Expanded donor criteria

[MooseMom]

For those of you on the waiting list, are you also on the EDC list?

[okarol]

When Jenna was listed at 18 years old they said they were required to offer her the option, but they DID NOT recommend it for someone her age.

[paris]

The first 3 years, I opted not to be on the extended criteria list. Last year I signed the papers. Age and time made my decision for me.

[tyefly]

Even though I have only been on the list for two months I am thinking about signing the papers too.......

[MooseMom]

My transplant center encouraged me to get on the ECD list, but they were also very careful to tell me that if a kidney came available from an EC donor and I didn't want it, I could always say no.  No one was going to force me to take it, and I wouldn't be penalized for my decision in any way, ie I would not lose my place on the list.

[Zach]

Just remember what it truly means:

Expanded Criteria Donor (ECD)
A donor that is not considered to be ’ideal’ or ’standard’. Characteristics may include advanced donor age, prior infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, hypertension or diabetes mellitus, abnormal donor organ function, and nonheartbeating status of a deceased donor. The term ’expanded’ is used because an expansion of the donor pool is considered to increase transplantation and is preferred over the term ’marginal donor’.
http://www.ustransplant.org/glossary.aspx?term=Expanded%20Criteria%20Donor%20(ECD)

Most recent (2006) Graft Survival chart shows that about 55% of ECD kidneys on average will continue to work up to 5 years.  That number drops significantly after ten years -- only about 26% continue to work.
http://www.ustransplant.org/annual_reports/current/508b_ki.pdf

It's all about informed consent.
Empowerment= A long, healthy life

[MooseMom]

Exactly, Zach.  It's important to know exactly what you are being offered.