pool donation scheme

[sandra3105]

hi, just a little background - failing kidneys from birth finally went on dialysis 2 years ago ( PD cycler 8 hrs per night ) - my brother tried to donate but was not a match and my daughter found out today she is also not a match 3 out of 6. they have offered her to choice to enter the pool donation scheme that has been going in UK since 2007 - just wondering if anyone has been through this or their thoughts on it ? i was not so sure but reading up on it and like she says it just like getting the longer bus route home you eventually get there one way or another.

[Riki]

That sounds like the Paired Donor Exchange Program here in Canada.  They set up chains of matches from around the country once a month.  Sometimes it's just 2 who swap, sometimes it's 4 or 5.  My mother and I are getting ready to sign up with the program. She needs to be assessed to make sure she has no other health issues first.

[Rerun]

They have started that in the United States also.  Very Successful from what I've read.

[Sax-O-Trix]

Not a match?  Sounds like the anti-gens are not 6/6, that is not a problem these days...  Was your blood type compatible and what were the results of the cross-match?  My sister is a 0/6 and my brother a 3/6 with the anti-gens, but both were considered matches because of the compatible blood types and the cross-matching results were negative (which is good).

The chain donations seem to be a very good thing, I'd check into it and get on board if you can.  Good luck! 

[lawphi]

We have been participating in a donor swap program since 2008 and the national trial program since October.  Not familiar with how they work in the UK, but I would strongly consider it. 

My husband received a cadaver 4/6 kidney initially and had thirteen years of success.  We would accept a 3/6 any day of the week.  I am 1/6 (1 DR mismatch), negative crossmatch, but share a DR with the first donor.