Kidney Needed

[speed220mph]

I just recieved a note from John Horsman, author of Racing In The Rain and John Wyer's right-hand man during the Gulf GT40, Mirage and Porsche 917 glory days of the '60's. In the note, among some car stuff, John mentioned that he is on a waiting list for a kidney transplant. His kidneys were damaged during cardiovascular tests preceding heart surgery. The heart surgery saved his life, but he's now facing kidney failure if he doesn't get a replacement.

If anyone in GT40 land has suggestions as to how to speed up the waiting process please let me know and I'll pass the info on to John. John now resides in my adopted home state of Arizona.

Thanks for any help you can provide in making John's race for life have a successful outcome.

Tom

 

[Ron R.]

Racing in the Rain...great book. Couldn't put it down.

I'm not a transplant specialist, but I believe kidneys can be donated in a directed fashion...ie, a friend, relative, or even complete stranger can offer to donate a kidney. Typically, the best results are obtained from donations by close relatives (a better match), but that's not always the case. Of course, there is some risk to a living donor, as their one remaining kidney could go bad.

The other option is to wait for a cadaver donor, but these organs are typically released based on a complex algorithm which takes into account how sick a patient is, how good a match the organ is, the proximity of the donor and recipient, and political affiliation....OK, I threw in that last one for Jim Craik.

All of this is a discussion he would need to have with his transplant team. They'll put him on the transplant list, but there is nothing keeping him from recruiting donors on his own.

Ron

 

[speed220mph]

Ron:
Thanks for the response and information. One detail I forgot to mention is that the donor can't be older than 60, which disqualifies me. I guess that's a good news/bad news situation.

Tom

 

[Charlie Farley]

Bouncing this back to the top, where it belongs.

Hey Ron, can we make this a ' Sticky ' ?

 

[J. Salmon]

Wow, that's a tough break. I am hoping for the best.

Here is information on living donation:
Living Donors Online - Q&A on Living Donation

We had a recent case in town where a unrelated lady donated part of her liver to a friend who has a form of progressive liver failure. It's an unbelievable story, and both are doing great.

Unfortunately, kidneys don't regenerate like livers do, so the donor cannot enter the process lightly; there are many things to think about.

 

[Cliff Beer]

Would be great to see a (compatible) caring soul volunteer to give a kidney here.

There's a history of kidney disease in my family so I'm going to have to hang onto mine in case something happens to me or other family members.

In the event John is stuck with waiting it out on the list, does anyone know if it's illegal to offer an "incentive" to a direct donor? I know that's verging on the topic of commercialization of organs which is a no-no in many/most places however....

 

[Brian Hamilton]

I would love to say I'd do it. And honestly I probably would. Never met the guy, but if he's a car guy, he's family. As mentioned, there's a lot to think about. I don't make great money, I don't have insurance, and can't take the time off work since I'm the only one supporting my family now. Send me information on this guy and I'll see what I can do. Have to think about it and talk with the wifey if I'm a match.

Laters,

Brian

 

[speed220mph]

Cliff and Brian:
Thanks for your responses. With such interest in helping John, something should happen before long. That's my prayer, anyway.

Tom

 

[Pete McCluskey.]

I wasn't aware that the donor had to be under 60, I carry a card that says I am willing to donate my organ's, I wonder if that makes it redundant, or does the age limit only apply to kidneys? In any case good luck with your search.

 

[Brian Hamilton]

Cliff and Brian:
Thanks for your responses. With such interest in helping John, something should happen before long. That's my prayer, anyway.

Tom

I'm serious about being a donor if needed. I haven't really talked with the wife about it, but if it comes down to it, I'll help. I'm 31 and in great health. Not in great shape, but that's due to laziness. LOL Need to loose this belly, wherever the hell it came from! Let me know either on here on through PM.

Laters,

Brian

PS
I think my blood type is AB+, but I'm not 100% certain. Haven't had a blood test in forever.

 

[Doug S.]

I've been on the list for kidney donation for 15 years, had all the blood work to find compatible matches, nothing has ever happened, no calls other than fundraising efforts.

I'll be 62 in December, so I guess the age limit will probably keep them from calling me.

Here's hoping your friend comes up with a kidney soon!

Cheers from Doug!!

 

[speed220mph]

Doug:
I imagine the wait can be unnerving, but don't give up. And from what I've learned, matches are easier that they were due to newer anti-rejection medications.

Tom

 

[Doug S.]

Just to make myself clear...I am not waiting for a kidney, just wanted to donate to a needy recipeint. Maybe my A- blood type was a holdup, I don't know, just know nobody ever called to ask me to donate.

There may be an additional issue now....8 years ago my body started making kidney stones....I've been stone free for the past 6 years, after we found out what the problem was, by following a low-oxalate diet. I'm not medically astute enough to know if the problem was diet (sure sounds like it!) or a malfunction of the kidneys.

However, as I shall turn 62 before the end of this year and apparently the maximum age at which they will harvest a kidney for transplant is 60, I am not holding my breath anymore.

Cheers from Doug!!

 

[Jim Cowden]

I'm serious about being a donor if needed. I haven't really talked with the wife about it, but if it comes down to it, I'll help. I'm 31 and in great health. Not in great shape, but that's due to laziness. LOL Need to loose this belly, wherever the hell it came from! Let me know either on here on through PM.

Laters,

Brian

PS
I think my blood type is AB+, but I'm not 100% certain. Haven't had a blood test in forever.

You should do this Brien.
You only have to lie their and the Doctors will do the rest.
No real effort on your part.
After a week or 2 you wont even know it is gone.

Jim