Looking for a Kidney Swinger

So, my husband Steve needs a kidney. He already had a living donor transplant from his niece Teresa in February 2009; that transplant failed for a variety of reasons. Steve has had another potential living donor in a cousin, but their blood didn't mix well -- too many antibodies in Steve's blood, presumably due to his first transplant and blood transfusions.

Steve's blood type is A. He needs a kidney from a donor with either type A or type O blood.

Steve also has some heart problems, and will have to be cleared by cardiology before a transplant can be considered again. But we know it will be to his advantage to have a planned operation, done "by the light of day" and with a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist in attendance.

Another living donor kidney would allow us to orchestrate the process, so we could take control of some of these variables -- at least more so than with a cadaveric kidney.

Steve and I would be happy to participate in a "Couples Exchange:" where I would donate my presumably healthy kidney to the kidney patient of another couple. That couple's healthy partner would then donate their healthy type A or type O kidney to Steve.

Here's the plus: my blood type is B! (That's a harder blood type to get, and people can wait for several years for a type B kidney.)

I'm fifty-eight years old. I don't smoke or drink. I have no major medical issues. I'm a little over 5'7'' and am not obese. I vote Democrat, and like sunsets.

If there is anyone out there with type A or O blood -- and a partner who needs a type B kidney -- I am ready and willing to swap....kidneys, that is.

 We are anticipating a wait for Steve's cardiology clearance of about six months. If you have been considering an exchange, but have been on the fence, please think again. As Steve's previous donor Teresa said, "I'd do it again if I could."

Please feel free to send this blog entry along to anyone who seems appropriate. Steve is aching for another chance; fourteen-year-old Brita wants her Dad to be alive and well for her high school graduation. And I am certainly willing to give a body part in exchange for a more normal life for all of us.

If you are interested in participating in a Donor Exchange -- for us or anyone else, please call Swedish Medical Center at (206) 386-6660 for further information.

Take care. Linda Gromko, MD