Hoping to donate a kidney to my beloved husband

[Kay]

Tomorrow I begin the physical tests for my suitability as a would be donor  - my BMI is 30, will this be a big problem for me? I have lost weight already and hope to lose more before the actual transplant - my blood pressure seems okay:
 130 /81, I am 57 years old - never had any illnesses in the last 50 years, but had jaundice when I was seven years old. Never smoked or drank  - why do I feel they will turn me down??  Don't think I will get much sleep tonight.

[okarol]

Welcome. Every transplant center has their own criteria. I hope all goes well with your evaluation. You might want to also post your question on the message forum for Living Donors http://livingdonorsonline.org/ldosmf/index.php - they have experience and will give you lots of support too.
 

okarol/admin

[willowtreewren]

Oh, Kay, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I tried so hard to give my husband a kidney. I was a GREAT match for him but I failed the urine test (kidney function too low) so I spent a year trying to improve my function and although I did bring it up I still failed. they even did a nuclear test because I wanted so much to donate.

Several friends stepped forward, too, but either weren't matches or didn't meet our center's criteria.

BUT, the story has a happy ending. Just a couple weeks ago he got a transplant and is doing very, very well.

But I am hoping for you that everything is a go. Donors ROCK!

 

Aleta

[Rerun]

Welcome to IHD.  I hope things turn out as you have planned. 

Keep us posted.

Rerun, Moderator          

[carol1987]

Good Luck Kay!! 

[boswife]

wishing you all the best!!  what a wonderful gift it will be.  Hope you'll keep in touch and let us know how it goes.. 

[Kay]

Many thanks for all the support. Just back from the hospital where I had blood tests, ECG and chest x-ray  - so far so good.
I did get white coat syndrome blood pressure - glad I took  my monitor to show them my usual readings - it was 147/95
today! Yipes.
Will now await round 2.
So many more tests to satisfy  -  I felt really sad for those individuals who are forced to sell a kidney without pre and post care.

[karrye]

Good luck I will be keeping my toes and fingers crossed!! 

[Poppylicious]

Hi Kay ... I don't think we've had the pleasure?  For some reason I didn't  you on your introductory post!

So, a belated 'Welcome' from me!

Am I right in thnking you're in the UK?  Did you find out what they want your BMI to be?  I only ask because I'm in the UK too and I'm also going through the evaluation process to give my Blokey a kidney.  I was initially told I needed a BMI of 30 but now I'm there they've changed the goalposts and want me to have a BMI of 28.  I have lost oddels of weight already so my body is fighting more weight loss but I will win this one! 

*sigh*

Good luck with it ... I've recently been nuked and treadmill tested.  Very exciting! If you want to know anything about my experiences (because I'm a bit ahead of you in the process) feel free to ask me.

 

[Poppylicious]

PS: We might be asked to go to the baby board Potential Donors in the Dialysis: Transplant Stories section.  The Mods here are very fierce ... *grin*  I have a thread there titled 'Isn't it irksome?'  Feel free to be irked with me (I need to update it anyway!)

[Kay]

 Hi Poppylicious,
Lovely to hear from  you -  yes I am in the UK - in Hastings by the sea!   - I would love to hear all about the tests you have been through. The nurse mentioned a BMI of 30  to me  - but they may well change it as you say. I need to lose two stone to achieve this - I have already lost 2 - so hopefully it will be do-able!  My husband had the nuclear test where he had to stay immovable for several minutes - will mine be the same ? Have  great weekend

[Poppylicious]

Kay, I've answered your question on another thread just to get us out of the 'Introductory' board.  Clicky the following and you'll magically be transported there (I hope!)

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=20547.0