Failing kidney transplant

[Nanatotwo]

Has anyone over 70 had the experience of a long term transplant failing. What treatment were you offered and is it feasible to expect some form of dialysis?

[Tashikat]

It depends on the reason the kidney is failing. Check with your transplant doc to learn if the transplanted kidney will be removed & you will go on dialysis.

[Darlenia]

My hubby, who is in his 70s, has a kidney transplant. I've noticed that most with failed transplants are eventually (and slowly) weaned off the immunosuppressants since the transplanted kidney generally isn't removed. Unless the person decides they want no medical intervention, most older folks seem to go on dialysis. The decision making often depends on ones overall health, of course. I've not heard of anyone in their 70s requesting and receiving another transplant, although I think that's quite possible if one finds a living donor or requests a deceased kidney with issues. Transplant outcomes at the centers are under constant scrutiny and centers can be admonished or closed for for poor results. So everyone, including seniors, will need to pass all sorts of tests to see if one is fit and healthy enough to qualify. Then, it's important to keep in mind that a prior transplant usually raises antibodies making a match more difficult. However, nothing is impossible. I suspect, should my hubby's transplant start to fail, he'll do everything in his power to keep it functioning as long as possible while seeking information on "next steps" from his team. There really isn't much information on this subject re seniors. Pease stay in touch. I'm sure many of us would love to follow your journey. I know I would! Hugs!

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

I am sorry to hear your transplant is failing, that’s every recipient’s nightmare. Is dialysis feasible? You will die without dialysis, period, if you don’t have enough kidney function to filter waste from your body and cannot remove fluid.