1. < Transplants

Too old for a kidney transplant? Am also diabetic

Posted by Rick @lastdaze04, Jul 18, 2014

Hello All: My name is Rick Richards I have come to a crossing point in my life, one I knew that was going to come but not this quick. I have a question if it in the wrong forum please direct to the correct one.
I need a Kidney transplant (Kidney forum??) But my Dr said that it will not happen because I am too old and a Type 2 Diabetic. Is that true? I am 55 years old, only slightly over weight 206lbs and I am 6ft tall and very active, meaning I assist in the care of my four grandsons, and I have the biggest paycheck. The thought of going on Dialysis, scares the crap out of me an I love my job I am at, The thought of going on disability is abhorring, I would rather go end it all. Someone please tell me that my Dr is wrong. I already have 3 family members lined up to see if they are compatible matches. These are my immediate questions at the moment, I have a ton more in my mind, I look forward to your response.
Thanks
Rick

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

Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jul 17, 2017
In reply to @peterm53 "Even though not all cases are the same, I am currently 63 and was diagnosed with..." + (show)
@peterm53

Even though not all cases are the same, I am currently 63 and was diagnosed with EKD in 2014 with type 2 diabetes, I did dialysis for a year before my transplant and was able to work at the same time. During my first hospital stay I started my hemodialysis. After a couple of weeks on hemo I decided to do some research and consulted my nephrologist about the options available so that I could go back to work and choose to switch to peritoneal dialysis which is done while I sleep and slowing me to continue my 8hr per day job as a sales manager ( Road Warrior). I was on PD for a year before my transparent in 2015 and still working full time.

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@peterm53, I want to invite you to look at some of the discussions on our Transplant Group. Please feel free to read and then to 'like' or join in where you would like. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/transplants/

I highly encourage you to look at 'Living Life after Transplant' where we have shared 'life hacks' that have encouraged us to protect our health and continue to lead normal actives. With your story, you most definitely qualify! What do you have to share that has helped you, especially when traveling?...as an added note - our transplant staff is going to write a blog that will incorporate our responses!
Here is the link - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-life-after-your-transplant/
Rosemary

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