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Questions about Rules for Transplant Caregivers while at Mayo Clinic
Caregivers | Last Active: Feb 23, 2022 | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
Hi Booma, what type of port is your brother resisting? Is this for dialysis or for bloodwork and medications?
@gingerw is in the process of having a port for dialysis and I’m sure she’d share some input in what to expect.
I’ve had several different types of ports implanted for facilitating medications, IVs and blood work and would be happy to help allay his fears.
Hopefully a donor can be found for your brother. In the meantime, if your brother has questions about the transplant procedure, fellow mentor
@rosemarya has had a kidney and liver transplant.
You mentioned you have high blood pressure and not sure if you could donate or not. Have you discussed your option of providing the kidney with your doctor? Are you a potential match?
Replies to "Hi Booma, what type of port is your brother resisting? Is this for dialysis or for..."
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@loribmt Yes, ports can be an encompassing term, definitely!
@booma Your brother may be overwhelmed with all that is going on. While we all wish it weren't so, as a kidney patient we sometimes hear many differing thoughts and experiences that confuse/scare us further! I can only speak for myself here. After years of kidney disease, I will have a fistula placed on 12/27 as a dialysis port, to be used in the future. It takes about 3-4 months to heal or "mature" fully, so we are ahead of the need right now. If I was to suddenly need dialysis, and a port is not available, the medical team would have no choice but to do a chest port catheter for immediate access. That's not something we want to do, so we are being proactive. And, my first choice for access for dialysis will be peritoneal dialysis; the fistula will be held "in abeyance" for use if needed, and it might not be needed at all.
Having a dialysis port is a very real reminder that our kidneys are not getting better, and that can definitely be anxiety-producing. We need to hope for a transplant, but also need to be realistic "in case". As Lori mentioned, @booma, speak to the transplant team about being a living donor candidate, and your specific health issues. My sister was willing to be evaluated to donate to me, at her age of 73, before we found out that I cannot be transplanted due to other health issues [I am a multiple myeloma patient undergoing active chemotherapy]. Also, let friends know your brother needs a kidney; you never know when someone may step up and help!
Here is a link to Renal Support Network's articles on dialysis, types and what to expect: https://www.rsnhope.org/kidney-101-just-diagnosed/dialysis-treatment-options/
How is everyone feeling today, in your family?
Ginger