Too old for transplant

[smashandgrab]

I am 65 and had a kidney from my sister in 2003 which has now failed and I am on APD. My Consultant told me that I had no chance of getting a kidney at my age and should plan for a life on haemodialysis. I am a Type 1 diabetic and this has made me very depressed. Has anyone else been told this?

[manbreak]

I'm sure that's not true I've seen people older(60ish isn't old anyway) I'd ask to see someone else..........

[Methusala]

I received my cadaver kidney at the age of 66 in 2008 but I was in good health otherwise. I can't believe your consultant has simply decided you aren't eligible to go on the Transplant list without good reason and you need to discuss this with him/her. If you are not satisfied with the answer, ask for an second opinion.

[Mungo]

I had a transplant at 62. I'm wondering whether its because you are diabetic that he has said this. I would ask for a second opinion..

[catwoman0005]

Dear smash and grab take no notice of your gp ,I have known people to have them at 72 I had mine 3 months ago and I am type two diabetic and also I am 65 ,got mine after 16 months on dialysis and I had given up because of my age ,it just does not go on age but the best tissue match, always have a mobile or pager with you and have a word with the transplant team at your hospital to go on the list and they will advize you and take no notice of your gp ,good luck and let me know hoe you get on.

[2Jackson]

Move to a state that has a higher age bracket Check out Utah and if you still have your Kidney that you were born with Norway and Philly is doing the stem cell . prayer is not the answer action is the answer god will help you after the fact

[Jackie2700 in reply to 2Jackson]

Some of the best advice I have heard in a long long time. After all as the saying goes "God helps those who help themselves"

[2Jackson in reply to Jackie2700]

That's right make that move to Utah and you will get your kidney. I did 11 years of dialysis. And it was a night mare. I telling my self I'm normal I can pee. And kept seeking a healing. So you must do for you to save your own life. And tell god look here lord I got some more work to do I need another 60 years and he will grant that to you. And do something to help somebody. And watch god move you to a new place in your life.

[Mungo in reply to 2Jackson]

I thought this was a UK site...

[smashandgrab]

I am in the UK and I will ask for a second opinion. I was told that due to the lack of cadaver kidneys it was u likely I would get one at my age!

[kidneytransplan]

I am a 4 1/2 month kidney transplant"er."....I am 74 years old. Try University of Michigan. Age makes no difference

[Dotti55]

That’s ridiculous. I got mine at 63 and I know others who were older. Find someone else.

[Damigi28]

I have spoken to many transplant patients at my transplant center that are well into their 60’s who have had a recent transplant. A couple of them had received them from family. I would check with UNOS to see what ages are acceptable. If you find out differently, go to another doctor. Best of luck to you.

[11642]

I’m 76 had my transplant 6 months ago. Try a different kidney doctor

[loopy21]

I am 64 and had my kidney transplant. I was told my health determines that like everyone else.

[Dara3351]

I had my transplant at 68. I am 4 months post transplant.

[catwoman0005]

Hi I am sorry to hear this but a friend of mine had a kidney transplant last year age 74 and she is doing well ,and I had mine 4 years ago at 65 and I too am doing really well ,I live in the uk and I think the age here is upto 75 ,perhaps the rules where you live are are different but I would surely ask and ask them why because I think in my opinon you are entitled to a transplant at your age but as I said with the shortage of doners ,that is why they do not do them .Try to find a renal organisation that can give you more advice as they might be fobbing you off

[Dara3351]

I do not have diabetes but I got my kidney transplant this year and I was 67

[Roadrunner1954]

Hi. If you are fit enough for operation age should not be an issue. If that’s the case I would get a second opinion

[Falkenhayn]

Only the medical elite are selected for transplant eligibility in many areas because of the desperate shortage of kidney donors. Medically, many more people could benefit from a transplant, but if they were all accepted, the odds of anyone receiving a transplant would become vanishingly small. Sensible transplant systems are needed to increase the number of donors, such as presuming that all who die consent to transplant unless they have refused in life, having the government pay transplant donors generously, or only allowing people who have signed a donor card to be eligible for a transplant.

[Roadrunner1954]

I got my transplant at 64.

[HSP1965]

Wat een onzin!Mijn moeder van 80 jaar, tijdens de transplantatie, 77 jaar!

[Hassmac]

I don't think that this is true, last year when I was in hospital, there was a lady in her late sixties who had received a cadaveric kidney. However, I do think it is very insensitive of your consultant to say this- taking away your hope, it's cruel! I would definitely get a second opinion myself. My suspicion is that there may be fewer kidneys out there the older you get, but it is not impossible. Like others on here have said, I get a second opinion. In any event ask for another more sympathetic doctor to treat you. Even within hospitals there can be differences of opinion on the upper age limit for a transplant. I think I can understand how you feel though. The Kidney which my dad donated to me in 2002 failed at the end of last year, but I was fortunate enough to have a dear friend waiting in the wings to give me one of hers. I was quite depressed before she stepped in, so I can empathise with how you are feeling. I would also advise trying to get some support for your mental health. Kidney care UK are wonderful- I would get in touch with them if I were you. I wish you all the very best and don't give up hope!