3rd time is the charm (I hope)

@andtridd63 I see that you are a new member, and I want to welcome you to Mayo Connect. I am a volunteer mentor, and a liver/kidney recipient. I admire your strength and attitude in the midst of your strenuous health journey.
I would like to invite you to look at the kidney transplant discussion in the Transplant Discussion Group. where you will meet @ca426, who has told us that he has had 4 kidney transplants.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-transplant-1/?pg=1

And if you want to direct a question or comment to a particular individual, copy their @name at the beginning of your message, just like I did yours. (you can also click on a member's @name to read about them)

I look forward to hearing more about your story. And I look forward to hearing from some others who will be able to provide some helpful information and some support.
Rosemary

Hello @andtridd63,

I'd like to extend my welcome too, and thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad to hear that your experience at Mayo Clinic has offered you hope – it is important to have faith, hope and strength, and to take care of yourself, to stay well for the time when you do receive a transplant. Sometimes it can help to connect with others who know what you’re going, and I'd like to introduce you to a few Connect members.
Please meet @cehunt57, (pancreas transplant some years ago; currently waiting for a kidney transplant), and @jtannen1, who is also waiting for a kidney; @hardaway3, (2 kidney transplants), and @ters1993, whose husband has had two transplants.

I'd sincerely encourage you to read through some of the conversations taking place in this discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-transplant-1/ where you will meet other transplant recipients who've shared their incredible health journeys.

@andtridd63, may I ask what are the next steps?

I'm flattered to have been mentioned by @kanaazpereira. I'm not a multiple kidney transplant recipient but I did have a pancreas transplant 13 years ago. It was due to Type 1 Diabetes. I had uncontrolled blood sugar and was developing complications despite more conventional treatments. I did not want to loose my vision or kidney function. My transplant was my own personal miracle. I am so grateful for it. Some complications reversed and my kidney function stabilized. A couple years ago the kidney function started decreasing and I met criteria to be listed for kidney transplant. I was evaluated, approved and accepted for kidney transplant at 2 facilities. I chose Mayo in Rochester. They have followed me for 2 years now. I am looking for a living kidney donor. Currently my diabetes and CKD are stable. I feel blessed. My husband has good insurance through his employer. He has been my caregiver and I his caregiver at times. We take turns. He had thyroid cancer in 2008. Our doctor said "that is one of the most treatable kinds, if caught early". He has been cancer free for many years now. My father-in-law had a different kind of ESRD. He had a kidney transplant at age 76. He was on Medicare and may have had an additional private policy of some sort. I don't remember the details and terms but the majority of expenses were covered. I do know that Mayo has a well rounded team (social workers and financial workers) to help you find in information about resources and benefits you may be eligible for. Thank you for your military service. I wish there were greater benefits and resources to care for veterans. Hopes and prayers for all the best during this part of your health journey.