My sister needs a kidney

worldwise1, I'm very sorry to hear about your sister. But things are going to be ok, really, they will. My daughter was born with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome. Both kidneys were bad and they removed them both when she was 10 months old. She was on peritoneal dialysis (I did it at home) 16 hours a day for the following 9 months or so. On January 4, 2001 (her bday is 7/4/99 so she was exactly 1 1/2 years old) we got the call and Sydni received a kidney transplant. Today she is 9 years old and is doing AMAZING! So now that I have told you a little about us; let's get back to your question. Have the doctors tested everyone in your family? Because yes, family members are the preferred choice and yes you can live a perfectly normal life with 1 kidney, that's all Sydni has is 1. We all were tested but ruled out as matches so Sydni had to go on the National Transplant list. All things considered, we weren't on the list that long. Especially considering she was only 1 at the time. Her donor was 23. We honor her every Jan. 4th by taking roses to the pier and throwing them in the ocean. We thank her for the gift of life and pray for her family. Make sure everyone in the family has been tested. There should be a coordinator at the hospital where the transplant will be done that can help with all your questions and concerns. We also enlisted the help of COTA - Children's Organ Transplant Assoc. They helped with some local fundraising to help out with some misc bills, medicine, etc. Syd was in the hospital for 5 months straight before the transplant and I stayed in a motel across the street, COTA helped with that. I hope I have eased some of your anxiety. Supporting your sister is so important and I'm glad you are there for her. Take care and all our love to your sister, you and your family. Oh, and by the way, my profile picture is of Sydni 9 and Harley 4. Sydni is truly my hero. Stefanie

I don't have any experenice in this. I am just really sorry to read about your sister. I hope and pray that there will be some sort of help for her kidney before things get any worser.

Yes worldwise, I remember you talking about your sister last year and wondered how she's been doing and remember how she was refusing any treatments....As far as a kidney, wouldn't you be a good match? They usually try to find out if family members are good matches first.

I am sorry to hear about your sister, I really hope that she finds a kidney real soon.

I have no advice, but you might want to see if there are any organ transplant groups that meet in your area. I know there is one at a local university for people who've received transplants. A group like that with first-hand experience should have resources or be able to give you some idea of where to start. Is your sister on a transplant list with her local hospital? I wish your sister the best of luck. I can't imagine how heartbreaking and terrifying your sister's condition is for everyone in your family, but I'll be thinking happy, healthy thoughts for all of you.

Well, basically you contact as many people as possible and asks if they are interested to donate, then bring them for checkup. If that person is suitable for donating, then congratulations. Though, you need to reaffirm their consent on donating...

I am sorry I have no idea pal , But I will keep her in my thoughts and my prayers Wee xx

she has to go through the hospital as far as I know, and then they have a donor list, the medical authorities handle that.

I went looking online for you and I thought you might find this interesting. I don't know if it will be of any help but it might just be useful. I wish your sister all the very best. http://www.thevirtualhandshake.com/blog/2005/11/17/update-how-to-find-a-kidney-donor-on-craigslist

No, I haven't had any experience with this so I can only give you a couple of suggestions. They usually ask family first as family is more likely to be a match to the person and there is less chance of organ rejection. Is there anyone in your family that is willing and able to try to donate a kidney to your sister? You can live with only one kidney if you are in good health. The University of Maryland says "Donors need to be between the ages of 18 and early 70s and can include parents, children, siblings, other relatives, and friends. An ideal donor should have a genuine interest in donating and a compatible blood type with the recipient." Other than that, has her doctor put her on the United Network for Organ Donation list? Other than that, I don't know what to tell you except hope your sister is able to get well. And good luck.

If she is in need of a kidney transplant, I would think her doctor would be the first person I would talk to. Get the information from him. I would think blood relatives could all be tested to see if they are compatible, if any are available and willing to do so. Also there is a list that doctors can put you on too if she needs one and the doctor, clinic or hospital would have that information also. I am so sorry to hear about what your sister is going through and will keep you both in my prayers.

Have you seen the Matching Donors website? This website is like a matchmakers service only for live donors! Both those needing organs and those willing to donate those organs which can be harvested from living people can sign up for the website and converse with others. They have profiles, etc that are searchable so you can really feel you have a bit more control in finding someone suitable and willing to help. I signed up as a potential donor. I also wrote an article about the site. http://www.ehow.com/how_4428214_become-live-organ-donor.html Go check them out! Prayers and good thoughts for you and your sister!

U can simply came to India and replace a new kidney for your sister bcs this kinds of human organ available in Asia.

hi worldwise1 i feel sorry to hear about ur sister's condition. as u r in blood relation so i can imagine ur situation also. well...... everything is kept in almighty'hands. i will personally pray to GOD . HE should help u to find a donor as well as for the betterment of ur sister. Control urself otherwise she will loose confidence , encourage her. take care.