My Mother has 25% function in one kidney, the other is gone. She is not on dialysis at this time and controlling herself by diet and fluid intake. As one of her family members, when are we allowed to get tested for possible kidney transplant for her and when could she be eligible for being on the transplant list. Her nephrologist says she has to be in total kidney failure to even be consider this an option. Is this true?
2007-03-10 11:30:33 · 5 answers · asked by kswantabee 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
By “total kidney failure”, the nephrologist probably means ESRD or End Stage Renal Disease.
ESRD is a complete or near complete failure of the kidneys to function to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate electrolytes. It usually occurs as chronic renal failure worsens to the point where kidney function is less than 10% of normal.
Renal transplant is a complicated surgery and also life changing in the sense that the patient needs to be on immunosuppressants for the rest of her life. So it is wise to wait till the point that the patient really needs it.
The only way for a patient to get on the national waiting list is to visit a transplant hospital. A transplant team will evaluate the patient and determine if your mother would be a good candidate for a transplant ((based on her medical history, current condition of health, and other factors). As far as I know, a patient can get on the transplant list when her kidney function is less than 20%. But policies vary from hospital to hospital. I got on the list when I had a kidney function of 18%.
It is wonderful that you/ your family members are eager to get tested for donating a kidney. A living donor kidney transplant is really the best because it results in a better match than achieved with a cadaver donor. With a better match, the chance of rejection is lower. Feel free to get tested in advance. When the time is right, you will not waste much time on determining the ideal match.
The best thing that you can do at this stage is to gather as much information as possible. It is important that the prospective donor(s) and your mother stays in good health (apart from the kidney issues). At the same time, have faith in the nephrologist and the system. They really work for the patient’s best interest.
Be strong and Good Luck!
2007-03-13 08:17:47 · answer #1 · answered by SDC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is true. I'm not sure if you can even be tested for transplant compatibility until she is on dialysis. Call a local transplant coordinator, and they can help you. Try to just take it one step at a time and not get ahead of yourself. I've seen a few of my patients regain function, and it is a wonderful thing. It's also wonderful that your mother has willing family members to donate. For now the best thing you can do is make sure she is absolutely compliant with her diet and fluids. This is so very important.
2007-03-13 05:36:26 · answer #2 · answered by Dave S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your mother is not on dialysis at this time she does not need a kidney transplant .Candidates waiting for kidney donors cannot live without being on dialysis.
2007-03-11 05:54:26 · answer #3 · answered by xxx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to be 0% to get on the list or have any testing for donors
2007-03-10 13:39:33 · answer #4 · answered by cruise junkie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you have the money for it.
2007-03-10 11:38:28 · answer #5 · answered by live.laugh.love♥ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋