Question

[Keeper2017]

Hey everyone, my boyfriend was diagnosed with stage 4 CKD last year, he has about 25% function left. It was such a shock to us as he is only 32 years old.... Since his diagnosis I have been canvassing the internet about information regarding kidney transplant. From what I read I think for a healthy person to donate a kidney to someone with ESRD there will be no significant impact on the donor's health. I want to be able to help him one day when he reaches the point of no return.

Recently I saw an article on the local new channel that made me feel very frustrated and angry. Basically the stories was about a local police officer who has lupus and has been on dialysis for 6 years. His wife wanted to donate a kidney to him and did all the tests and submitted the application forms to the kidney transplant coordinator. But the position of the kidney transplant coordinator was not filled for over a year. His paper has been sitting on a desk rather than being processed for transplant. He talked to the news agency trying to raise awareness of this issue. Soon after our provincial health minister came out saying that there has been people covering for the transplant coordinator (making excuses....) and from a living honor being identified to the actual transplant the process usually takes a COUPLE of years. He said the process is so long because (his quote here) "It's a program which is available, but it's one that is challenging, because effectively it makes a WELL PERSON SICK in order to provide a person in need of a kidney, with a kidney".

I feel like he is making excuses for oversight (perhaps saving a few bucks, we live in canada so it 's public heath care) and seriously misinforming the public about living kidney donation. It does not make a well person sick and should NOT take a few years once a living donor is found.

What do you think? I soooo wanted to file a complaint about his words but wanted to get my information straight first, because I have not gone through the transplant process.

Thanks so much guys!

K

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Keeper,

I didn't want you to think we are ignoring your question. I do not have an answer but I will say that the statement made was very misinformed and unprofessional. I would write to the National Kidney Foundation to have them demand a retraction or correction.

Your statement: "I want to be able to help him one day when he reaches the point of no return." is pretty altruistic yet sad. There is no "point of no return" There are many choices for types of dialysis that will keep him going. But more important is that he can possibly keep his 25% for a very long time with the correct diet, lifestyle modifications and proper medications. Let us know if we can help you with that information. The first thing he should do is see a renal dietician.

Here is a link to information on transplants but I am not sure that is what you need. but there is also an email address which might be a place to start. Good luck.

kidney.org/transplantation/...

[Pavelpavlo in reply to Bassetmommer]

[09.03, 18:20] Павлик: Здрастуйте, мене звуть Павло, я з України, мені 40 років, група крові 4+, я збираюся отримати результати аналізу крові і HLA-типірування. Я готовий читати як донора нирки і прошу вас допомогти мені знайти одержувача. Буду дуже вдячний Вам

[09.03, 18:22] Павлик: HLA A (203) A (210) B (37) B (64) DR (12) DR (7) DR (51) DR (10)