Thursday, November 10, 2016

Wait List for a Kidney Transplant-What Hollywood Doesn't Tell You

Boy Meets Girl. Boy and Girl fall in love. Girl needs kidney. 

Commercial break. 

Boy gives girl kidney. Boy and girl live happily ever after.

Sure would be nice if life was like the movies. The reality is that there is a LOT more to kidney transplant stories than Hollywood, cable or the Tabloids lead you to believe.  But there is hope.

The truth is that the wait for a kidney can be extremely long.  It can be filled with family tension, depression, and financial difficulties.  However, it can also include a stronger sense of community, hope and answered prayer.

If you or someone you know is waiting for a kidney transplant, there are several things that you can do:

1. Stay in close contact with your transplant coordinator.
2. If a living donor hasn't stepped forward, consider developing a campaign to find one. The Living Kidney Donor Network can help you create one.
3. Ask about entering a paired exchange. Living Kidney Donor Network explains paired exchange.

Feeling overwhelmed?  That's normal.  For now, consider signing up for a free newsletter with information about current trends and transplants, success stories and tips on current "Kidney Kampaigns."   

1 comment:

  1. Great info Lisa for those who need donors. You are filling a need for those who are searching for answers.

    ReplyDelete