of 5:30-6:10) as expected. I'm sleeping 9 hours, going to bed between 8 and 10 evening and waking up without an alarm between 4 and 6 morning."

03.02.2016

"I had a cold, but I'm completely recovered now.
 I admit, I'm not really keen on writing news specifically about health. Why? Because the test results are mostly negative. Let me clarify. In fact, any test result is good. After all, it gives us new information about the body's condition. And even if the results say:
"Alarm! Illness!",
We respond:
"Excellent! Now I'm in the know. Let's get to work!"
By "bad" I mean a result that needs to be taken into account and acted upon, but preferably silently, so as not to upset those around me.
So. What's happened in the last few months? Very briefly. Parathyroid gland recurrence. Thyroid cysts. Localized venous thrombosis after surgery. Vascular calcification. Destructive processes in the retina and fundus are still present. Cancer is suspected, I can't say what.
But I'm already familiar with these demons :) and they won't scare me. So, I'll continue to recover. And, of course, I'll continue to consult with my doctor. Although I should clarify here too) these aren't mainly consultations, but rather a search for competent specialists, and Daria Chefan, a charity fund employee, is helping me with this. "Little Bee".

Igor

17.12.2015

"Hello.)
1) It's been a week since I've been going to art school again – as an auditor. I'm drawing plaster heads and studying anatomy. In fact, I draw up to 6 hours, but in terms of productivity, no more than two. My brain hasn't gotten used to it yet. But what's next? More to come.)
2) New tests showed high parathyroid hormone levels again: 685. Which is again tens of times higher than normal. Let me remind you, before the parathyroid adenoma removal, the level was around 1100 and one lobe was implanted in my arm. Consultations are already scheduled. Most likely, no further interventions will be necessary. There's every chance that medication treatment will do.
Other levels are also elevated, but they need to be retaken. That's all for now.
3) Sometimes, transfers of funds are accompanied by text messages that are healing in themselves.) Not trivial, but profound and sincere words of support. I am very grateful to you all.
And yesterday, well, an email that gave me a second wind for the whole day!
Everything you write and say is passed on to me.
Thank you. And take care of yourself too."  

30.11.2015

"Hello everyone) I'm still having issues with my parathyroid gland and calcium/phosphorus balance. I'm emailing Minsk for advice. Otherwise, I'm feeling great. I get up at 5-7 a.m., go to bed at 10-11 p.m.; I'm consuming more protein and calories than before. My diet is stricter. I've sprayed my clothes and shoes with moisture-wicking spray. I walk for an hour and a half every morning, even in the rain. I have a busy month planned out, and I'm very busy. I'll tell you "hop"when I've crossed the line) 
Thank you." Igor

15.09.2015

"I had my calcium and phosphorus levels tested three weeks ago, and everything was normal, including my PTH. I'm following the recommendations, taking Rocaltrol instead of Calcemin Advance as prescribed. The thrombosed vein isn't showing any improvement, but the pain has stopped.
My joint pain has been going on for about ten days now. I'm getting my calcium and PTH levels tested again on Wednesday.
On the one hand, the dialysis sessions are getting worse again, but on the other hand... honestly, I want to say: "Guys, everything is great."That's true. Everything is fine.
They're helping me, I have the medications, and the surgery is getting closer. I'm working on a new painting, walking a lot and quickly in the mornings (running is not allowed), and the weather is wonderful. I hope you're enjoying autumn too." Igor.

06.08.2015

Three days ago, Igor returned from Minsk. There, he had removed all 4 parathyroid gland lobes and a piece of healthy tissue transplanted into the muscle of his right arm (forearm). The stitches are healing, and the hematomas are subsiding. Swelling at the surgical sites is minor. The hole from the drainage catheter in his neck is also healing well.
"I try to keep my calcium levels around 2,0. Phosphorus is now around 1,2. And parathyroid hormone, which was before the surgery 1208, is now only 116. This is higher than normal by 7 times, but for a dialysis patient, it's a good indicator. I'll let you know soon if everything has healed properly (I have some issues with my arm).
Have a nice summer, everyone, even if you work." Igor.

04.06.2015

From 20 April to 20 May, I was on an old model of the device (Fresenius 4008), which, moreover, wasn't fully functional. It was a difficult time. For the first time in 2 year, I needed help walking home. I'm having another blood pressure test on 5008, coming to my senses, and figuring out the cause of my heart pain. It was intense in the last hour of the blood pressure test and mild, constant the rest of the time. My parathyroid surgery has been rescheduled for mid-August. But here's some good news: the wonderful weather and warmth have allowed me to almost overcome my conjunctivitis, which had previously been hindered by the cold and damp outside.

Igor also took his painting to Grekovka for critique and received approval! Won a cash grant for his social project at the Sunday Weekend festival.

29.04.2015

News from Igor:
"Before undergoing surgery in Minsk, I need a consultation with the surgeon who will be performing the operation. The surgery could be scheduled in a week, two, or three weeks after the consultation. This means I either have to stay in Minsk and undergo dialysis there, or fly twice. The first option is very expensive. The second is at least half the price. But I'm trying to arrange everything remotely so I can fly in and have the surgery right away. Correspondence is very slow. Replies aren't daily. Plus, I have to wait for blood tests to be provided. So, there's nothing to report yet.
I already know that I'll have to stay in Minsk for at least a week to monitor my condition. This means three dialysis sessions, which means about 750 USD + plane tickets. Total: about 1 thousand. These are the minimum expenses, not including accommodation and food, because they'll probably meet me and accommodate me.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRANSFERS. I SEE YOU IN PRIVATE24 EVERY 5, 10 and 20 UAH. AND I KNOW THAT BEHIND EVERY AMOUNT THERE'S A PERSON! Who, not being lazy, took out a bill he could find and inserted it into the terminal. He then shook my hand and said: "Get well soon, man!". And I'd be happy to shake everyone's hand in return."

26.03.2015

"I returned from Kyiv, where I had a consultation with an endocrinologist. I had my PTH, TSH, Ca, and P blood tests repeated there. Before the consultation, I had several ultrasounds, a parathyroid scintigraphy, and a thyroid puncture.
Conclusion: adenoma of the right parathyroid gland and hyperplasia of the right thyroid lobe. We'll be removing it. I'm coordinating with a clinic in Minsk."

18.03.2015

News from Igor: "I don't get caffeine injections. Dialysis is difficult. I'm in a good mood, even after the hospital, when I'm physically at my wits' end. On non-dialysis days, I do cardio. Today I had my third thyroid ultrasound (the last one was 5 months ago) and the tumor size is 13mm by 9,8mm. The size hasn't decreased, which may indicate a malignancy. The parathyroid gland contrast also shows a tumor. I'm waiting for a consultation."

13.03.2015

Since part of the funds raised for Igor's surgery must be spent on his medications and treatment for concomitant illnesses, it was decided to subtract the funds spent from the total so that it's clear how much money was raised for the surgery itself.

11.03.2015

29.01.2015

Trying to describe Igor's health situation, as well as the prospects for a transplant – I realize I have to repeat myself and come back again and again. It's not easy.  After all, I want change, for the better, of course! Health problems persist. Listing the illnesses and their symptoms – is simply not worth it. For Igor, the focus is now on vision problems, or rather, on confident and persistent efforts to maintain and not worsen «health» eyes.

Fundraising for the upcoming kidney transplant in Minsk continues, and we sincerely hope and believe that it WILL happen soon! 

Another very important point! Every 3 months, Igor needs to have his blood tested again for HLA typing (– test) in Belarus. This will incur further, considerable expenses, but even without this test, keeping his name on the kidney waiting list as a candidate – is impossible. Well, these are the difficulties and nothing more. The goal is what matters! And we are confident that nothing is impossible, we just need to unite!

26.12.2014

The examination Igor underwent in December in Minsk is the basis for placing him on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. An invoice for the surgery has already been issued by City Clinical Hospital No.9. The cost of the transplant is 60 000 USD. This amount is small compared to other clinics, but at the same time, it's enormous for Igor's family! It's also important to note that without 100% prepayment, Igor will not be placed on the waiting list. 

16.12.2014

Igor is home! A week of examinations helped answer many questions about Igor's health, but also raised many others.
In addition to a full physical examination and consultations with several doctors, an important procedure was performed in Minsk: a thyroid and parathyroid scintigraphy. This examination involves the use of radioactive substances hazardous to the body. After the procedure, Igor was prescribed unscheduled hemodialysis.
Based on the results of this examination, the doctor recommended surgery. This means that before the kidney transplant, a planned operation to remove the adenoma and nodes is necessary to ensure normal organ function in the future. 
Igor is currently awaiting the official invoice for the surgery (to be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list). According to the medical report (conclusion), there are no contraindications for the transplant. And that's great!
The endocrinology surgery remains open. There are also no funds for it.

27.11.2014

Unfortunately, our good news about Igor's upcoming flight to Belarus has given way to bad news.
2 A few days ago, Igor started feeling ill: cold symptoms and a fever. We really didn't want to postpone the hospitalization date for this long-awaited examination! We hoped Igor would feel better, and we were expecting positive dynamics after the hemodialysis procedure.
Unfortunately, acute purulent conjunctivitis has appeared in addition to his previous condition after the hemodialysis!!! 
Well... a slight hitch. Let's get through that too!
I wish Igor a speedy recovery and patience!
Thank you to everyone who cares about Igor's fate. All the best to you!

19.11.2014

Thanks to the caring people who supported Igor, he will be in Minsk for an examination as early as 24 November. There, he will undergo tests, imaging, consultations, and, of course, life-saving hemodialysis. We are eagerly awaiting Igor's return from Belarus with good news. Thank you to everyone who is helping!

11.11.2014

The fundraiser for Igor Gordeyev's examination in Minsk has closed. Igor will be leaving for Belarus in the coming days. This examination will allow you to join the "waiting list" for a kidney transplant in Minsk. The estimated cost of a kidney transplant is 70 000 dollars. We are eagerly awaiting Igor's return from Belarus with good news. Thank you to everyone who is helping Igor!

13.10.2014

Igor recently had a consultation with a pulmonologist. For over a month, he has had a persistent, suffocating  cough. Fortunately, pneumonia and tuberculosis were immediately ruled out. According to the doctor, in his case, the cough is a symptom of severe intoxication due to extremely high creatinine levels (the norm is 120 in Igor, it is 1300!!!). This means that the dialysis treatments he undergoes every other day don't provide the necessary "cleansing", so all his organs, including his lungs, are failing.
Igor is currently receiving the necessary ongoing, maintenance treatment. The medications he requires daily include:
Ketosteril - approximately 1300 UAH.
Alpha D3 Teva (calcium) - approx. 370 UAH
As well as liver medications, eye drops and ointments, vitamins, etc.
The monthly cost of medications alone reaches 3000 or even 4000 thousands of hryvnias!

22.09.2014

There's been another significant deterioration in his condition and test results. New illnesses have been added to the existing ones.
One of the most serious is a thyroid tumor. Its development is deteriorating. This significantly complicates the transplant and shortens the waiting period! An urgent examination in Belarus is needed.
Any help is needed now. The main thing is to get it done in time.

11.09.2014

On 11 September, Igor received the bill we were all eagerly awaiting. The 9th Minsk City Clinical Hospital invites him for an examination and the necessary procedures to be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. 
The total cost of this extremely necessary examination is  7105 USD.

From Igor's letters: 

20.07.2013

There have been no changes in my condition. The only difference is that during one of my dialysis sessions, the nurse had to inject me with a much higher dose of caffeine, and now, in «withdrawal mode» I'm not feeling well.

I'm trying not to reach even half that dose, which is why my blood pressure is still low.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and prescribed calcium powder and vitamin D separately3 to replace the calcium «Advanced» I was taking. We'll see if it helps.

the weight keeps falling. for ketosteril to show results at least 3 months must pass, and at higher doses (I take 4 tablets 3 times a day, and will gradually move to 8 tablets 3 times a day).

This week I'll get my parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus levels checked to see how they are before starting the course of «new» calcium powder.

Almost every day I swim 100 meters or more in the sea in several sets. Jogging is prohibited, and I gave away my bike. I don't do any other physical activity besides skating and exercise. Overall, my muscle tone is good, but my joints are a hindrance, as I mentioned above.

08.08.2013

Good evening. To summarize the past few days:

I continue to swim 100 meters a day; the day before yesterday I swam 250 meters. I had to give up skating because of my joints, but now I'm riding a bike again. — It's less traumatic for the bones. Today I cycled to and from the GD. The return trip is difficult, but if you're extremely careful and ride on the sidewalk, it's quite possible.

Today, for the first time in several months, I went without a caffeine injection. It's difficult, and I'll still need it, but I'll gradually overcome it and give it up completely.

My test results showed normal calcium, almost normal phosphorus, and extremely elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH). While the latter is normal, 15.0 - 65.0 mine is 1567 pg/ml, thus exceeding the upper limit by 25 times. I'm currently taking Alpha D3 Teva. After a consultation, I'll likely need to purchase a medication to lower PTH levels.

The stretch from haemodialysis on Saturday to haemodialysis on Tuesday is the longest of the week. Thanks to an active rhythm and physical exercise, I managed to come through the weekend with a potassium level of 5.4 against a norm of 3.5 - 5.1, whereas earlier this figure was 7.4.

My weight is still dropping. However, there's news from Belarus. It's quite possible that I'll be seen for a consultation next month.

There are 190 Ketosteril tablets left — that's 8 days. I'll need more. L-carnitine is still sufficient, and vitamin D3 will also be sufficient for the near future.

24.10.213

I swim in the sea once a week. I allow myself short-distance skateboarding without tricks, with preliminary stretching, no more than once every three days;

I bike 30 km twice a week.

I take Zemplar injections for PTH at 5 mg during each HD session.

I wait until the expected changes in PTH levels have occurred, then get tested and, if PTH levels drop, — increase the number of physical activities described above. My weight is dropping, now — on average 70 grams per week.

I'm using caffeine again during dialysis — my hypotension is getting worse, but I've managed to start reducing the dose again. I plan to quit completely within 4 weeks. I draw a lot, as much as I can given my poor brain function and declining vision — from 2 to 6 hours a day, I haven't been able to do more so far.

If the bone softness coefficient decreases as a result of Zemplar treatment, I plan to begin correcting the spinal deformity.

I remain happy every day and have many good plans for the next 5 months.

18.12.2013

For the last month and a half, the quality of dialysis has been between 2/10 and 5/10.  Well-being and side effects — respectively. Reason: I was using an older model of the device.  It malfunctioned twice, and the rest of the time it may not have been adjusted. I don't know the exact cause of the extreme drops in blood pressure.  I didn't receive any clear advice.

Sodium imbalance. A week-old report shows a sodium level of 139. This could be the cause of the headaches. I've limited my salt (sodium, actually) intake. I'll get tested in 2 weeks.

Good news: the Zemplar course has yielded excellent results. PTH levels have dropped to around 486 (from the initial 1700+). Back pain is rare, and the areas of both tibias, which used to hurt constantly and severely, still ache constantly, but less so. My teeth continue to crumble, as before. The frequency of «attacks» severe toothache has increased to an average of 2 once a day. It can only be stopped by taking painkillers. Repeated attempts to «endure» did not result in a reduction in pain, even after 2 hours. Meanwhile, calcium levels are above the recommended level (one and a half times higher than normal, as is phosphorus).

Eosinophil counts are three times higher. Awaiting consultation.

I have concomitant conditions. I am undergoing treatment. I have been transferred to the previous model of the device. There's been no improvement in my health yet, I attribute this to the adaptation period; I expect improvement in a month.

26.01.2014 

I've been hesitant to update for a long time because the news is mostly bad. My condition isn't improving; instead, it's developing new characteristics that prevent me from any self-respecting activity.

Most pressing: my vision problem has worsened. An examination revealed degeneration of the peripheral and macular areas of the retina in both eyes, aging of the optic nerve, and multiple retinal thinning bordering on retinal detachment. — In both eyes, the prognosis is poor. An attempt to temporarily support the retina with laser correction resulted in erosion, which now requires days of treatment in the dark due to photophobia and lacrimation.

A month after completing the Zemplar course, the PGT has increased again and is 648 units. Lower back and thoracic pain has returned.

Weight loss continues, still due to muscle loss. Muscular dystrophy.

Chronic toothache has not been relieved.

I continue to seek a transplant.

See receipts to the fund account here.

Assistance provided - 218 294,75 UAH: