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!!

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

jodeej | @jodeej | Mar 11, 2020

In reply to @marvinjsturing "@jodeej I am going to Sanford" + (show)

I was just wondering because my sister's daughter-in-law works in the oncology department at Avera.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 17, 2020

In reply to @marvinjsturing "We just got home from an appointment with my oncologist. After reviewing my reports from Mayo,..." + (show)

@marvinjsturing Hi Marvin,
I just wanted to check in with you to see if you have a plan in place now for radiation treatment?

marvinjsturing | @marvinjsturing | Mar 19, 2020

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@marvinjsturing Hi Marvin, I just wanted to check in with you to see if you have..." + (show)

@hopeful33250 Teresa I had my first treatment today. Because of my CKD, I am not able to do chemo. My treatments are only radiation. At this time, they have me scheduled for 28 treatments (5 days a week). With the coronavirus, they meet you at the door and ask all the travel/how you feeling today questions. If you pass, they give you a yellow sticker to wear.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Mar 19, 2020

In reply to @marvinjsturing "@hopeful33250 Teresa I had my first treatment today. Because of my CKD, I am not able..." + (show)

@marvinjsturing Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Ginger

tasher3433 | @tasher3433 | Jul 4, 2021

In reply to @ek101085 "Hi everyone Just thought I'd throw out an update. Today I got the call that my..." + (show)

Can you see me dancing on the ceiling! My Beaner Day was June 2, 2020. Our daughter donated a kidney to her 75 yr old father. Anxious and exhilarated at the same time for my son in law and me. We had a slight hiccup when my husband rejected the kidney, which was expected, but Mayo was prepared! After 1 year, both Beaners are back to normal, and my gratitude knows no bounds!
I hesitate to share this, but for knowledge can ge helpful. Mood changes are a temporary possibility, nerve pain is a possibility, realizing a new life is possible is heart lifting!
Tip: having a warm towel available when the recipient steps out of a shower us very much appreciated!🙂 I wish you both well and speedy recoveries, but don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t feel speedy enough some days! It will come!

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jul 5, 2021

In reply to @tasher3433 "Can you see me dancing on the ceiling! My Beaner Day was June 2, 2020. Our..." + (show)

@tasher3433, I want to make sure that @ek101085 gets your message, so I have included her @name in this message.

I know she will welcome your happy message, and your helpful experience. Thank you for sharing. When members like you share, we all benefit.

As a transplant recipient, I am thrilled that your husband and daughter are doing well! However, I absolutely cannot visualize you dancing on the ceiling!

What was the most difficult part of caregiving from your point of view?

tasher3433 | @tasher3433 | Jul 5, 2021

In reply to @rosemarya "@tasher3433, I want to make sure that @ek101085 gets your message, so I have included her..." + (show)

Hey there! I wrote a little, and it’s still floating, probably because I hit the wrong button😂
Yes,there were difficult times, but they don’t seem as difficult once you get past them. I still prefer to do the daily drugs myself, ensuring my husband gets the correct dose. That, I can control. There are moody days, which I cannot control, but it doesn’t last more than a day. I chalk that up to the drugs. Some days there is discomfort caused by the nerve bundles which were cut during placement. Knowing this is common ( which I didn’t til the 1 year checkup!) helped immeasurably as I have a vivid imagination, and my husband doesn’t share his feelings well.
If you can laugh every day, if you can remember to be grateful, if you take some time for yourself, you will be in a good place. Every day is a new day ( sounds like a song, huh?) and every one is a gift. We are grateful he was able to skip dialysis, and eternally grateful for our daughter, the donor. Very best wishes to you both.