Facing Lupus and Kidney Failure: Jen's Inspiring Story with OU Health

In the southwest Oklahoma community of Lawton, Jen Gish leads a busy life as a homeschool teacher to her two youngest children, volleyball coach, and active community member. But five years ago, the mother of four faced a challenge that threatened to derail her active lifestyle when her 17-year battle with lupus began affecting her kidneys.

Lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues, had been part of Jen's life since her oldest daughter was an infant. What began as manageable became increasingly serious as the disease started targeting her kidneys.

"I've had lupus for 17 years," Jen said. "In these more recent years, the flare-ups, besides causing damage to my joints, were starting to damage my kidneys."

By January 2023, Jen's condition had deteriorated dramatically. Tests revealed her kidney function had plummeted to just 7%, a critically low level that demanded immediate action. Her local nephrologist in Lawton presented two options: begin dialysis or pursue a kidney transplant.

For a woman deeply involved in her children's education and activities, the prospect of spending hours each week tethered to a dialysis machine was daunting.

"I really didn't want to give up a lot of those things for dialysis because it's so much time," Jen said. "I thought I would have the best long-term quality of life with the transplant."

The Path to Transplant

In August 2023, Jen met with the transplant team at OU Health for the second time, having decided a transplant offered her best chance at maintaining her active lifestyle. Working with her case manager, she began developing a plan to get on the transplant list as quickly as possible.

Jen also began sharing her situation with friends and family. The response was overwhelming.

"It was really beautiful to see," Jen said. "Several people stepped up and said, 'This is what you need. I will definitely go get tested, and I would be happy to donate a kidney.' I never had to ask anybody to do it."

This generosity speaks to both Jen's character and the strength of her community. Of the five people who volunteered and underwent testing, four were matches, an unusually high success rate. Ultimately, her friend Ben, who was also the youth pastor at her church, proved to be an ideal donor.

"Ben is a good friend, but giving up one of your kidneys is kind of a big move," Jen said. "He and his wife never hesitated, even when they had to go back for extra tests."

Excellence in Specialized Care
When Jen first visited the OU Health Transplant Institute, she met with transplant nephrologist Dr. Ahmed Qudaih, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He immediately recognized the severity of her condition. She had stage five chronic kidney disease with little kidney function remaining.

For Dr. Qudaih, Jennifer's case represented exactly why transplantation exists as a treatment option.

"Kidney transplant serves as the best treatment modality for people with advanced kidney disease as it offers them the opportunity for longer lifespan, freeing them of dialysis and its complications, and a better quality of life," he said.

What impressed Dr. Qudaih was Jen's readiness for the medical journey ahead. Unlike many patients facing such a serious procedure, she demonstrated both composure and determination.

The transplant took place on May 9, 2024. Despite the gravity of the surgery, Jen approached the day with calm and confidence. What helped tremendously, according to Jen, was Dr. Qudaih's meticulous approach to patient education.

"He's obviously super smart, knowledgeable, absolutely top-notch," said Jen. "The day before the transplant, he wrote things down, drew pictures and graphs, and answered all of our questions. When I went in, I felt like I had a good understanding of the situation."

The OU Health Difference

What sets the OU Health Transplant Institute apart is its comprehensive team approach to complex cases like Jen's. The institute has built a reputation that draws patients from across the region.

"A successful kidney transplant requires a well-coordinated effort from several team members and providers among multiple medical teams," Dr. Qudaih said. This effort includes world-class surgeons, experienced nephrologists, transplant coordinators, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians, physical therapists and mental health professionals.

This team approach translates to measurable advantages for patients. Not only does the institute maintain high success rates and patient satisfaction, but it also offers significantly shorter wait times than the national average.

"OU Health Transplant Institute has an average wait time of 18 to 22 months, shorter than the national average of three to five years," Dr. Qudaih said. For the 500 to 700 Oklahomans currently on the kidney transplant waiting list, this difference can be life changing.

But beyond the statistics and shorter wait times, what many patients remember most is the human connection.

"I really felt like all the people at OU were really caring," Jen said. "Even the receptionist when I got checked in downstairs had tears in her eyes. She was so happy for me that I was there and getting a kidney. She walked me to the elevator and gave me a hug. Way above and beyond."

Life Transformed

For Jen, the transplant has meant a return to the life she loves. The fears she harbored about life after transplant have been replaced by gratitude and renewed energy.

"The best thing has been the quality of my life after the transplant," she said. "It's far exceeded anything I could have imagined. I'm back to doing all the things I love to do."

Dr. Qudaih has witnessed this transformation firsthand.

"The transplant has had a transformational impact on Jen's life," he said. "That was evident on her physical health, her emotional well-being, and her quality of life compared to someone living with chronic kidney disease. When I see people thriving after transplant, it gives me personally a sense of fulfillment."

Dr. Qudaih said Jen’s situation should be a strong motivator to extend this help to other people in Oklahoma who need kidney transplants.

For those facing transplant, Jen offers words of encouragement based on her experience.

"It's important for people to know that it doesn't have to be scary, and that there is a lot of hope for a great life coming out of transplant," she said.

Her journey from a diagnosis of advanced kidney failure to renewed health is a storybook example of the power of medical expertise, human generosity, and the care offered at OU Health Transplant Institute.

Learn more about transplant services and kidney care at OU Health Transplant Institute, or call (405) 271-7498 to speak with a specialist.