Q
: 1
08/25/2009 |
In 1974, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. I have known since then that one day I would need to have a kidney transplant. Two years ago, we found my kidney function was down to 26%. At that time, my nephrologist said that when I got to 20%, I would go on the list for a transplant. My kidney function has now reached 20%. When I went to my nephrologist last week, he said I don't need to worry until I get down to 10%. My question to you is: have the numbers changed? I just want to make sure it is safe to wait until my function is down to 10%.
There is no harm in starting the evaluation process now. If it takes several months to work up any potential donors, we don't want to wait for the last minute and would rather avoid dialysis. Furthermore, if your donors don't pan out, you can start accumulating time on the list immediately with a GFR of 20 or less. Make an appointment and start the evaluation early.
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Q
: 2
08/03/2009 |
I am a post kidney transplant patient of 28 yrs. I recently had a bladder infection took the prescribed antibiotics went in for a re-check and still have a slight infection. I am now concerned if there might be some or any rejection going on.
Infection and rejection are two different things. If you are growing bacteria, then it means the antibiotics did not do the job and you need different ones. Nothing to do with rejection.
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Q
: 3
08/01/2009 |
My sister had a kidney transplant 4 years ago (she is a diabetic) and that kidney is failing. I am weeks away from giving her one of my kidneys. I just found out that she is smoking cigarettes. How much will this effect her transplant?
In general, smoking increases the risk of arterial disease which can affect her transplant lifespan. She would be better off stopping, especially if she values your gift.
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Q
: 4
07/28/2009 |
Does having a universal O-blood type also mean that a person is a universal organ donor?
In essence, yes. But, your organs are more likely to go to an O recipient.
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Q
: 5
07/17/2009 |
Hi my husband's aunt needs a kidney transplant. I want to see if I'm a match, but I was told that I have to weigh around 190lbs or less. Is this true?
It is based on your weight and height. We use Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI is over 35, then you need to lose weight.
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Q
: 6
07/05/2009 |
I have a friend who has amyloidosis. We were in the process of my becoming her kidney donor. I had all the testing done, except for the final CT scan, when one of her doctors from Boston called her and told her that she not only needed a kidney transplant, but also a liver transplant. My question is: is it possible for me to donate a partial liver, and then when we are recovered from that surgery to donate a kidney? Or can a double transplant be done at all?
It is not possible for you to donate both organs. The process is complicated, but your transplant center should be able to help. If she is listed for a liver transplant, the kidney from the same donor will come with the liver.
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Q
: 7
06/24/2009 |
I am beginning the process of donating a kidney to my brother and am wondering if weight has any bearing on compatibility. I am very thin and my mom is worried that I will not be able to donate.
As long as you are healthy, you can donate even if you are very thin. It's the opposite (being overweight) that is usually problematic.
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Q
: 8
06/22/2009 |
What is the age limit for a liver transplant? Have you performed liver transplants on people with liver damage due to drinking alcohol but who no longer drink alcohol?
We have no age limit per say, just general health and longevity. Thirty percent of our transplants are in ex-alcoholics.
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Q
: 9
05/22/2009 |
My father lives in Texas and has been on dialysis for I think three years or maybe more. I want to give him one of my kidneys and was wondering how much longer will it extend his life. He is currently 56 years old. I am 30 years old.
Patients who get a transplant can double their lifespan compared to staying on dialysis.
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Q
: 10
04/01/2009 |
Is dialysis necessary 3 times a week? Is there such thing as once a month or once every three months dialysizing? Thanks for your help.
If your kidneys have failed completely, you need dialysis about 3 times a week.
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Q
: 11
03/24/2009 |
I on hemo dialysis and my blood pressure is not controlled. My doctor wants to remove my kidneys because I have polycystic disease. I don't understand how removing my kidneys will help. Could you explain?
If you have poor blood flow to the kidneys, they may be secreting a hormone that tells your body to increase the blood pressure, since the kidney is sensing low blood pressure.
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Q
: 12
02/25/2009 |
Is there a limit to the amount of water intake alloted is you are undergoing dialysis treatment?
Its individualized based on the body and how much urine is made. The nephrologist should know best.
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Q
: 13
02/03/2009 |
My son had a living kidney transplant donated by me (mother) 4 years ago. He is now going on the Pancreas list. What happens if the Pancreas rejects? Will they remove it? Can he survive without one? Will they replace it with another pancreas? How long can he survive without a pancreas until another is available?
Make sure he gets his pancreas in a center that is experienced. His pancreas works well except that it doesn't make insulin, so a pancreas transplant will provide him with insulin production. If he loses or rejects his transplanted pancreas, he just goes back on insulin and can be listed for a second one. Many rejections are treatable, so getting a pancreas rejection doesn mean he would lose it.
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Q
: 14
01/30/2009 |
Does being over weight exclude someone from donating a kidney? My uncle is very sick and needs a kidney and I want to donate, my only health problem is that I am over weight. Where does that leave me?
We use a BMI cutoff of 35-40. Hence, it depends on your weight and height. Look up BMI calculator on Google and you could get an idea of where you are at. You could lose weight to be a donor if you are too heavy. Your uncle can go on dialysis if he is very sick. If he is already on dialysis, he can have other issues besides his kidneys not working.
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Q
: 15
01/11/2009 |
I am considering being a kidney donor for my Dad, who is 78 years old. Is this a safe surgery for him? Does age make a difference?
We have performed transplants in patients beyond 78 years old, but he would have to be in excellent shape.
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