Am I Eligible for a Kidney Transplant?

Adults and children with kidney failure may be eligible for transplants. The first step is an evaluation at a kidney transplant center. The medical evaluation will determine if you’re healthy enough for the transplant. If so, the center will add you to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) kidney donation waiting list for your geographic area.

On average, people wait three to five years, and can sometimes wait up to 10 years, before a kidney becomes available. That’s why it’s a good idea to get evaluated for a transplant soon after learning you have chronic kidney disease. In some cases, you can have a preemptive (early) transplant, which occurs before you need to start dialysis. Research shows this approach can result in better long-term health outcomes.

How are People Matched to Donated Kidneys?

UNOS manages organ transplant waiting lists and ensures deceased donor organs are distributed fairly. For kidney patients, blood type, antibody matching, time with kidney failure and other factors determine who gets a new kidney and when. Once you go on the list, you’ll have regular blood tests to ensure the transplant center always has an accurate picture of your health.

Live kidney donation is a solution for some people with chronic kidney disease. With this option, you don’t have to wait on the UNOS waiting list. Instead, a blood relative, spouse, friend or even a stranger donates one of their kidneys to you. Doctors will evaluate the donor to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. UNOS will not secure a living donor for you. You’ll need to discuss your needs with your friends and loved ones, and Strive can help you prepare for these discussions. This is part of the shared decision-making process you’ll have with your Strive team and your family. The staff at your transplant center may also help secure a match.

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

Organs from deceased donors take longer to start working than living donor organs. Your doctor will order blood tests to see if your new kidney is working.

Regardless of the type of donation, you’ll need to take anti-rejection medication (also called immunosuppressant medications) for the rest of your life. This medication prevents your body from thinking the new kidney is a foreign body and attacking it like a virus or bacteria. You’ll need to strictly adhere to your medication schedule to keep your body from “rejecting” the new kidney.

You can expect frequent checkups and blood tests for the first few months after surgery to ensure your kidney and anti-rejection medicines are working. Over time, these tests can happen less frequently.