1. < Transplants

Kidney transplant - The Journey from the Donor's Side

Posted by mauraacro @mauraacro, Jan 2, 2018

I'm headed to Rochester on the 10th for surgery on the 12th. I'm excited and nervous! I didn't know the recipient but have gotten to "meet" her and some of her daughters through phone calls and emails.
I've had labs done at my doctor's office and went to Mayo a few weeks ago for a million more tests. My case was presented to the donor board a few days before Christmas and I was approved and notified the same day. It seems like everything took so long and now is going so fast.
I'm interested in hearing from donors but haven't had a lot of luck. It seems like the recipients are the ones who post the most, which gives me some info and reassurance but it would be nice to hear from the other side too.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

jodeej | @jodeej | Jan 26, 2019
In reply to @hopefulgirl "Well, it's been a tough past few days. The transplant team decided I was not a..." + (show)
@hopefulgirl

Well, it's been a tough past few days. The transplant team decided I was not a good candidate to give a kidney. They decided the fibromuscular dysplasia of the two top renal arteries may cause problems for me later. I have had a difficult time with this. I have been praying about this and later going through the screening process and then testing - for the past year. I had time off arranged from work, a plan for care after surgery, had talked to my family and now it's just not going to happen. I know God has a reason and I need to trust Him. Ugh! I know I can be used in other ways to help others, I guess it will just take time to adjust. I asked about being a non directed liver donor but they said Mayo doesn't do non directed for livers. Good luck to those of you waiting to either donate or to receive a kidney. I'll be glad to answer any questions about the donor process for anyone that has them. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

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@hopefulgirl I understand your frustrations and sadness. As you said there are other ways for you to help. I tried to be my husband's donor but was unable to do so. It is so disappointing when you want to do whatever you can to help someone.
Prayers for peace and guidance for you.
JoDee

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 26, 2019
In reply to @hopefulgirl "Well, it's been a tough past few days. The transplant team decided I was not a..." + (show)
@hopefulgirl

Well, it's been a tough past few days. The transplant team decided I was not a good candidate to give a kidney. They decided the fibromuscular dysplasia of the two top renal arteries may cause problems for me later. I have had a difficult time with this. I have been praying about this and later going through the screening process and then testing - for the past year. I had time off arranged from work, a plan for care after surgery, had talked to my family and now it's just not going to happen. I know God has a reason and I need to trust Him. Ugh! I know I can be used in other ways to help others, I guess it will just take time to adjust. I asked about being a non directed liver donor but they said Mayo doesn't do non directed for livers. Good luck to those of you waiting to either donate or to receive a kidney. I'll be glad to answer any questions about the donor process for anyone that has them. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

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hopefulgirl, I have heard others speak of their own disappointment after being unable to be a living donor. They also struggled with their emotions about it. As a recipient, (deceased donor) I think I can confidently say that your courage, your love, and commitment to be evaluated is a sign of HOPE to patients who are waiting for organs.
I look forward to continuing conversation with you whenever you feel ready.
Hugs.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 26, 2019
In reply to @hopefulgirl "Well, it's been a tough past few days. The transplant team decided I was not a..." + (show)
@hopefulgirl

Well, it's been a tough past few days. The transplant team decided I was not a good candidate to give a kidney. They decided the fibromuscular dysplasia of the two top renal arteries may cause problems for me later. I have had a difficult time with this. I have been praying about this and later going through the screening process and then testing - for the past year. I had time off arranged from work, a plan for care after surgery, had talked to my family and now it's just not going to happen. I know God has a reason and I need to trust Him. Ugh! I know I can be used in other ways to help others, I guess it will just take time to adjust. I asked about being a non directed liver donor but they said Mayo doesn't do non directed for livers. Good luck to those of you waiting to either donate or to receive a kidney. I'll be glad to answer any questions about the donor process for anyone that has them. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

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@hopefulgirl I applaud your efforts. We all do. Remember, the transplant team wants you healthy, also! Can you consider bone marrow or stem cell transplants to help someone, after all your testing? You are a hero.
Ginger

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 26, 2019

@hopefulgirl how disappointing and frustrating, especially knowing that donors are needed and you were willing to be one. Thank you for sharing your story here. As @jodeej knows, not being able to donate is a reality and it helps for people to know that side of the story too and to be supported by people who have “been there”. By your sharing on Connect, you will help many.

I agree full-heartedly with @mauraacro that the positive outcome is that the medical team detecting FMD at an early stage that may have gone unnoticed. Should you wish to share with others about FMD, here is a discussion on Connect:

FFibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/discussion-fmd/

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hopefulgirl | @hopefulgirl | Jan 26, 2019

Thank you Colleen! I didn't realize there was a group for FMD. It will be interesting to learn more.

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hopefulgirl | @hopefulgirl | Jan 26, 2019
In reply to @gingerw "@hopefulgirl I applaud your efforts. We all do. Remember, the transplant team wants you healthy, also!..." + (show)
@gingerw

@hopefulgirl I applaud your efforts. We all do. Remember, the transplant team wants you healthy, also! Can you consider bone marrow or stem cell transplants to help someone, after all your testing? You are a hero.
Ginger

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@gingerw Thanks for the encouragement! I will consider other ways to help. I appreciate this group and being able to connect has been so helpful.

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1 reply
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 27, 2019
In reply to @hopefulgirl "@gingerw Thanks for the encouragement! I will consider other ways to help. I appreciate this group..." + (show)
@hopefulgirl

@gingerw Thanks for the encouragement! I will consider other ways to help. I appreciate this group and being able to connect has been so helpful.

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hopeful, April is the National Celebration of Donate Life Month. There should be lots of activities for involvement on many levels for you to consider.

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JK | @contentandwell | Jan 27, 2019

@rosemarya how did I not know that April is the “National Celebration of Donate Life Month”? I probably did and forgot.
JK

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1 reply
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 27, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@rosemarya how did I not know that April is the “National Celebration of Donate Life Month”?..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@rosemarya how did I not know that April is the “National Celebration of Donate Life Month”? I probably did and forgot.
JK

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Bigger question is how did I know😉.
It is my anniversary month and my annual checkup month, too. So that is how I remember it.

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1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Jan 27, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "Bigger question is how did I know😉. It is my anniversary month and my annual checkup..." + (show)
@rosemarya

Bigger question is how did I know😉.
It is my anniversary month and my annual checkup month, too. So that is how I remember it.

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@rosemarya I picked up a “Donate Life” green rubber bracelet when I was in the MGH transplant center in December. I don’t remember to wear it often but I will make an effort in April.
JK

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