Would it help to prolong the life of a 90 year old woman with permant kidney failure ( it happened 1 month ago , and she is just starting dialysis) to receive a kidney donated by a 50 year old woman. Thanks a lot for your help.
2007-03-07 09:17:00 · 8 answers · asked by pleasehelp 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Renal transplantation is a big operation, and a 90 year old would have a tough time surviving it. There are a lot of fluid balance issues, and her heart may not take the stress of such a serious surgery. Even a healthy 90 year old is still 90 years old, and they tend to be rather fragile in the operating room. The risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, etc. are very high.
Even if she survives the surgery, the kidney may fail. If she rejects it, she will get very sick and would likely not survive the rejection.
Kidney transplantation is a tough operation for a young person. I doubt you will find a surgeon willing to put a 90 year old through that. (And if you do , I'd question his motives)
Enjoy the time you have left with her, and support her with the dialysis.
Good luck to both of you, and God bless.
2007-03-07 09:32:04 · answer #1 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may help to prolong her life, but at her advanced age she could probably succomb to something not even related to kidney failure. If it was my relative, I'd keep her on dialysis. There is always the chance of rejecting the kidney unless she stays on anti-rejecting drugs the rest of her life. Since her lifespan is limited at 90, I don't think a transplant would be indicated. It wouldn't be worth the trauma, the expense or the uncertainty. People get along just fine on dialysis and have been known to live a long time with that treatment. The only drawback is the time spent, usually three days a week, for three or four hours at a time. But dialysis is a godsend to some people, who would otherwise die without it, waiting for a transplant. At 90, I think it is the way to go for a woman of that age. That's my opinion.
2007-03-07 09:32:27 · answer #2 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-17 14:59:53 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-23 21:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Renae 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with Pangolin.
At 90 year's old, there is a lot of risk in having this operation. After a kidney transplant, you need to be on drugs to suppress your immune system and prevent rejection. These leave you more likely to get infections.
My opinion is that a 90 year old lady with kidney failure would have her life expectancy reduced by having a renal transplant.
It sounds like this is someone close to you, and it must be a difficult situation. I wish both you and her all the best.
Jen
2007-03-07 09:40:36 · answer #5 · answered by DocJen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that there are kidneys normally discarded that they might start using for the elderly and really sick just to get them off dialysis to open up a slot for someone younger who needs it or would die.
There are articles on this. Sorry not more help but it seems if I don't answer fast I will lose my chance ;)
2007-03-10 23:46:42 · answer #6 · answered by KT 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a kidney donor and later had end stage renal disease, then I had a kidney transplant. I know God helped with all the decisions because I would stil be mauling it over. So I think a lot of your answer will come with prayer and a good medical team. Good luck
2007-03-07 11:40:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As I have had a kidney transplant I belive everyone no matter what age should have one if needed.
2007-03-07 10:42:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋