To those of you making the time to read and consider the information about kidney transplant, THANKS. Your support is invaluable at this time of feeling overwhelmed by a recent doctor's visit that confirmed Patrick's eligibility to receive a donated kidney. Because the transplant will be largely paid for by Medicaid, the government required the specific diagnosis of “Chronic Renal Failure” to qualify Patrick for a transplant (kidneys at 0% function), meaning that his dialysis treatments will need to be permanent if he does not receive one. It is my understanding from talking with one of his nurses that he will also be screened for general health, such as cancer and infections (due to the need for immune suppressant drugs post-transplant), before he is approved as a healthy candidate. He is now in the process of a series of appointments to establish his profile to include the criteria that will be looked for in a match (bloodtype, tissue, and crossmatch). To learn more about these types of matches, please read the American Association for Kidney Patient’s website.
A living organ is the best option for Patrick. It would be stronger than a cadaveric, and means that he might not have to wait on a very long list for a donor. Please read this information, consider the option to become a donor, and pass it on to others who might be in a position to do so. The more people who are tested, the greater chance of finding a match. This testing is completely confidential- it is NOT conducted by Patrick’s team of doctors and they will NOT know the results of your test unless you choose to tell them. The donor would have absolutely no expenses, all are covered by Patrick’s insurance and Medicaid. The only expense, and biggest sacrifice, is a 6 week recovery period after surgery, during which the donor could not work or engage in other strenuous activity. Family Medical Leave Act can help cover lost wages, yet this depends on employment status.
Canidates must be at least 21. There is no age limit for donating, however the best match would be someone in Patrick’s in age group (20s-50s). Please be aware that only a healthy person will be able to give, and will be able to recover completely and live a normal active life with just one kidney, yet is required to have health insurance (for their own protection, should a pre-existing condition be found during screening). Evaluations for the potential donor include kidney function, hypertension, cancer screening, dental, reproductive, psychological, etc. A series of tests to find the acceptability for the organs to be a match (see the AAKP site) can be done at any nephrology clinic that is willing to cooperate. UNC, where Patrick is a patient, has an excellent facility, and a Donor Coordinator there will help find centers in other locations, states, and even countries. We will be gathering more information on how this process works. For now, please contact me directly at katedunnagan@gmail.com if you have specific questions, or call the Kidney Clinic at UNC.
Patrick requires an organ donor with type O blood only (positive or negative). However, anyone can let the coordinator know if they are interested in being added to a donor directory to find a match for Patrick elsewhere and essentially ‘swap’ organs with another chronic renal failure patient. By getting tested and joining the directory, although my blood type is not O, I could still be a match for a recipient with a loved one/willing donor whose blood type is O, and we could then switch the donor action so that Patrick and the other patient both receive the organ that they need. This could be a really good option for him. Imagine how much the chances of finding a match could increase! His next appointment is June 15, and by that time information will be available for people who would like to be tested. If you would like to contact the UNC Kidney Center yourself, anonymously, please view the UNC website.
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