One of Our Users Is Looking for a Kidney Donor

Never in a million years did I think that I'd be reaching out on social media/the internet for this. I'm always willing to share my story but this post was a difficult one to make.

Thank you every single person that takes the time to read this and thank you if you decide (even if you dont!!) to fill out the questionnaire.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you thank you thank you.

 

Adding a little bit of detail. My blood type is A+. I can accept a donor from either A or O, positive/negative doesn't matter.

There is also a system called "paired donation". Basically, if you want to donate to me and are not a match, you could donate to someone who is. They would in turn have a match for me.

2016 is amazing.

 

i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. i hope the stars align and you receive the treatment best for you

 

My heart goes out to you and I wish you the best in your journey. I take care of people daily that are on dialysis and CVVH and know the burden it is on them and their daily lives.

Just a question: You are on some sort of list I assume for an organ donor and are up there pretty high I am sure considering you age. Even if someone on here could donate and did, would it not necessarily go to you and someone higher on the list? I know organ donation rules differ from state to state.

Either way, I wish you the best and know you will find that donor!

 

First of all, thank you a million times for the kind words.

The committee actually meets on Wednesday to determine if I'm listed in MN. (Region 7 I believe).

I'm a little confused. Is your question asking if you choose to donate to me, will the kidney go to me or someone higher? I hope that is how I'm understanding this.

If you were a match for me and chose to donate, the kidney would come to me.

Sorry if that was confusing!

 

No, you were very clear! I was just clarifying on the way things would go.

 

Yeah I know every state works differently. Honestly, the rules and such have changed so much since I first got sick in 2007.

 

Reiterating what I said in the other threads. That I dinstead a kidney a year ago and it was one or the best decisions of my life. While make no mistake it can be a slightly complicated process but it's definitely worth it. Wish you the best of luck finding a donor!

 

And I will reiterate as well...you are AMAZING! I can't thank you guys enough for all the kindness and @Jason Tate for putting this out there.

 

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I had a lung transplant myself, I know this wait is hard as hell. I'll direct everyone I can to your survey.

 

So I just went to take the survey, and had no idea that I couldn't be a donor because of being on medication for high blood pressure. That sucks, and I'm really sorry.

I'm going to spread this around everywhere I can though.

 

Thank you!! And yeah, that would disqualify you because the top 2 causes of kidney failure are high blood pressure and diabetes. They won't remove one kidney if you are predisposed.

 

I feel like I should also point you guys to this Freakonomics episode.

 

Paired donation is a crazy thing, and I did consent to that while I was doing my evaluation last week.

 

sending you a DM. I work for the National Kidney Foundation based out of NYC. although, we do not directly pair people with donors we have a massive amount of resources available for people who are looking for a kidney. we can even find you a "buddy" to talk to who is having the same experience as you. we are working everyday to bring to light importance of being a living donor.

thank you @Jason Tate for posting this on the main page. kidney health is something that everyone should be aware of because it affects 29 million americans today with millions more at risk.

if anyone else knows someone struggling with kidney disease please reach out to me.

 

we need more people like you in the world.

 

My wife donated her kidney to her father almost 10 years ago. It saved his life and has given him more years to spend with us. Good luck to you!

 

for anyone interested in donor chains, the largest one was 125 people. truly fascinating stuff.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/h...through-kidney-transplant-chain-124.html?_r=0

 

That really is fascinating, @sean_rugy !

Just a quick update to my situation. I emailed my nurse today just to see if we've had any possible donors and she said "multiple"....so if any of you are in that...THANK YOU!!!!

 

I really hope it all works out for you

 

best of luck emt. I hope you get a donor.

 

Thank you everyone!!

Trying to keep this thread relevant!

 

Any luck yet??

 

Well a friend just informed me a nurse called her. She called back but is playing phone tag. That kinda happens alot there, the patient volume is unreal.

But since they keep everything separate, I really won't have concrete details on any matches until after blood work is done