Donor denied

Initial blood test for living donation shows my urine creatinine to be 65--transplant center requires 80. I realize that at age 65, I have not been eating enough protein or hydrating well. If I begin now to improve these things, is there a chance another test would meet the mark? My husband is type O and only approved for living donor kidney.

[A_Cuozzo]

Based on some of the stories I have read about donors faced with the same challenge, I would say 'yes'. Many prospective donors meet all criteria but are overweight, so they lose the weight and then they are cleared to donate. Since eligibility is primarily based on numbers for all your medical health, then your approach to making changes would be a great idea! I would caution you on one thing... please remember that once you donate, it's in your best interest to maintain a very healthy lifestyle forever. So, if you can make some changes in your wellness and then meet the mark to donate, you will have to decide if that lifestyle change is something you can sustain - because it will be. I drink copious amounts of water, daily. It's ridiculous to many in my life, but it's necessary for my optimum health. And, you have to be careful about your protein intake as well... there is sweet spot for that too. Not too much, not too little. Perhaps talk this over with your doctor and get a solid opinion from him as to how you might approach a lifestyle change going into this, that you can sustain. Good luck!

[AH21015]

Possibly! Keep hope alive! I didnt pass my first urine test either. Repeated it 1 month later and it was fine!

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

and remember... if you aren't a match, someone else might be! Do NOT lose hope!!!

[Patient-Empowerment]

Totally agree with the outstanding post from A_Cuozzo:

"Since eligibility is primarily based on numbers for all your medical health, then your approach to making changes would be a great idea! I would caution you on one thing... please remember that once you donate, it's in your best interest to maintain a very healthy lifestyle forever. So, if you can make some changes in your wellness and then meet the mark to donate, you will have to decide if that lifestyle change is something you can sustain!"