It's no secret that I have kidney disease. I just received my informational packet for transplant recipients and a few of you have asked me what does one do to become a possible donor.
I am providing a link to the transplant information on the site of the hospital I will have the surgery at when the time comes, but I called and got some additional information today.
For the 1st round of testing, possible donors need to call Barnes Kidney Transplant Division (after I turn in my application) at 1-866-867-3627. They will give the required information over the phone and be sent a packet. If they live out of town (from St. Louis), they will also be sent a kit for their blood to be drawn locally and sent back via prepaid package.
If they prove to be a good possible match, there will be further blood tests done, chest xrays, EKG and for women a pap and mammogram. Which can also be done at a local hospital or if those tests have already been done recently, they will send a packet out which will include a letter for their doctor's office to fax the information they need.
If the possible donor passes those tests and it looks like the match will be a good one, a third series of tests will be done at Barnes. It will be a 1/2 day of tests that will be paid for by Barnes.
(They test 5 donors at a time)
Barnes does NOT pay for travel.
The final eligible donor will go to St. Louis for the surgery and my insurance pays for their hospital stay.
If you're still interested in more information, please go to http://www.barnesjewish.org/transplant/default.asp?NavID=3424
If you're interested, let me know.