Until what age can someone be qualified to have a kidney transplant? My nephro told me until 70 and takes 8 yrs on the waiting list?

[Dina0210]

How long does one have to be on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney transplant?

[Dina0210]

Thanks for your reply! You mean, they no longer do the transplant after 70 yrs of age even if hypertension and diabetes are controlled?

[Darlenia]

Your nephrologist is incorrect. A fair number of transplant centers in the US perform kidney transplants on senior citizens in their 70s. My husband received one at age 71 in Richmond, Va. He waited exactly one year for a deceased donor kidney. (He went on dialysis in June 2020 and received his transplant a few months ago, June 2021.) Older folks have to be proactive and list with the higher volume teaching hospitals (the hospitals that actually produce doctors). Seniors are generally matched to kidneys that have been donated by older citizens or kidneys from donors having viruses such as Hep C, CMV, etc. - kidneys not suitable for younger people with longer lifespans. (Larger research centers apparently have the capability to take these kidneys and repurpose them.) We quickly acknowledged and accepted the situation. My husband got "the call" in early June to receive a kidney from a 60 year old man who passed away from a stroke. Because of a last minute problem (uti) in my husband, it was denied at the last minute. In late June, after the uti issue was fixed, he received another call to receive a kidney from a 45-year old heart attack victim with candida, CMV, and more. That was successful.

I'm in a group on another online platform (Facebook) and it's wonderful to see the number of older folks getting transplants at these larger centers - a good number are in their 70s. Most are done at age 75 or lower, but I'm aware that there is an 80+ individual who received one. I believe he found his own donor. As for outcomes, research shows that kidney transplants for older folks are life enhancing. As I sit here, looking at my now 72-year old husband - he, too, is much improved. Thankfully, the pre-transplant evaluation establishes who will benefit and who will not (and whether or not s/he can get through any complications that may develop). So outcomes for older folks are largely great. Of course other factors such as blood type and pra values are important too in the speed of the matching process-every year spent waiting on a kidney increases the risk something else may go wrong for a senior. I'd like to add that, since I was driven in my research, it didn't take long to know more than our nephrologist. Interestingly, the social worker at our dialysis center was more aware of the transplant centers than we expected; she knew where some were finding kidneys. But it all comes down to you and your interests. if you find that the wait time and restrictions at your nearby transplant center are unacceptable, it may be possible to find another center within driving distance or even flying distance (see Angel Flights). Where there's a will, there's a way. This site, operated by a kidney transplant lady, can help you narrow and focus your research if interested. txmultilisting.com/home.htm Sending positive thoughts your way as you plot your path forward.

[Dina0210 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you so much for your very informative response. I got inspired and got hopeful with all the info you shared here. If I decided to be listed in several transplant centers, will medicare pay the medical expenses for the pre-evaluation in each center?

[Darlenia in reply to Dina0210]

We are, of course, seniors. So my hubby has Medicare Parts A & B & D and a United Supplemental Plan. We have paid nothing so far in labs, dialysis, and hospitalizations over the year, including transplant. We have paid less than $1K in drug costs over the past 12 months. (My hubby is also a diabetic.) As for getting listed at a center, some centers will require a recommendation or referral from your nephrologist. So be mindful of the professionals around you. Of course, compliance is important too. In our journey, we started at our local transplant center and became listed there. Because we went through the testing at our nearby center, our next, and larger, transplant center didn't need to evaluate us - they relied the first center's work, we only saw them for a "consult". Our first center was also willing to share the follow up labs (usually done quarterly) with them. Here and there, the larger center had extra requirements (heart cath and so forth) that were satisfied with my hubby's own doctors. That cut way back on expenses incurred in travel, etc. Some centers may be unwilling to do this. Or, depending on your insurance arrangements, a center may be "out of network", etc. So do a little homework and press on. Good things will happen - you may well receive a transplant! And, if not, you will certainly be a very knowledgeable person able to help others. And that is wonderful too.

[Dina0210 in reply to Darlenia]

I have medicare part A, B and D with AARP United Healthcare Medicare Advantage. I believe that when my annual out of pocket is met( $800.00) my insurance will pay for all the medical expenses. Though i am not sure about that.i have to call the benefits administrator for all financial info. Thanks

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

It all depends on the transplant center and their wait list. Some centers will do transplants on seniors till age 72, some have the cut-off at age 70. I have heard of wait times of 3-5 years and others like you mentioned 5-8 years. That is why several on this site get double listed - are on wait lists in more than one transplant center. Many states have more than one center within driving distance or a short flight away.I was listed at U of WI in Madison. I met several people listed there from CA and NY. At the time 1998 - 1999 I was also listed at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

Have you considered a living donor transplant? A transplant can usually be arranged in short order when you find a match.

[Dina0210 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks for your response! Yes, i will be looking into a living donor as well

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Dina0210]

You can look at the NKF's website kidney.org they have some info about the "Big Ask" - asking someone to be your kidney donot.

[Dina0210]

Thanks for the advise. Did you get a ky yourself?

[Dina0210]

I mean a kidney transplant