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The Most Extensive Checkup You'll Ever Have
The Most Extensive Checkup You'll Ever Have
It all starts with some large jugs. Over a 24 hour period you'll need to collect all your urine, and believe it or not you'll need both jugs. That's because your transplant center needs to assess your kidney function, and what's in your urine is a big clue. Kidneys are responsible for clearing the blood of toxins and excess minerals and proteins.
If you pass the jug test, as well as a questioneer confirming you don't have a history of things like diabetes, heart disease and cancer, you will then visit the transplant center for a 2-day visit to complete the following tests: EKG, Chest X-Ray, CT of Blood Vessels in Abdomen and Pelvis, X-Ray of Abdomen, Nuclear Medicine Kidney Scan, Echocardiogram and numerous blood tests. If you pass all these tests, you are one lucky/healthy person!
You will also have extensive meetings with your transplant coordinator (who will explain the process and answer every question), your surgeon, nephrologist, counselor, psychologist, and your personal advocate (who you can go to with any concerns). At any time in the process, you can decline to continue, no questions asked.
Your transplant coordinator makes it clear, all of the tests and anything related to the proceedure is covered by the recipients insurance. They also will discuss how it is illegal to accept any payment for a donation, however you can participate in programs that offer reimbursement for lost wages and travel.
NATIONAL KIDNEY REGISTRY
Programs like the NKR have been instrumental in taking any undue burden off donors by offering safeguards through "Donor Shield" like:
travel and lodging expenses
lost wage reimbursement
legal support
complication protection
additional short term life insurance
What is also priceless about donating through the NKR is the organization works with the top 100 transplant centers in the USA and holds them all to high standards that are monitored. In addition, every donor is assigned to a donor mentor who has been through donation and can answer any questions. My mentor, Megan, has given me so much excellent guidance along the way, and been there for me not just to answer technical questions, but also to offer emotional support. Post surgery she has been my go to for questions about symptoms and whether what I have been feeling in recovery is "normal." Nomatter what stage you are in the donation process, it is so reasuring to be able to pop off a quick question or voice any concerns and get a quick answer from someone who is not only knowledgable but also caring. Thanks Megan!
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