Transplant
Steps and Work-Up
Most patients
with kidney disease can be considered for transplantation.
Your evaluation begins at the Loyola University Health
System (Loyola) Intake Clinic, where you attend an information
session about transplantation given by a nurse coordinator
and have a physical exam performed by the transplant
physician. You also meet individually with each member
of the transplant team to discuss the impact of kidney
disease and transplantation on your life.
Based on your physical
condition, the transplant physician will determine which
tests you may need to complete your evaluation. The
nurse coordinators will guide you through the testing
process. When your evaluation is complete, the team
meets again, considering all of the information and
determine if transplantation is the best option for
you. A summary of the team’s discussion and recommendations
is then shared with you and your nephrologist.
Kidney Donation
Kidneys can come
from two types of donors. A living donor may be a relative,
such as a sibling or parent, or an emotionally related
person, such as a spouse, friend, step-parent or in-law.
Individuals interested in donating a kidney may want
to accompany you to your initial evaluation, or they
may call the transplant office for further information.
A blood test for compatibility is the first step in
determining if a donor is suitable. This is followed
by a series of physical tests, which the nurse coordinator
will arrange, as well as a history, a physical exam
and meetings with other team members.
Waiting
Patients who
do not have a live donor with the correct blood or tissue
type may choose to receive a cadaver donor kidney. These
donors were healthy individuals who suffered irreversible
brain damage and whose families gave consent for organ
donation. You must get on a waiting list and be available
to come to Loyola University Health System (Loyola)
on a short notice for a kidney transplant should an
organ become available for you. During your waiting
period, you will be contacted periodically for updates
on your status. You will also receive informational
materials through the mail to help you prepare for your
transplant. In addition, the Loyola transplant team
has a patient support group that meets periodically
to provide information and answer questions that you
or your loved ones may have. You are welcome to join
the group on a regular basis or as needed.
The median wait time is
more than two years both in the State of Illinois and
nationally. While waiting, it is important to keep the
transplant team notified of any changes in health as
well as practical things like address and phone numbers.
Related
Links
Success Story
Transplantation
Services
Kidney Transplantation
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