My name is Henry, and I have been diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease.
Kidneys help the body to filter blood and get rid of poisons, salt, and water. Without kidneys that work, people can become very sick. The doctors have said that the best type of kidney transplant is a transplant from a living donor (like a family member or friend). A kidney transplant from a living donor would mean that I wouldn’t have to wait years for a transplant and I’d be able to come off of dialysis. A transplant from a living donor also has the best chance of working for many years. Unfortunately, there are no suitable donors in my immediate family.In closing, I wholeheartedly appreciate any support that you can offer to me, no matter how big or small. If I can get a kidney transplant from a family member or friend, that would be best for my healthy and my future. I realize that donating a kidney may not be right for everyone, or it simply might not be the right time. I also know that donating a kidney is a very personal decision that requires not only education about the risks and benefits but also thoughtful consideration and the support of loved ones. I hope that one of my family and friends will be able to help me. Thank you in advance for your support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease?
Kidneys help filter toxins from the blood and get rid of them through urine. As kidneys fail, they become less effective at filtering toxins and some people may even lose the ability to make urine. As the body collects all these toxins, people feel various side effects such as feeling itchy, high blood pressure, anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
How severe or impactful is Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease?
The first couple of stages represent the kidney having reduced function but still able to do it's primary functions. Once someone hits Stage 5, their kidney function is less than 10% of a healthy kidney and the person requires dialysis in order to avoid the side effects of having too many toxins in the body. Someone on dialysis uses a machine to get 3-8 hours of "kidney function" whereas a person with healthy kidneys has kidney function 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Are you on a transplant list?
I have been on a transplant list for nearly 6 years. I am currently listed at a New York City hospital - Columbia University (New York Presbyterian) which has a good reputation with kidney transplants. I am finishing up work to be listed at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ which also has a very strong reputation with kidney transplants.
How can I support as a non-donor?
Emotionally, words of encouragement and support go a long way. Financially, there is a GoFundMe to assist in ancillary costs and blackout costs from the eventual recovery period. Understanding kidney disease and my position, helps - thank you very much for being a part of this journey.
How would donating one's kidney work?
First, a hospital will check your basic medical information and blood type for compatibility with me. If a serious health problem is found it is possible that the donation cannot occur.
Medicare and my own insurance will cover a donor's medical expenses related to testing, surgery and any complications - including the donor's hospital stay and follow-up care. In addition, the money from the GoFundMe has been set aside to assist with a donor's costs.
The surgery involves a recovery period 1-2 days in the hospital and then 2-6 weeks of recovery. Most donors can return to work within 2-4 weeks, but this may vary depending on the kind of work involved.
Can I survive with one kidney?
Yes, the body comes with two kidneys and donating one kidney means a donor will have one leftover. The remaining kidney will do a bit more work than usual, but many people with one healthy kidney have nearly the same function as if there were two. Generally donors with only one kidney do not need to take medicines and generally do not need to follow a special diet. However nutrition and eating healthy are still important. Side effects can include high blood pressure and checkups on kidney function is recommended.
I am interested in donating my kidney, what should I do?
If you would like to learn more about living donation, the staff at my Transplant Center are wonderful and available to talk with you confidentially. The Transplant Center staff at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center can talk to you about what is involved in the living donation process and answer any questions. You can email [email protected] or call 973-322-5346. You can also complete a donor questionnaire at CBMCLivingDonor.org. Calling for information and education, and completing a donor questionnaire does not obligate you in any way. Your call and any information regarding your donation process is kept strictly confidential, even from me, unless you consent too share this information.