I am often asked by patients, “Am I healthy enough to get on a list for a kidney transplant?” Many think they are too old or have chronic illnesses that would prevent them from receiving a kidney. When I tell them that they actually may be candidates, they are surprised at my response.
At Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Transplant Program we look at the full picture of our patient’s health. We don’t consider chronological age, but rather physiologic age, which is calculated according to your body’s health and function. We have successfully transplanted patients with diabetes, lupus and high blood pressure.
Evaluating for Kidney Transplant
We will work individually with you and run a battery of diagnostic testing to see if you are fit to receive a kidney transplant. We answer all your questions during this process.
Being “Listed”
Once patients have completed our evaluation and we deem them fit for a kidney transplant, they are listed with us through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). A patient can only be listed with one transplant program per state.
UNOS is a non-profit organization that manages the nation’s organ transplant system under contract with the federal government. They are responsible for the national transplant waiting list, matching donors to recipients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Wait
Once a patient is listed they start accruing time immediately. The average wait time for a kidney is five to seven years. However, depending on your age, genetic matches, blood type and previous organ donation, you might receive a kidney in as little as one year.
So, go ahead and make that kidney transplant evaluation appointment. A new kidney could be waiting for you!
Alan Benvenisty, MD, is Director, Renal Transplant Program for St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals.