How to talk about transplants...

[Redoralive]

Hi, I'm 24 and suffering from stage 5 kidney failure as a side effect of the autoimmune disease scleroderma. Transplantation has been brought up with me a few times over the past year and it's becoming a serious option for me. Because of my main health problem a kidney transplant is even more risky than usual and there's a fair chance it won't take. They say a living donor will give me the best chance of survival but how do you bring something like that up with people?

My parents have heart problems and diabetes so they weren't suitable, I would hate myself if something happened to my two younger sister's so I've banned my parents from bringing it up with them, and I don't even know how to ask anyone else.

I guess what I want to know is some advice on asking people to consider donating a kidney.

[Kidney05love]

Im 22. My kidney is dying . I am stage five as well. It's hard to approach others. Its the main scare besides going through all the extreme health issuse we have to overcome. We are rare birds, special in our own way. We have to fight to the end. My suggestion is to reach out to people you may not know. Share your story, inspire people because you are strong. I will share your story to whoever I can. If you would like to talk more please DM me.

Sara

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Look on the National Kidney Foundation site Big Ask Big Give. It gives great advice as to how to ask for a donor. Best of Luck.

[rabbit01]

I am in much the same position. Stage 5 CKD and was diagnosed three years ago. I have two brothers and they have no idea I have anything wrong.

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to rabbit01]

I know it is a tough conversation to have but your brothers would want to know what is in store for you. Being on dialysis is tough. You don’t have to feel like you have to ask them for a kidney right away. Educate them about what you are about to face. They will ask questions and you can let them know how long it may take to get a deceased donor. They may or may not volunteer. You owe it to them to know what you are going through.

[MIKELEWIS03]

Salut, je suis MIKE et je veux t'aider en te donnant un de mes reins. Je suis du groupe sanguin O+, je ne fume pas, consomme l'alcool par occasion et je suis en très bonne santé. Voici mon adresse mail [e-mail].