Connect
How old is too old for a Kidney transplant?
I am 71 yrs old and have stage 5 CKD. I still feel fine, I had a fistula put in my arm in case I need dialysis, but I really want a transplant. Had an appt scheduled with a hospital here in Boston, but the day before the appt. they cancelled saying I was too old, and I'm diabetic. My diabetes has been under control for over a year. I have had heart problems but my cardiologist cleared me for surgery, and he works for the hospital. My son is my donor and my medical insurance is preapproved. So I don't understand why I can't get a kidney transplant. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My cardiologist is going back to the transplant team to see if he can change their minds.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.
Connect
Hi, I was not a Kidney but a Heart. But having gone thru the process I do know that I've talked with others about why they got denied. The 2 areas Im glad I had given up at least 3 years before needing one was any Alcohol use or smoking. But also maybe just ask them why you were refused? maybe its something that you can change.
I can understand them not doing it if you needed a donor kidney. Since you are getting a kidney from your son, there should not be a problem. I know a guy older than you that was able to have a kidney transplant because his daughter was the donor. Hope you get some answers.
@benedict66066 Yes, they knew i had a living donor. No update yet from my cardiologist, and my Kidney doctor is referring me but I have not heard back anything.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDid your center in Boston know you had a living donor? If they did know and still turned you away, go to another center. Keep trying!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jndly508, I think you will find the information in this Mayo Clinic transplant blog helpful
- Is There a Cut Off Age for Kidney Transplant?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/is-there-a-cut-off-age-for-kidney-transplant/
Short answer: The American Society of Transplantation’s guidelines state “There should be no absolute upper age limit for excluding patients whose overall health and life situation suggest that transplantation will be beneficial.”
Have you heard back from the other 3 hospitals and your cardiologist? Any update?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@gingerw My kidney doctor is checking with 3 other hospitals here in Boston, have not heard back from my cardiologist yet but he's a great doctor have had him since 1997, so he knows my background. I'm active, and cannot understand why age would be a factor.
@jndly508 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see from @maggieinfp's response, age was not so much a factor for her to receive a successful transplant. Other health risks are taken into consideration, and the results from a long battery of tests are a key component. There is also the psychological evaluation done.
I would encourage you to investigate additional transplant centers to ask about their requirements. Not all centers are the same. When do you anticipate your cardiologist getting back to you?
Ginger
Wow! So sorry to hear that. Maybe register at a different hospital? I am 15 months post transplant and just turned 79.
My age was never a question but more important was that I aced the psychological testing, was very active and not overweight. However, I was not diabetic but if under control, surely shouldn’t be a factor. Please don’t give up hope.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction