Wait time for transplant

[Slcallat]

Hello, the first time I was on the transplant list before my first transplant, I was on it for 6 years.

I’d like to say that is not the normal wait time..but from what I was informed since I lost my first transplant of 23 years, that the average wait time now is 5 to 6 years. I’m sure that varies depending on state to state, age, COVID, etc....I wish I had more positive news but like you I’m sure....IM HOPING FOR SOONER than 5 years this time around. But I’m been down this road before and I’m remember that if I didn’t have dialysis, the alternative would be much worse.

Take care of your health okay so when the kidney comes, you’ll have the best chance of keeping it for a long time.. maybe you’ll pass 23 years!!😊

Scallat

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

So sorry you have to go through "all of this" again. I got my transplant in 1999, so it'll be 21 years next month. I only had to wait 14 months back then to get the CALL.

I think the wait time not only has to do with blood type, but they also try to match your antigens (tissue) the best they can. Maybe yours is rare, not common. I know there are many more people needing a kidney transplant today too, then they did over 20 years ago. I think the stats are something like 65,000 needed a new kidney in 1999 and today is 110,000. And it does depend on the transplant center and the state you live in to some extend. What city do you live in? My transplant was at the U of WI in Madison, WI.

Keep us posted on how you are doing. Stay strong! Thinking of you!

[Slcallat in reply to WYOAnne]

Hi there,

I’m in Arizona. The reason for the failure of my first and only transplant was due to the anti-rejection medication over time scarring the transplant. Although I was very heartbroken (kinda get a close connection to such a lifesaving gift:), but I found out that a cadaver transplant usually doesn’t last that long and definitely not 23 years and I was very very fortunate.

I was told initially I would never get a transplant because at that time I needed a 100% match. Odds were against me greatly.

In my six years of dialysis I received a call about a new drug that could possibly help me get one. They tested the new medicine on me with positive results and 3 months later I finally got a kidney!

Stay Safe Everyone and Healthy and Positive!

Scallat

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Slcallat]

I did have a deceased donor for my kidney transplant. I am stable with a creatinine of 0.8-1.0. I am living well 20+ years later. My donor was a 4/6 match.

Wishing you the best! Prayers with you!