Getting A Kidney Transplant

The #Kidney Group numbers are very high for #transplant-particularly within our #PD population. Why? We keep pressure on patients to pursue the testing required, fix what needs to be fixed, and to maintain the tests when they are annually due. We included such innovative aspects to our program such as Gastric Bypass in PD patients who couldn't make the weight goal. What else can you do? Keep your numbers in range-albumin, phosphorus, PTH, KT/V, fluid gained,and weight to name a few. Compliance with all medications, including binders is huge. We know, as does the transplant team, when patients are noncompliant. Transplant patients MUST be compliant. Have your social worker in close touch with the Transplant team. (ASK for your centers statistics on transplant!!) Make sure your Kidney team is drawing your monthly labs to send to the Transplant Center. Don't miss appointments to see your Transplant team, and if you must miss one-call and cancel, and reschedule RIGHT AWAY. YOU take charge-this is YOUR transplant. Do not lose faith. Your turn will come. Many, many patients MISS their turn because of one of the reasons above-tests out of date, noncompliance including fluid overload, no contact with transplant team, or excessive weight gain (including failing to reach the weight goal given to you on your first visit-that wasn't a suggestion, it was a directive). If your PRA is high, you need to look for a program for sensitized patients. (see our Kidney World blog for more info). We cannot wait to hear from you when you do get that kidney!