Neph speaking to me about a transplant

[Bajanne]

I didn't explain to you guys, but we now have a nephrologist who comes monthly.  He is based in Michigan.  Well, at dialysis yesterday when I had my time with him, he asked me about getting a transplant.  I trotted out all my negatives and one by one he shot them down ( except for one).  He had another person here with him who happens to be the surgeon.  He said that our government will be covering the expenses.  The patient and donor would be flown to Michigan to spend six weeks and then follow-up would be done here in our country.
Here are my negatives - 1. There is no guarantee that it will last.  He told me that 90% last at least one year, 80% 5 years and 70% 10 years or more.
2. I can't ask any relative since kidney failure is in my family.
3. I would have to take immunosuppressant drugs with their side effects.  He told me that science has advanced greatly in this area.
4. I would have to live in a very sterile atmosphere.  He said that is no longer as strict as it used to be.
5. I am 60 in January and have lived a long life.  He told me 60 is the new 40 and I have a long life before me.
6. I have no medical insurance and cannot afford it.  He said the government will see about that.
7. I have had lots of surgeries before.  He said 'no problem'

I really had not considered a transplant before and even now, don't know if I should. But the idea is becoming a bit more interesting.

[kellyt]

Go for it my Friend if that's what you want.  Believe me, my environment is no where near "sterile" and I'm doing great.  The occasional allergies, but so far that is it.  The hand washing becomes second nature, as does the not putting you hands in your eyes, nose and mouth.  I still have trouble keeping my fingers out of my eyes, as my eyes itch a lot.  I'm working on that.

The meds do have their side effects and I'm sure they effect all of us differently, but other than feeling fat and ugly no real harm has come to me due to the meds.   

I hope transplant becomes a true possibility for you in the future!  Oh, and my 75-year-old friend transplanted one month behind me and he's doing GREAT!  He had to jump through some hoops to get there (a lot more tests than I had to do), but he says it was all worth it in the end.       

[jpearce]

I received  my transplant on Oct 14th of this year, yesterday I celebrated 3 weeks and 23 days without dialysis and even thinking about it. They told me to stay away from crowds for the 1st 3 months, not allowed to drive for 3 weeks and no lifting 2pds or more for 3 months. I have 2 dogs and a cat (were working on giving the cat to a good home). As long as you wash your hands and keep a clean  home things should be fine.It's well worth it I haven't felt this great in 4 years. My mind wants to gogogo but the body wants to sit and heal. I haven't been sick   since dialysis and they took my off BP meds. I say go for it. If it works great if it doesn't  you know whatto expect.

[thegrammalady]

i too am not on the transplant list and have no intentions of even starting the process. i have various reason that i'm sure are only valid to me. i do however have 3 grown children willing to donate if possible. and with very little understanding as to why i won't. and the occasionally give me grief over it. they don't understand why i didn't tell the doctor the day i was diagnosed to get the process started already!! even though i'm not interested i do applaud each and every transplant, those here on ihd and those i hear about in the general news. i'll be very excited if you decide to change your mind.

[Jean]

think long and hard about it Bajanne, you are still a young woman. Go for it, it is a second chance for life!!!

[Beth36]

I think you should consider it! My mom had her transplant last year and was 62 at the time and is healthier than ever! She had a positive crossmatch transplant and had to have more treatments and must take prednisone for the rest of her life but she is healthy and happy and doing great. It has been a miracle for her and our family. If this doctor is willing to help you in this endeavor, I would definitely consider it! Good for you and good luck!!!

Beth

[paris]

Bajanne!   Go for it!  I think the doctors gave you very valid reasons.  60? Honey you have a long life ahead of you.  And you will have some of your freedom back.    I will fly to Michigan to see you if you are there for 6 weeks!   I am very excited for you.  It won't hurt to explore the possibility.  Nice to read some really good news   

[Rerun]

Pray about it.  Then see if you have a better peace about it.

                   

[kitkatz]

Walk with me a few minutes here. I had the social worker want to talk to the transplant coordinator at Kaiser about going to another center for transplant.  We shall see about this.

[Mimi]

Oh Bajannne~~~WOW!  What an opportunity.  Can you not see God has handed you a miracle.  Say a few prayers and see what He says.  Honey you could live another 25 or 30 years and without D.  Get going Girl!!!!!

Love U.

[monrein]

Bajanne, how very exciting a thing to now consider.  Keep us posted on your thinking about it all.   

[Romona]

It wasn't as scary as I thought. There are ups and downs, but I am glad I did it.

[Jess21]

Bajanne- like Kelly I too live in a no-where-near "sterile" environment.  I hang out with friends, go out to eat, I've been fine.  Also, my mom works at a school...and I still haven't contracted anything.  They had 60 kids out one day cause of illness!  Occasional sniffles I've had, but that's it!  And I haven't had my flu shot yet..so think about it!  It's made my life amazing!  THINK ABOUT IT, PRAY ABOUT IT!