Albert Lea man recovering following kidney transplant

(ABC 6 News) – An Albert Lea man who had been waiting for more than a year for a kidney transplant, is now recovering.

Todd Fjeldberg received his kidney transplant on October 20, and after going through the ICU as a result of the surgery, Todd has been released.

Fjeldberg was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at the age of 24 and recently it has gotten worse. The disease spread to his liver which put him in the ICU.

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Todd’s wife Kari had made a Facebook post asking for help and support for her husband. It didn’t take long for someone in the community to reach out.

Angela Collins, also from Albert Lea, heard Todd’s story and knew that she needed to help out.

Todd now talks about the relief he feels afterwards.

“My lungs I know for sure have made a difference because of the fact that it was taking up and pushing pressure on my lungs, my hips, some of the nerves and tendons and things like that.,” Fjeldberg said.

These are the kidneys that were causing Todd’s discomfort and pain, growing to about 24 inches long.

Todd has now been transferred to the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, where he undergoes tests and appointments before he can be released.

His wife Kari has been by his side during this journey and is forever grateful.

“I’m seeing the old Todd that i haven’t seen in six years returning,” Kari said.

Todd is now going through his exit appointments as he is preparing to be released – which can happen as early as Friday.