Off Topic Kidney donation/transplant...we've got a date.

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Short version....Thursday, 22nd January, 2026.

A bit longer version....
As some of you will know, my wife is on dialysis and needs a kidney transplant. We've been in a kidney sharing scheme for about 2 years now, where i donate one of mine, and their partner donates one to my Mrs. We weren't getting any matches, so about a year ago the Freeman discussed the possibility of a direct transplant from me to the Mrs, even though we aren't the same blood group. Blood tests showed she has very low B antibodies, so the chance of her rejecting my kidney were massive reduced.
Over the last 12 months we've had loads of tests, scans etc....all pointing to a positive outcome for a non-matched transplant.
My live donor co-ordinator rang today with a confirmed date of 22nd January. Got a busy few weeks ahead with further tests just to confirm nothing has changed, pre admission assessments etc, and the Mrs will have a 28 day countdown with certain treatments required on specific days during that countdown. First one will be on T minus 28.

Can't tell you how relieved I am that this is now finally happening, this will be life changing for her. And I get 6 weeks off work <cheers>.

Wasn't sure whether to start a new thread with this, but thought I could put any updates on here.
Brilliant news Snaggey lad, made up for you both. Praying you both have a speedy and full recovery. Blessings
 
Update no.1....

Transplant co-ordinator rang today with some updates. We've both got to go to the Freeman on Monday to give bloods for "wet-matching" (mix them together to see if there is any reaction), and just general tests they need up to date. Nothing major.

Then the countdown starts....
December 23rd she has to go in for an infusion of a drug called rutiximab, an immuno suppressant. This is the beginning of the process, the T minus 28, except theyre making it T minus 30 due to Christmas....nice of them. Takes a couple of hours and I need to go with her as they advised her not to drive as it can make her feel ill.

Monday 19th january, she will have dialysis at home on the morning, then be admitted in the afternoon. Antibody reducing infusion on evening, then two further ones on the Tuesday and Wednesday, with the transplant on the thursday. She will be in for 10 days post op.

Im planning my last day at work to be Friday 16th, put the Monday Tuesday and Wednesday as annual leave, then sick leave for six weeks from the thursday. Work have been brilliant about this, and have been unbelievably supportive.
I just turn up at 7.00am on the thursday, get a kidney out, then off to a ward. All being well, I should go home on the Friday.

It's getting real.
 
Reading back through the thread again, just wanted to thank you for all the well wishes and comments.
Im pretty blown away tbh, so from the heart, a big Thank You to you all.
I’m sure all on here will have you both in our hearts and prayers over the course of those few weeks and everything crossed for a speedy recovery x
 
Reading back through the thread again, just wanted to thank you for all the well wishes and comments.
Im pretty blown away tbh, so from the heart, a big Thank You to you all.

@Snaggey. We are just one big family. We are always so pleased to hear good news. We are connected by Sunderland and even when we don't know you personally you have touched our hearts. RTG gets some stick at times but that community gave me love during my cancer treatment.

Your story resonates so much with me from a personal point.

We are all thinking of you and your good lady