Question about transplant time.

[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

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Here in the US, a lot of times a recipient will receive a kidney from a living donor before there is a need for dialysis

I know from this site, there were a lot of people with CKD and were headed to dialysis. Then through starting a renal diet, drinking plenty of fluids and low impact exercise have stabilized and their GFR actually went up 2-3 points. What works for one does not always work for everyone, but is definitely something to take into consideration.

Even though you are willing to give your boyfriend a kidney, it doesn't' mean that you will be a match. You not only need to match his blood type, but also match his antigen (tissue markers). The transplant centers try to match as many of the 6 tissue markers as possible. My deceased donor matched 4 out of 6 markers.

[sidmoesr]

Keeper2017 I'm so sorry about the situation you & your boyfriend are in, my advice would be to find another transplant program, this my mean having to travel to the another area or possibly the states but the comment the gentleman made about giving a kidney made one person healthy & and another sick is total & utter nonsense my sister gave me a kidney & it did not affect her health at all as a matter of fact she was discharged from the hospital 5 weeks before I was and healthy as can be what a horrible and misguided comment he made and don't you believe it I am a living witness, and from getting the physical to blood type matching to tissue typing to the surgery with my sister & I took 6 months & I had a new kidney & a new lease on life I pray everything works out for you guys, also look into an organ sharing network if you & your boyfriend don't match they can match your kidney with others in a similar situation a person that wants to give a kidney to a friend or love one that doesn't match but you match the person who needs the kidney and your boyfriend matches the person who wants to give a kidney, I know it seems complicated but Google it and you will get a better understanding GOD bless you & your boyfriend Keeper2017 and don't give up until your boyfriend has that new kidney I'm pulling for you guys.

[MomofRecipient]

The statement made by the provincial health minister is inaccurate and not supported by statistics or science. Live kidney donation DOES NOT make a WELL PERSON SICK. That statement shouldn't stand. That said, best of health to all of your boyfriend's potential donors and your boyfriend. Keep working for that kidney.

[kevinlally]

That's BS - statistically donors actually live longer, healthier lives than non-donors. This is because they only accept healthy donors, but the point is a powerful one. Best to you and your partner.

[Stexx]

Hi, many transplant centres in the UK (through our great NHS system) offer a swaps scheme whereby even if you are not a suitable match, you can still donate a kidney to a stranger, and the coordinators ‘guarantee’ that someone else on the list will swap their donated kidney, so as everyone gets the best match possible (lots of legal stuff also involved). All operations are done closely together. In addition older doners can usually also donate, up to ‘at least’ 65. This is because a live transplant can last 20 years plus.