Niki10.

[Niki10]

How does one go on the transplant list? Am I to old to get a Kidney at 61?

[Jayhawker]

you’re definitely not too old. I was 69 years old when I received my donor kidney last November.

My nephrologist referred me to the transplant center for evaluation; however, you can also contact the transplant center directly to learn what the process is for the center you select.

Jayhawker

[Bassetmommer]

NO you are not too old. Your nephrologist should have talked to you about your options. I see you are new to dialysis, and so you are in renal failure. That is one of the criteria is your GFR has to be below a certain level like below 15 or more. What ever hospital you are associated with is another resource to check out. Here is a good resource to get you going.

kidney.org/transplantation

[Niki10 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for the very good information.

[Darlenia]

Many "seniors" receive kidney transplants. My hubby went on dialysis at age 70 and received his deceased donor transplant one year later at 71. I highly recommend bringing up your interest in this with your nephrologist and also with the social worker at your dialysis center. The nephrologist should be able to refer you to a transplant center and the social worker will also give you information in that regard. We were surprised to discover that transplant center representatives occasionally dropped in and left materials with the social worker, so she knew which centers were more proactive than others more. My hubby eventually double-listed at two centers.

[Niki10 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you so much your reply is very helpful. Do you think I should go on the list right away? I am on Dialysis but have to wait 90 days to see if my Kidney function comes back.

[Darlenia in reply to Niki10]

Oh, I see...you apparently have an acute kidney injury! You may only be on dialysis temporarily since those individuals with that situation may recover their kidney function. I really hope you will be one of them! In your case, I would simply ask my nephrologist if he would consider referring you to a transplant center IF your kidney function doesn't return. I'm pretty sure he will say "Yes" and that will give you peace of mind. During that 90 day wait, I would treat myself well...get plenty of rest and so on. I would focus completely on helping my body recover it's kidney function. Should your kidneys not improve in those 90 days, there will be plenty of time then to go through the many steps that are required for getting listed on a transplant list. As it stands now, I suspect the transplant center will ask you to do that too....wait the 90 days to see how it turns out. If your eGFR is 20 or below following the 90 days, then seek to start the process. Once approved to be on the wait list, your wait time will be back dated to the time you started on dialysis - so no worries there. I'm crossing all my fingers that your kidneys improve!

[Niki10 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you I feel like I've been blessed that you answered me. You have a easy way of explaining.

[bubbaboo2]

You are not too old, I am waiting for a kidney and I am 62. You need to be in decent health but you will be going through some testing before. I would ask your Dr. or nurse to lead you in the right direction. I am waiting for my second and it's totally life changing. Best of luck @ god bless.

[Niki10 in reply to bubbaboo2]

Thank you for your kind words. God Bless to you as well.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

You are definitely not too old to have a transplant. Have your nephrologist send you to one of your transplant centers in your area or you can do that on your own. When I was waiting for my new kidney I was actually double listed. I was living in WI and was listed at U or WI in Madison and also at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. I had a lot of tests done to make sure I was healthy enough for a transplant. I got "the call" from U of WI Transplant on 10/15/1999. Yes, I am living well at 24 years post-transplant.

Get on the list! and have a 2nd chance at life! Miracles do happen!

[Niki10 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you.

[Beachgirl32]

good luck to you. If you are temporarily on dialysis they may not but they may . Ask your doctor what transplant center to use . You can be on more than one.,Some do have age limit but I think it mostly like 70 something I know my is 71 I can’t be on my one day after 71 I’m off which I think is sad cause what if you feel no differnt at 72 so I’m trying to get on another one in 67. I do have to go through testing every year at my transplant center I don’t know if all required it every year. My brother had his transplant in New Mexico 12 years ago he only had to go through all the testing once. And when my health is questionable they always put me on inactive but I don’t lose my place. So you really have to talk to the transplant center that you are going to use. As said in someone else post your function need to be 20 percent or less.

[Niki10]

Thank you.