UK NHS living donor transplant waiting time.

[gilders]

Has anybody here had a transplant from a living donor (a relative or friend) on the NHS.
I have 3 potential donors, but my nephrologist indicated today that I will most likely have to go on dialysis (currently 16% function) before a transplant takes place - not because my kidneys are rapidly failing, but because it takes so long for all the matching tests on the NHS due to it being at breaking point.

I should have asked how long from start to finish, but the appointment was rushed (NHS at breaking point) and I didn't get chance. I was also told that I can't have more than 1 potential donor tested as the NHS can't afford. So if my first donor is unsuitable, I'll have to start all over again.

So does anyone have an idea of the time from start to finish? (I'm still awaiting an appointment with transplant team and haven't had any tests on myself to see if I'm "allowed" a transplant)

[cassandra]

Hi gilders, I didn't get a transplant, but my brother was tested an awful lot, I was tested an awful lot up to a provisional date for surgery before my brother withdrew. It took about a year. Lots of physical tests bloods, MRI's, Xrays etc. Mental 'tests'.  A lot of people have to look at the results of tests too.

It was the same 32 years ago in The Netherlands so I doubt if the NHS being on breaking point has anything to do with it.

You could ask your donors what bloodtype they are? Or how many meds they take, and for what? And explain the situation to them too? And if one fails a test, one of your other donors can start the procedure.

Lots of luck, Cas