At transplant clinic today

[okarol]

We are waiting for Jenna's second appointment. She met with her coordinator already and they said she is CMV NEG. Tests show her POS for HepB so her vaccines are still good. Still need pap and dental clearance, which she already submitted. She was asked to sign a form saying she did not want a ECD kidney and another that she would accept dual kidneys.

[jbeany]

Another step forward!   

[okarol]

That class discussed getting "the call" for a deceased donor kidney.  I am pretty sure most people in the class don't realize that the 3 - 6 year wait could be 5 - 8 years by the time they get to that point. People were asking for info about local hotels to stay in when the call comes and they have their surgery. That's optimism for ya!
I asked what information is given about the donor. They said basically you put your trust in the hands of the transplant team that they are giving you a good offer (and not ECD) and wiuldn't even tell you if the donor is CMV or EBV neg? This is to protect the privacy of the family of the deceased. I get that, but what about protecting the future of the recipient?

[jeannea]

Sounds like things are great so far! Keep on keeping on.

The only thing they would say about my donor is he/she was under 60 yrs old and the kidney was in good shape.

[okarol]

There's one more class this afternoon so we are hanging out in the lobby. We went downstairs to the cafeteria for lunch and I saw the surgeon who performed Jenna's first transplant. He is the head of transplant and was in scrubs, having just come from surgery. he suggested Jenna try PD when the time comes. he said he can scope her and be sure it will work, and if there are any adhesions from her bladder augmentation, he could take care of those at that time.  We talked a little about paired donation and doing everything they can for Jenna because her 100% antibodies are going to make it tough.
I started to feel emotional and he said, it's going to be ok. You have to be the strong one so she feels ok about this. I told him being in the classes reminded me how scary the whole surgery is. He said aww don't worry, you need a hug, and he gave me one. He's one in a million, we are lucky to have him.

[jeannea]

I have a really great surgeon too. It's amazing how much of a difference that makes. He helped save my life 3 years ago and was so happy to do the transplant this year. I'm sure it's tough having to be strong for Jenna and letting her have the breakdowns. You're a good parent.