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My kidneys are just about done and a life on a dialysis machine is in my very near future, was wondering if any one has had a kidney transplant and what was involved in the process.
Thanks
Hubby is on the transplant list...been on it for almost 3 1/2 years....on dialysis for 2 1/2. It's not pleasant, but it beats the alternative. On the list, waiting for a deceased donor, you can expect to wait about 5-7 years. More if you have type O blood....there simply are not enough "O's" to go around.
Get on the list ASAP, so you can start accruing time....that's how you're placed basically...those with the most time are closer to the "top" of the list.
Start looking for a living donor....family first. It's harder for the donor than the recipient, although you only need ONE functioning kidney.
Look into "home dialysis"...much easier than adhering to a dialysis center schedule. But, "home hemo dialysis" requires a partner...so take that into consideration. Talk to your nephrologist about your options.
Getting on the list requires major medical work up, to make sure you are "healthy" enough for surgery and that you have no other issues that could compromise a new kidney. Heart studies, yearly, along with cancer screenings of all types yearly.
Really, talk to your doctor, and start getting the info you need NOW!
OP: I thought you had posted already you were on dialysis. Good luck to you.
Thanks J , I dont remember posting that i was on dialysis, had the second fistula grafted and am waiting for it to mature which will happen very soon.
As for home dialysis? i;ll find out about it as time goes on but i think for now i'll just go to the dialysis center 3X a week. as i'm not in a position to give the required hygenic needs to a home setup.
Thanks .
There is a specific criteria for percent of kidney function before you get put on a transplant list - you can't just put yourself on it because you don't want dialysis.
I have been on the list since 2014. Unfortunately, I am type "o". The more common the blood type (such as type o) the longer the wait, typically because most of the others waiting are the same blood type.
Pick a hospital that does the transplants and get in touch with the transplant department, they will guide you through it. Your nephrologist should be able to get you set up with them but it is the transplant team at the hospital which makes the decision whether you are a candidate.
As far as home dialysis, don't rule out Peritoneal dialysis. I do 2 exchanges, usually at night, have no machine and can continue with my life. Does it suck? You bet, but IMO, it is better then going to a clinic 3 times a week, 4 hours per visit like I started. At least for me.
As an example, I continue to fish on offshore sportfishing boats part time, I run a large center console for somebody and have my own growing business of an inshore charter operation. I also have a boat detailing business I do with my wife.
So, you can still have a life with dialysis!
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