Waiting for second kidney

[mike22]

My blood type is B+ and I was wandering what are some of the experiences you guys have had while waiting for a second kidney. By that, I mean how long did you wait,especially if you had a high PRA. What was your experience after surgery. Did the kidney work immediately or was there some delayed function going on? Just curious.

[jeannea]

I am B+ also. I waited about 3 years with 97% antibodies. Although just before that they had told me 2 more years so I think it must have been a good match to move me up. I had great function right after surgery. I also noticed the whole experience felt different than my first in 1998. I think the whole process was actually a little less harsh. The only tough thing was a medicine they gave me every day for 4 or 5 days for 6 hours at a time. I forget what it was but it had something to do with my antibody level. Wish I could tell you more but I ask less questions when I'm on morphine.

[GoingThere]

Jeannea, they probably gave you OKT3. I know this is a custom in USA to prevent acute rejection especially if you have a high PRA.

[noahvale]

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[mike22]

@Noahvale

I"m waitlisted at UAB and Vanderbilt. I know Vandy just hired a guy who did his training in Boston and at Johns Hopkins. I am very excited for the center because Boston area centers and Johns Hopkins boast some of the best centers in America. They are very cutting edge when it comes to transplant and desensitization issues.   I understand where you coming from about the South. I remember a UAB transplant surgeon(he was very nice) telling me to take my time elsewhere during my PD catheter evaluation. Which why Im trying to relocate now that I'm settle with PD.  I'm trying to find a job either in Dallas, Dc, San Fran, or San Diego.  Interestingly, during my second evaluation at Vanderbilt, the surgeon was a little bit more optimistic when I ask him about the high antibodies.