Hello. Are you considering kidney transplant? The transplant is one of your
treatment options when your kidneys are no longer working as they should.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about kidney transplant with us today.
There are different factors that determine how long you may have to wait
for a kidney transplant. If you haven't watched our video about
"how long do I need to wait for a kidney transplant?" please do so, so you
understand how the waiting list system works in Ontario. This video will explain
ways you could potentially shorten your wait time. First, you can find a friend or
family member to donate a kidney to you as a living donor. When you have a living
donor, you don't have to go on a kidney waiting list. Both you and your living
donor go through a workup process, and if you're both approved you can schedule
surgery and have your transplant. There are other benefits to living donation.
These kidneys usually last longer and work better. You may have questions or
concerns about how donating a kidney can affect your loved one, or even how to
start a conversation about it with them. Talk to your transplant coordinator or
social worker as a first step. Second, there is the option to receive an older kidney.
An older kidney is also called Expanded Criteria Donor kidney or ECD kidney.
Expanded Criteria Donor kidneys come from donors who are older than 60
or who are in their 50s with certain risk factors, like high blood pressure,
stroke or reduced kidney function at the time of death. Being older in age or
having risk factors can affect how long the kidney lasts after transplant. On average
ECD kidneys do not last as long as a kidney from the regular wait list.
Why would you consider getting an ECD kidney transplant? You'd have access to a larger
supply of available organs. In Ontario, about 35 per cent of all available kidneys are ECD.
This means there is a shorter wait time to get an ECD kidney by about one
to two years on average. Studies show that the longer you stay on dialysis and
wait, the more likely it is that your health
will worsen so you won't be as healthy even after transplant, or get so sick
that you are no longer eligible for transplant at all. When you choose to
accept an ECD kidney you will be on two waiting lists. You still have the
opportunity to get a kidney from the regular waiting list, but you also have
access to ECD kidneys, which have a shorter waiting list.
Right now, if you're older than the age of sixty we automatically add you to the
waiting list for ECD kidney, but you can always let us know you don't want this.
What's one more way to make sure your kidney transplant is delayed as little
as possible? Try your best to stay healthy while you wait. Talk to your
kidney specialist about how you can do this. As a start
you should eat healthy, stay active and keep a positive mood. Sometimes if you
get sick while waiting for your transplant, you may have to go on hold.
On hold means you still stay on the waitlist and keep gaining points but you
won't be called for a transplant. When you're better,
you can come off hold and be offered a kidney. By staying healthy, it's less
likely that you will get sick and have to go on hold. In summary, we know it's
difficult waiting to get your kidney transplant. Consider if a living donor
transplant could be an option for you. A living donor kidney reduces your wait
time, and also lasts longer and works better. Second, an older deceased donor
kidney or an ECD kidney usually has a shorter waiting time. These kidneys don't
last as long after transplant, but the wait time you get one is shorter.
Finally, stay healthy and positive while waiting. Staying healthy means it's less likely
you'll get sick and need to be put on hold.
Thanks for watching! If you have any questions please contact us at the phone
number listed in the description below or visit our website.