Kerrie, with preemptive transplant we like to give patients a new kidney right before they need to start dialysis so they don’t have to experience the trials and tribulations of dialysis. Generally, we don’t start thinking about looking for a donor until a patient is in stage 4 and their kidney function is around 20-25%. When kidney function is less than 20% we move forward with the kidney transplant, hopefully bypassing the dialysis process.

Lauren, This webinar interactive has added much to my life. Already a Remicade user the thought of another constant time consumer (dialysis) just wiped me out. I had recently decided this was not for me at 68. I have a urologist at Mayo, Dr Nelson Leung, and a GI and many GI Oncs a friends on all 3 campus sites as I am their GI Advocate for the Alliance Cooperative Group.<br />
I am thinking a transplant may well be a good response to disease (stage 4 CKD). One never, never brought up by my nephrologist here and in whom I have wavering trust since the push to dialysis is ever present and the site is within the same building just another door!With 10 years a Mayo Advocate one thing learned is to look around and not go to anything we do not have faith in.I was taken by all 3 Mayo Docs today...though I did suspect I would be! Crohn's since early 20's lead to a life in the medical world with me the guinea pig. My Gastros at Boston's Beth Israel from Dr Zetzel to Dr Peppercorn and Dr Silen made me a fighter for my body. I am at home with this attitude. <br />
Please thank the three wonderful Doctors who presented today. Well received.Jo-Ellen ( Corkery De Luca) <br />
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Best of luck, Jo-Ellen! Let us know if we can do anything for you: http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/transplant-center/kidney-transplant/contact-us.

I think Mayo will be my first choice..as usual  Jo