Pre-transplant update 1.0

My dad just went for his first (and most important) test to kick start the pre-transplant process. He has unfortunately failed the first test😭 It has been about one week since we know my dad is not suitable to donate and it has been such a hard pill to swallow. At the same time, it strike me so hard that my parents have reached the age where they’ll start to have some health problems due to old age.

The first test my dad went for is called the measured glomerular rate (mGFR). It’s basically a rather accurate test to measure how well the kidneys are filtering toxins, in other words it tests for kidney function.

To be qualified to donate, a donor has to be extremely healthy so the mGFR has to be 80% and above. My dad only had 69.9% which is a 10% difference. Although a normal person (with two kidneys) can still live well with no health issues with a GFR of 70%, it might be a bit too risky for him to donate. The doctor is worried that if he were to donate, the transplanted kidney and the remaining kidney in my dad’s body will not be able to sustain both my dad and I for the rest of our living years. My dad is going for a thorough check on his kidneys next month to make sure he’s fine (pray so hard for him🙏🏻). I’ll be forever grateful towards my dad for volunteering to be a donor! It meant the world to me. I love you so much dad! ❤️

This is why it’s so important to go for regular health screening as kidney disease is such a silent killer. Singapore government has made it so affordable (only $5!!!) and convenient for us too!

I might have to go ahead with an incompatible (blood type incompatibility) transplant with my husband. The future is unknown and the word incompatible is scary to me😭 praying that all will go well! 🙏🏻