End of May Transplant Update

I met with the OHSU kidney transplant doctors two weeks ago and was told that I was a good candidate for a kidney transplant. I also had a dozen or so blood samples taken, and an ultrasound of the abdomen. Last week a kidney transplant coordinator called to say that the transplant team wanted another ultrasound, a CT scan and more bloodwork. So we'll be traveling back to Portland next Wednesday (6/6) for all of the above, as well as at least two vaccines and a visit to my primary care doc.  Hopefully, the information gleaned from the day will result in my being finally listed for a combined heart and kidney transplant later in June!

May Transplant Evaluation Update

Quite a few changes since the last post!  Bubbie and I met with a transplant nutritionist and a transplant social worker to ascertain whether we were on the ball enough to handle the constraints and problems associated with a dual transplant.  A few days later, my case was presented to the heart transplant team and I was provisionally accepted to the heart transplant list.  Now, I am being evaluated by the kidney team.  So far, we have participated in a kidney transplant seminar, I had a chest MRI and I have had a second pulmonary evaluation.  Next are a clinic appointment with the kidney transplant team and an abdominal ultrasound. The kidney team may also want us to meet with an oncologist and a hematologist to discuss long-ago bout with Hodgkins and my current intermittent anemia.  We also need to attend a heart transplant seminar and complete several questionnaires.  So maybe I'll be formally listed in June!

April Transplant Evaluation Update

First, the results of the right heart catheterization test from last month: after a week of dialysis, my dry weight was reduced sufficiently for the test to be performed. This is important in that my pulmonary pressures need to be reduced to normal to match a healthy donor heart. I passed that test, so we know that if I can keep those pressures lower than they have been in the past I should meet this test. (Of course, I have to keep the poundage off!) The results of the pulmonary stress test last week indicated that while my heart is stronger than it was in August, it still is in tough shape and will have to be replaced. More evaluation needs to be done before my case is handed over to the heart transplant team for additional review. They may have more questions. Also, the kidney transplant team should start their evaluation soon. All in all, it will be 2-3 months after both teams have completed their evaluations before I get listed. So maybe August, before I get listed ( which is not a given; things can happen). We shall see!