AboutLeslie Expertise I am a social worker in a dialysis unit. I can answer kidney transplant, Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis questions. I can aid in insurance issues, dietary issues, and almost every aspect of kidney.
I also have personal experience in these issues, having kidney failure since I was eleven, including three transplants.
Experience I have had three kidney transplants, and worked at the National Kidney Foundation and volunteered at the Gift of Life. I have signed up donors, and been a peer mentor since I was 13 years old (I am now 29). I am a kidney social worker at a well known company.
Organizations NASW
Education/Credentials Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Social Work.
Expert: Leslie Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: organ receiver
Question I am in the nursing program and my assignment is to briefly interview an organ receiver. Is there someone I could email. I have 8 brief questions like how did you choose a transplant center, was the whole process expalined to you, and how long did you wait on the list
Answer Sure, I will answer the first questions, and them send them along (via this, please...don't fancy my email being on here...) I am a three time kidney transplant recipient.
1. I chose the hospital first based on location. University of Michigan is a great transplant hospital (top ten) and is within 20 miles. Although, the waiting time in Michigan is 5-6 years. So, I went out of state to Wisconsin. UW-Madison. Their wait time is 2-3 years. They have the best transplant (kidney) in the country, and I was a complicated case.
2. Yes. When I was 13, I didn't care. Stick the kidney in me and let me pee! And eat chocolate again! But then I started studying what I didn't pay attn. to on my own and via my Nephrologists. I could ask as many questions as I wanted, and I never felt hurried. The staff at both hospitals is great.
3. First kidney: A couple months. I had a living donor. Second kidney was at U of M when I was 22, and it was a deceased donor, from California. Perfect match, though antigen mismatch, which they discovered in 2001 could happen. It only lasted three years. Third kidney was at 27. On the wait list in Michigan for 2.5 years. Went to Wisconsin - waited five months. Still doing well, three years later. The kidney is working better than the first one - which was my mom's.
Next five, please
If you want me to get more detailed, I will do so. No problem. :o)
