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What is too old for a Kidney transplant
I am 71 yrs old and have stage 5 CKD. I still feel fine, I had a fistula put in my arm in case I need dialysis, but I really want a transplant. Had an appt scheduled with a hospital here in Boston, but the day before the appt. they cancelled saying I was too old, and I'm diabetic. My diabetes has been under control for over a year. I have had heart problems but my cardiologist cleared me for surgery, and he works for the hospital. My son is my donor and my medical insurance is preapproved. So I don't understand why I can't get a kidney transplant. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My cardiologist is going back to the transplant team to see if he can change their minds.
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Wow! So sorry to hear that. Maybe register at a different hospital? I am 15 months post transplant and just turned 79.
My age was never a question but more important was that I aced the psychological testing, was very active and not overweight. However, I was not diabetic but if under control, surely shouldn’t be a factor. Please don’t give up hope.
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1 Reaction@jndly508 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see from @maggieinfp's response, age was not so much a factor for her to receive a successful transplant. Other health risks are taken into consideration, and the results from a long battery of tests are a key component. There is also the psychological evaluation done.
I would encourage you to investigate additional transplant centers to ask about their requirements. Not all centers are the same. When do you anticipate your cardiologist getting back to you?
Ginger
@gingerw My kidney doctor is checking with 3 other hospitals here in Boston, have not heard back from my cardiologist yet but he's a great doctor have had him since 1997, so he knows my background. I'm active, and cannot understand why age would be a factor.