Preparation for transplant-check-up?

[kristina]

Hello,
In about one month’s time my husband and I are having an appointment for our transplant-check-up and we wonder:
is there anything where we should take great care to make sure this medical check-up goes without any incidents?
Unfortunately my husband and I have incompatible blood-groups, but our tissue is compatible
and because of our incompatible blood groups we go for a “paired and pooled-exchange”,
where my husband donates one of his kidneys to a recipient with his particular blood group,
and I receive a kidney from a donor with my particular blood group.
Are there any special preparations we should make for this medical check-up?
Is there anything we should make sure about?
The nephrologist and transplant-team have already given us a provisional medical check-up in autumn 2014,
where our incompatible blood groups etc. were established, but the coming medical check-up seems to be “the real thing”,
where the transplant preparation-team go into many more medical details to prepare us thoroughly.
Are there any special precautions we should take about the "paired and pooled" transplant-option ?

Thank you from Kristina.

[MooseMom]

Hi, Kristina!  I'm really excited about your upcoming appointment!  It will give you the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you and your husband may have.

Your transplant team should have all pertinent information by the time you arrive for your appointment, but in case they don't, have ready a list of any/all medications you are taking, even those that are not prescription meds.

I know you are good at keeping track of information; I found it invaluable to keep a file containing ALL documentation generated by these appointments.  If they have you sign something, ask them for a copy for your files.  Keep a copy of all lab reports for both of you.

Take notes.  These appointments can be very emotional, and you may find that when you get home, you've forgotten half of what they've told you! 

Make a list of questions.  Keep your list within easy reach at home because you never know when a query may pop into your head.  When it does, write it down.  Then, before your appointment, sit down with your list and edit it to your liking.

Since I was not part of a pool, I don't know any specific questions a candidate for this sort of arrangement should ask, so maybe someone else who has more specific experience can make some suggestions.

I hope all goes well, and I'm really looking forward to hearing all about your appointment.

[Simon Dog]

Are there any special precautions we should take about the "paired and pooled" transplant-option ?

Unlike a list donation, where you are receiving an incredible gift (free part, massive installation charge), your husband is "paying" for the kidney.   Be sure to find out how "good" a kidney it is (age of donor, smoking status of donor, CMV status, etc.) and make sure it is generally comparable in quality.   Your husband only has one kidney to give, so don't "blow it" making a bad deal for a lesser quality organ.    In other words, to thy own self be true.

[Deanne]

You're probably up-to-date on your other medical appointments, but if not, start scheduling them. I don't know what they'll require from your husband as a donor, but I needed a recent eye, dental, mammogram, and pap. For my second round of testing, I'd reached 50 years of age and needed to add a colonoscopy to the list. If you have those records available, you can speed things along faster with your transplant center.

I hope it all goes smoothly for you!

[Simon Dog]

I'd reached 50 years of age and needed to add a colonoscopy to the list.

Colonoscopies save lives.  If you're 50, get the innuendo even if you are not pursuing a transplant.

[kristina]

Thank you very much for your kind thoughts, advise and sharing your experiences, MooseMom, Simon and Deanne.
We appreciate this very much and we shall also ask the transplant team further questions to become better prepared..
We shall also keep a diary through the whole process of our appointments and we shall write down the information
and what we were told and advised during the meetings with our transplant-team.
It is very true that this is a very emotional matter and as soon as emotions are involved, it becomes even more import
to write down all the information and to try and keep as much of a distance as is humanly possible...
... and we shall also try to make as sure as possible that there is a good chance for a good exchange taking place...
Thanks again from Kristina.