0 of 6 antigen match living donor transplant

[BASSMAN]

I would like to know your outcomes if you have had a 0 of 6 antigen match, living donor transplant.  I have read a lot of different information that says a 0 of 6 living donor transplant is better than a cadaver transplant.  This is what I am facing with my donor.  Please share your outcomes if you would please.  Thank you in advance!

[monrein]

That is exactly my situation, having had a 0 of 6 antigen match transplant from my sister-in-law on February 23rd 2009.  All has gone extremely well to date, creatinine has been in the normal range the entire time, including during the time I was readmitted for a second surgery to remove my 1st transplant, 2 months after receiving my new kidney.

My first transplant was a 6 of 6 cadaveric transplant and lasted me just over 23 years.  The other salient issue with any living donor transplant is of course the fact that it can be scheduled as opposed to waiting on the list for as long as it takes to get the call.

Best of luck.  There are never any guarantees, but based on my experience so far I"m very satisfied with the information given to me by the hospital. 

[kellyt]

I was told the same thing - 0/6 living is better than a 6/6 cadaver.  You would take more medication with a 0/6, I believe.  Is that right, Monrein?  Monrein has had such wonderful success with her transplants.  She takes great care of herself and her kidney.  You could do the same.  My vote is for the living 0/6.   Good Luck!     

[monrein]

I don't know about more meds but here's what I take for anti-rejection....Cellcept 500mg twice a day, Prograf 4mg in the morning and 3mg at night, and 5mg of prednisone.  Pretty standard I think, right?

[kellyt]

I take 500 mg of Cellcept twice a day and I'm at 3/2 for Prograf (1 mg capsules).  I started at 4/4 and have gone down to 2/2, but my Prograf level was in the 4's about a month or so back so he raised it back up to 3/2.  My level is now in the 7's, so my guess is we'll stay there for a while.  I'm dropping to 1 mg of Prednisone April 1st and then off May 1st.  We'll see if anything changes then.  I'm hoping to stay off the Prednisone, though.

[monrein]

I'm on pred for life.  Been on since 1985. Everyone at the TGH is on it as far as I know.  I don't sweat it...no choice.

[BASSMAN]

Wow, terrific!!!
I am committed to taking care of myself.  My wife is willing to give me a kidney and that places the responsibility to do all I can to take care of it on me.  We are an 0 of 6 match.  It is encouraging to hear of your success!!!  She still has several tests to go.  Fingers crossed!

[lola]

My brother-in-law is on year 7 with his.....and he and his wife(donor) are both doing great.

[okarol]

Wow, terrific!!!
I am committed to taking care of myself.  My wife is willing to give me a kidney and that places the responsibility to do all I can to take care of it on me.  We are an 0 of 6 match.  It is encouraging to hear of your success!!!  She still has several tests to go.  Fingers crossed!

  Good luck!! (We need a crossed fingers smiley.)