I came across this article and podcast from the Renal Support Network’s “Kidney Talk” program and figured I’d pass it along.
I am often asked about transplants and new patients especially ask me. Their nephrologist may have suggested they get on the transplant list even before they mention dialysis. That’s informative, yes, but it’s also a bit cruel. The fact is many patients are on a list for several before they get to the top and are eligible for a kidney. In the meantime they are on dialysis. It’s a complicated issue. However, this podcast offers a novel approach to getting on several lists so that you increase your chances as some areas have shorter lists.
An acquaintance of mine recently got a transplant and his suggestion was to be the “squeaky wheel” (in a good way) by sending letters and documenting your way through the process. Don’t just phone to ask questions, but write so that the facility feels a responsibility to answer you. He also created a resume, of sorts, documenting why he should get a kidney. It seems to have helped. He has a new kidney and reports that he’s “peeing like a racehorse!”
What’s particularly interesting in the podcast are some of the suggestions to save money in pursuit of a transplant in areas where you don’t live and must travel to be evaluated. You can get discounts and in, some cases, financial assistance.
Getting a transplants isn’t easy. Here’s an idea to make it quicker.
Give a listen to Kidney Talk by Clicking Here.
