Thanks Pete.
That's correct. They won't remove either of my kidneys. They usually don't remove kidneys unless they are cancerous, you have polycystic kidney disease, or you already have multiple kidneys from previous transplant.
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Thanks Pete.
That's correct. They won't remove either of my kidneys. They usually don't remove kidneys unless they are cancerous, you have polycystic kidney disease, or you already have multiple kidneys from previous transplant.
Hey Gilders, This sounds like you are moving along. Only on this site could we all understand what you are saying about the Rituxan, antibiodies, etc. Positive thoughts are being sent your way. Keep us posted.
WOW, you have a great memory, it is my wife's birthday tomorrow!
She is very happy about the transplant being back on. She's still having the tests that had already been booked, to check that she is fit enough to donate. We've been told too many times before that it's happening, only for them to change their mind.
We have incompatible blood groups and were originally told that the only option would be for my wife to join the paired/pooled swap scheme. She still needs all the same tests as a direct donor would need. During these tests they've discovered that I don't have many antibodies against her. I still have incompatible blood group, of course, but they can try to work around that if everything else is a good match. But this would be as a last resort as incompatible blood donations aren't as successful.
So as it stands at the moment, my dad is the one that will be donating directly. If this doesn't happen for any reason then my dad and wife will join the pooled donation swap scheme. If no matches/swaps are found for me, then they would look at direct donation from either my dad or wife.
I am unsure what is riskier as far as rejection - receiving a kidney from my dad who I've already shown antibodies against or my wife who I have less antibodies against, but incompatible blood group??
It's not a nice consideration, but they have mentioned before than with multiple donors it's often best to chose the oldest donor first as I'll have a better chance of receiving another kidney in the future as there's more of a chance the oldest person would not be fit enough (or passed away) by the time the original kidney I receive has stopped working.
Thank you for explaining, Pete. You have become an expert in kidneys and transplants. I am glad that it might also work with your wife, giving you another option, plan B or so. Praying it will work for the best, this way or another.
I guess you will soon need to have your suitcase ready....
Gilders,
I'm happy for you that your transplant is coming soon. Both of your options sound very complicated. You are a true warrior! May God cover you in this!
I am due to have a scan (August 18th) around the pelvis area to choose as suitable site for the new kidney. But, as always with me, there's a bit of a problem. The dye used for the scan has a risk of causing damage to kidneys. Usually this isn't a problem as it's a low risk (for healthy kidneys), or people are already on dialysis (the dye will be dialysed out), but for people with very poor function it's risky. I spoke to the radiologist who suggested I check with the dr who requested it, but warned that it may be necessary for the transplant to go ahead.
My latest blood tests have also shown a drop in function from 13% to 11%.