1. < Transplants

What is the Living Donor Process Like?

Posted by ek101085 @ek101085, Apr 11, 2019

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone is able to shed some light on the process of being a living donor. I had just completed the questionnaire a week ago today for my sister, the day she found out she had been approved for a transplant at the Mayo. We have not heard anything other than her receiving a letter confirming she was approved for transplant The email said I would be contacted within 5 days.. I'm assuming I'm just worrying and being impatient since it has only been a week. Just seeing if there was anyone out that that is able to provide some reassurance in the process. There wasn't anything I answered in the health questionnaire that I would thing would not me allow to be tested..at least I had thought so. Amy info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

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Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Dec 14, 2019
In reply to @marvinjsturing "@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They initially told me that they would try to use as many test results from Mayo as possible. My schedule in Omaha is very similar to my annual reevaluation at Mayo including a heart stress test. I have to meet with the transplant coordinator, pharmacist, psychologist and financial counselor. I have lab work scheduled for both mornings and they have ultrasounds and CT scans scheduled to determine the best side for the transplant. I also have a couple of meetings with the transplant surgeon. I have been encouraged by several people to be registered in more than one transplant region. I have not verified it yet, but someone told me I cannot be registered at more than one transplant center in the same region

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@marvinjsturing I hope that the Omaha group will allow you to register. It may be the place that gets everything worked out. I keep you in my prayers every night and hope that the magic call for a transplant will come soon. I know it is hard to stay positive, but think of something good and do all you can. A Christmas miracle would be that you get the call and have a donor.
Blessings to you and your family.
Carol

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 14, 2019
In reply to @marvinjsturing "@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They initially told me that they would try to use as many test results from Mayo as possible. My schedule in Omaha is very similar to my annual reevaluation at Mayo including a heart stress test. I have to meet with the transplant coordinator, pharmacist, psychologist and financial counselor. I have lab work scheduled for both mornings and they have ultrasounds and CT scans scheduled to determine the best side for the transplant. I also have a couple of meetings with the transplant surgeon. I have been encouraged by several people to be registered in more than one transplant region. I have not verified it yet, but someone told me I cannot be registered at more than one transplant center in the same region

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@marvinjsturing Here is a link to the different regions for transplant https://unos.org/community/regions/
My husband was listed at two different centers within region 5. Each center had different wait times, and different protocols.. Each year he went through re-evaluation at each center; basically they don't interact with each other. The closer center was only 20 miles away, and was the choice of his insurance. The insurance cooperated with his center-of-choice that was 120 miles away, where he did get his surgery. He had to pay out-of-pocket for the evaluation at the 2nd place, but it was worth it! He might still be waiting, otherwise. Sending good wishes for a successful testing and listing, then transplant, wherever it is done!
Ginger

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Dec 18, 2019
In reply to @marvinjsturing "@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They initially told me that they would try to use as many test results from Mayo as possible. My schedule in Omaha is very similar to my annual reevaluation at Mayo including a heart stress test. I have to meet with the transplant coordinator, pharmacist, psychologist and financial counselor. I have lab work scheduled for both mornings and they have ultrasounds and CT scans scheduled to determine the best side for the transplant. I also have a couple of meetings with the transplant surgeon. I have been encouraged by several people to be registered in more than one transplant region. I have not verified it yet, but someone told me I cannot be registered at more than one transplant center in the same region

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@marthajean We will all be thinking of you when your appointments in Omaha come up. I too was of the impression that you could only register at one transplant center per region but apparently not since @gingerw's husband was registered in two. I hope your transplant comes soon and that it will be at your preferred center. When that call comes, it's such a great feeling.
JK

REPLY
1bigblacksuv | @1bigblacksuv | Dec 22, 2019
In reply to @retiredteacher "@marvinjsturing I hope that the Omaha group will allow you to register. It may be the..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

@marvinjsturing I hope that the Omaha group will allow you to register. It may be the place that gets everything worked out. I keep you in my prayers every night and hope that the magic call for a transplant will come soon. I know it is hard to stay positive, but think of something good and do all you can. A Christmas miracle would be that you get the call and have a donor.
Blessings to you and your family.
Carol

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Yes stay strong keep active as you can follow rules put before you stay out of E.R
Good luck 2.5 year patient one day or night the call will come
Gary oja

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 5, 2020
In reply to @marvinjsturing "@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They initially told me that they would try to use as many test results from Mayo as possible. My schedule in Omaha is very similar to my annual reevaluation at Mayo including a heart stress test. I have to meet with the transplant coordinator, pharmacist, psychologist and financial counselor. I have lab work scheduled for both mornings and they have ultrasounds and CT scans scheduled to determine the best side for the transplant. I also have a couple of meetings with the transplant surgeon. I have been encouraged by several people to be registered in more than one transplant region. I have not verified it yet, but someone told me I cannot be registered at more than one transplant center in the same region

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@marvinjsturing
I’ll be thinking about you this week and I hope that this is the beginning of your best year ever.

REPLY
Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Jan 5, 2020

@marvinjsturing I will have you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the testing for acceptance in Omaha. I pray that those who make the decision will choose you for the transplant. We cannot lose hope. At an unexpected moment the call you've waited for will come. I am hoping that it comes soon.
Carol

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 5, 2020
In reply to @mycase1968 "I have a friend with end stage kidney disease. I couldn't imagine a person the age..." + (show)
@mycase1968

I have a friend with end stage kidney disease. I couldn't imagine a person the age of my son dying at the age of 52. I am 70 years old and didn't think I would be able to donate to him. I filled up the questions on line. Christine, the transplant coordinator at the Mayo Clinic Florida called me to ask some questions. I didn't know my blood type, so she sent me a blood kit. I took it to the lab and after done they sent it back to Mayo. She called me a few days later and told me I was a match. They scheduled a week of testing. I never thought it would be so intense. I think i did very well in all the tests. The next one I need to have is a colonoscopy Tuesday. After that, they will let me know if it's a go. I am so excited, hope I can pass all the tests for the surgery. I am not afraid, I am praying and waiting.

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@mycase1968, It has been a while since you have posted and I want to check in with you. Have you found out anything about the possibility of donating a kidney?
Please know that whether or not you are approved, you have already earned the "hero" status for your willingness. We would love to hear from you.

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marvinjsturing | @marvinjsturing | Jan 5, 2020

@contentandwell @retiredteacher @rosemarya @1bigblacksuv Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. My wife and I will be driving to Omaha on Tuesday with tests on Wednesday and Thursday. I am not sure when their transplant committee meets, but I am sure I will find out all about their process later this week. Will let you all know once all the tests are done.

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3 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 5, 2020
In reply to @marvinjsturing "@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

@rosemarya I have 2 days of appointments scheduled in Omaho for January 8 & 9. They initially told me that they would try to use as many test results from Mayo as possible. My schedule in Omaha is very similar to my annual reevaluation at Mayo including a heart stress test. I have to meet with the transplant coordinator, pharmacist, psychologist and financial counselor. I have lab work scheduled for both mornings and they have ultrasounds and CT scans scheduled to determine the best side for the transplant. I also have a couple of meetings with the transplant surgeon. I have been encouraged by several people to be registered in more than one transplant region. I have not verified it yet, but someone told me I cannot be registered at more than one transplant center in the same region

Jump to this post

I pray that the medical staff in Omaha will have a positive approach to your transplant!

REPLY
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 5, 2020
In reply to @marvinjsturing "@contentandwell @retiredteacher @rosemarya @1bigblacksuv Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. My wife and I will be..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

@contentandwell @retiredteacher @rosemarya @1bigblacksuv Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. My wife and I will be driving to Omaha on Tuesday with tests on Wednesday and Thursday. I am not sure when their transplant committee meets, but I am sure I will find out all about their process later this week. Will let you all know once all the tests are done.

Jump to this post

@marvinjsturing safe driving! Patience with the technicians and relief when it's all done! Then the waiting starts. We're right there for you.
Ginger

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