Kidney Connection Newsletter
Spring 2007
Features:
- A Message from the Executive Director, Lisa Allgood/
- Living Donations: Gifts for Life
- Give the Gift of Life, Kentucky!
- Another Number? GFR May Be As Important to Your Health as Cholesterol
- Mark your Calendar! 2007 Events
- Vascular Access Center Opens at Norton Audubon Why is the Vascular Access Center so important?
- It’s Tee Time!
- Gift of Life Gala
- Dean Kutz 5K Run & Walk for Organ Donation
- Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Feger
- Going for the Gold: Team Kentucky Athlete Robin Hinton
- Dispelling the Myths About Organ and Tissue Donation: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
A Message from the Executive Director, Lisa Allgood
If you could save a life, would you? April is Donate Life Month and the perfect time to discuss organ donation with your family. Over 95,000 people are waiting for life saving organs, over 750 are in Kentucky. You may even know someone who is waiting for the gift of life. Make the decision today to save a life. Register as an organ donor at donatelifeky.org.
Many people are living with dialysis treatment waiting for a kidney transplant. As Ann Lopez (wife of comedian George Lopez and his kidney donor) said, “I wish everyone was walking around with one kidney. You can give the gift of life, before you die by considering kidney donation. This month we celebrate all those who say “yes” to organ donation. You could save a life, will you?
For more information regarding the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry, visit donatelifeky.org To learn more about living donation, contact us at 1-800-737-5433.
Living Donations: Gifts for Life
It's been 51 years since the first kidney transplant was performed, and since that time, technology and medicine have come a long way. Doctors have an array of techniques and medicines that didn't exist back in 1955. Still, one thing hasn’t changed and that’s the growing number of people needing a kidney transplant far outpaces the pool of available donors. One of the ways that a family member, friend, or even a stranger can make a lifelong difference in someone’s life is by making a living donation of a kidney.
A living donation takes place when a living person donates an organ (or part of an organ) for transplantation to another person. The living donor can be a family member, such as a parent, child, brother or sister (called a living related donation), or someone who is emotionally related to the recipient such as a close friend, spouse or inlaw (a living unrelated donation). There are also living donors who are “Good Samaritan” donors because they donate their kidney without knowing who will receive the transplant. It is usually transplanted into someone they do not know.
“Transplanted organs from living donors have several advantages over those from nonliving donors,” says Colleen Wilson, Director of the Transplant Center at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. The Jewish Hospital Transplant Center, a partnership with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, performs all five solid organ transplants and is designated a Medicare heart, lung, liver and kidney transplant center.
“Some living donor transplants are done between family members who are genetically similar,” Wilson points out. “In addition, a kidney from a living donor functions immediately in most transplant cases, decreasing the length of stay for the recipient. Also, potential donors can be tested in advance to find out which donor is the better potential donor. The transplant itself can be done later at the donor’s and the recipient’s convenience.”
People can live normal lives with only one kidney, and as long as the donor is evaluated thoroughly and approved for donation, he or she can lead a normal life after the surgery. When a kidney is removed for transplantation, the single normal kidney will increase in size to compensate for the loss of the donated kidney.
During a kidney transplant, the living donation procedure is performed through the traditional open surgery, or through the minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure at least 80-90% of the time at the Jewish Hospital Transplant Center. Not every donor is eligible to give his or her kidney using laparoscopic surgery, so an open procedure may be necessary. However, the appropriate surgical method will be determined after testing the potential donor.
Following surgery, the length of stay in the hospital will vary based on the living donor’s rate of recovery and the surgical technique used, although a typical stay is between 2 to 4 days.
Wilson says that “a living donation does not change life expectancy of the donor, nor does it appear to increase the chances of developing kidney failure. For the most part, people with a single normal kidney have few to no problems. However, the transplant team should be consulted regarding the risks involved in a living donation.” She adds that donors are encouraged to have longterm medical followup with their primary care doctors.
The longterm risk of a living kidney donation is a scar from the operation itself. Some donors have reported longterm problems with pain, nerve damage, and a hernia or intestinal obstruction. However, these risks seem to be rare as there are currently no national statistics on the frequency of these problems following a donation.
Medical experts with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Medical Society of Sports Medicine have also suggested that people with one kidney avoid sports that involve higher risks of heavy contact or collision. The list includes boxing, field hockey, football, Lacrosse, martial arts, and soccer, among others. If the donor insists on participating in contact sports, he or she should be extremely cautious and wear protective sports gear and heavy padding as an extra safety precaution.
“Anyone who is thinking about making a living kidney donation must certainly weigh the risks of such a decision,” Wilson concluded. “However, through the generosity of the donor, a life can be saved or the quality of life enhanced for someone who is in need of a kidney.”
Article Contributed by Daniel Shaw, Jewish Hospital
Give the Gift of Life, Kentucky!
April is Donate Life Month and you can give the gift of life by becoming an organ and tissue donor. More than 750 Kentuckians are currently in need of a lifesaving organ transplant and most will die while waiting for that special call that would have given them a second chance at life. Anyone can become a donor regardless of your age, race, or medical history. Signing your driver’s license is not enough. Become an organ donor by visiting www.donatelifeky.org! See article “Dispelling the Myths of Organ & Tissue Donation”
Another Number? GFR May Be As Important to Your Health as Cholesterol
GFR is a number that is to chronic kidney disease what cholesterol is to heart disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation. GFR stands for glomerular filtration rate, and it tells your doctor a lot about how well your kidneys are working. One of the kidney’s most important jobs is to filter wastes and excess fluid from your blood. These wastes become part of urine and leave your body when you urinate. When kidney function is low, wastes and fluid may build up in your blood and cause swelling, high blood pressure, nausea and poor appetite.
GFR is a measure of the effectiveness of the kidney’s filtering process. Your doctor can calculate your GFR based on the results of a simple blood test. The calculation will also consider other factors such as your age, race, gender and body size.
A GFR test is important for anyone who has an increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease. This includes people who:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- ?Have a family history of kidney disease
- Are 60 or over
- ?Belong to certain ethnic groups such as African American, Hispanic American, Asian American and American Indian.
Other tests that should be done in conjunction with GFR are:
- High blood pressure measurement
- A urine test for protein, which can detect damage to the kidney’s filtering units.
If you are in one of the groups with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease, ask your doctor about having tests for GFR, urine protein and high blood pressure.
If your tests show that you may have kidney disease, your doctor will do additional examinations to confirm your diagnosis. Research studies show that treatment can help prevent or slow the loss of kidney function. The earlier you start treatment, the better.
GFR is also important to the development of a treatment plan for chronic kidney disease. Your GFR tells your doctor whether you have mild, moderate, or severe loss of kidney function (See table below). Your treatment will be planned according to your stage of kidney disease. GFR is also considered the best test for monitoring chronic kidney disease. If you have chronic kidney disease, make sure to ask your doctor about your GFR result and keep track of your number. To learn more about calculating GFR, call the National Kidney Foundation or go online at www.kdoqi.org.
Article contributed by NKF of Indiana
Mark your Calendar! 2007 Events
Vascular Access Center Opens at Norton Audubon Why is the Vascular Access Center so important?
The Vascular Access Center is designed for hemodialysis patients who have developed clots or infections in their vascular access. Typically, patients must schedule an appointment with a physician who can repair the access. This could take several days to arrange, potentially causing dangerous complications. Nephrology Associates of Kentuckiana saw a need for this service about two years ago and were pleased to open the Center earlier this year. Dr. Don Duff is the Medical Director at the Center and Dr. Peter Wayne is the interventional radiologist.
Hemodialysis is a treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer functioning at a healthy level. This is referred to as kidney failure or Stage 5 kidney disease. In order to begin hemodialysis, you must have a working access that allows medical staff to have access to your blood for cleansing. This access is created by a vascular surgeon and is usually placed in the upper or lower arm or your nondominant hand. The dialysis access is literally a lifeline. Without a good functioning access, hemodialysis is not possible. This can very quickly become a life threatening event. The Vascular Access Center offers several advantages to the hemodialysis patient when a problem occurs with the vascular access. The Center offers same day access service with hemodialysis services available nearby.
Patients are able to get more immediate care for access problems. Access problems can be a huge source of stress and anxiety for patients. The Vascular Access Center is available to make a critical situation manageable. For more information regarding the Vascular Access Center, speak to your nephrologist. For additional information on access care, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky or visit nkfk.org.
Key Points to Remember About Your Access 
- Ask your dialysis care team to teach you the steps of good access care to prevent infection and keep your access working well.
- Do not let anyone measure your blood pressure on your access arm, or take blood from your access arm when you are not on dialysis. Your other arm should be used to measure blood pressure and do blood tests.
It’s Tee Time!
The National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky will be hosting the NKF Golf Classic, the premier golf event for charity in two Kentucky cities this year. The NKF Golf Classic in Louisville will be held on June 25, 2007 at Lake Forest Country Club and in Lexington on July 16, 2007 at the University Club. Play with us in 2007 and you may find yourself playing in Pebble Beach in 2008.
The two top teams from each tournament will receive an invitation to play in the National tournament at Pebble Beach in January 2008.
Get your foursome together and join us for a day of golf and prizes benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky. Teams competing for an invitation to Pebble Beach must have a combined handicap of 42 or higher. All golfers in a foursome must have a handicap of 8 or higher. You are welcome to play in the tournament with a lower combined handicap, but will not be eligible for an invitation to Pebble Beach.
Volunteers are needed. If you have some time to share please let us know.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for both tournaments.
If you are interested in more information regarding the NKF Golf Classic in Louisville and/or Lexington, please contact Lisa Allgood at 502-585-5433 or lallgood@nkfk.org [more]
Gift of Life Gala
The Gift of Life Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom in Louisville on March 10 was a great evening of mingling, dining and honoring individuals special to the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky. This year our Gift of Life Honorees were Mary Griffith of National City Bank, a kidney transplant recipient, and her brother and donor, Dan Hardaway. The Bluegrass “Making Lives Better” Award winners were Danny Woo, MD of Nephrology Associates of Kentuckiana and JV Chandarana, MD, a Hazard, Kentucky nephrologist. The Distinguished Volunteer Award Winners were Brad Rives of E.ON US and Connie Smith of The Medical Center in Bowling Green.
We’d like to thank Rick Van Hoose of WLKY TV, our Master of Ceremonies, and Tony Vanetti of AM 790 radio, our Live Auctioneer. A special thanks to our cochairs this year, Chuck and Sue Fischessor, for all their hard work and all the committee members and volunteers who made this years gala a special event. Thank you to Nephrology Associates of Kentuckiana, our Diamond Sponsor, for their tremendous support. [more]
Dean Kutz 5K Run & Walk for Organ Donation
There have been many advances in the science of transplantation, but the need for organs remains critically high. 95,000 Americans are on the waiting list for life saving organs and 17 die each day waiting. 750 are in Kentucky. On Saturday June 9, 2007, hundreds of organ recipients, donor families and the community at large will walk and run to support the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky in its mission to increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.
Pat Day, world renowned jockey is the Honorary Chair. He was the best friend of jockey, Dean Kutz who was a kidney recipient and supporter of the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky.
Proceeds from this event will support the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky’s programs and services statewide to increase the awareness of the critical need for increased organ donation.
June 9, 2007, 8:30am
Start/Finish: Fourth Street Live!
Registration Fee: $20
USATF Certified Race Course
Top finishers overall will receive a prize! For more information, please contact the NKFK at 1-800-737-5433 or ltemple@nkfk.org. [more]
Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Feger
 You can check out Michael’s NKFK volunteer work at www.nkfk.org. Visit his personal website at www.MichaelFeger.com |
The NKFK website looks fantastic thanks to our webmaster, Michael. Michael has been maintaining our website since 2004. He’s always been a great sport when it comes to our multitude of requests that fill his inbox. Thanks so much Michael for your dedication and hard work!
Occupation: freelance Graphic/Web Designer
Why do you volunteer for the NKFK? To help represent NKFK on the Internet and help spread knowledge of kidney disease.
Personal Interests: In my free time, I manage several nonprofit websites to raise Spinal Cord Injury Awareness. I love almost anything to do with technology. I like all types of music.
Fun facts: Away from the computer, I enjoy being with friends and family.
Going for the Gold: Team Kentucky Athlete Robin Hinton
Robin Hinton received his second chance at life when his brother, Eddie, gave him one of his kidneys. In 1998, Robin was diagnosed with Berger’s Disease, a rare form of kidney disease in which the immune system impairs kidney function. Robin knew that the damage to his kidneys would inevitably lead to kidney failure and ultimately, dialysis treatment.
Transplantation was always the first thing on Robin’s mind. Although he was worried that a transplant wouldn’t work for him, his six siblings were always very supportive and each offered to give him a kidney. His brother Eddie, a diehard UK fan, was found to be the best match. As Robin jokes, Eddie even gave up his UK tickets for a day at the hospital.
Robin has been healthy for the almost eight years since his transplant. In 2006, he participated in the US Transplant Games for the first time and had many experiences that he will always fondly remember. For Robin, the games was a way to “praise God and show off” that transplantation worked for him and it presented an opportunity to establish friendships with other organ recipients from across the country. Robin was proud to honor Eddie at the Donor Ceremonies for the priceless and selfless gift that Eddie had given him.
Robin and Eddie now spend more time together by volunteering for Second Chance at Life, a group that actively promotes the need for organ and tissue donation. They both plan to take a vacation to participate at the next US Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, 2008.
Dispelling the Myths About Organ and Tissue Donation: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Organ and tissue transplantation has many proven benefits, but some people still have reservations about the organ and tissue donation process. Here is a brief list of some of the most frequently asked questions and their correct answers:
Question: If I sign a donor card, will this affect the level of medical care I receive in the hospital?
Answer: Absolutely not. The level of medical care is always based on the determination of what is best for you to preserve your life and improve your health. The transplant team won’t be involved until all possible efforts to save your life have failed.
Question: Will my family be required to make any payments for the removal of my organs or tissues?
Answer: No. The donor’s family and the donor hospital are not responsible for any recovery expenses. The cost will be absorbed by the transplant center, the recipient’s insurance coverage, or in some cases, by the federal government.
Question: Can I have a normal funeral if I donate my organs and tissues?
Answer: Yes. The outward appearance of the body usually will not prevent an opencasket funeral. However, it is important to discuss the impact of donating specific organs and tissues on the viewing with the recovery professional who can work with the funeral director to address your concerns. In some cases of tissue donation, some reconstructive procedures will be necessary, and in some instances, discussion regarding clothing choices.
Question: Can I choose which organs and/or tissues I want to donate?
Answer: Yes. You can specify any or all of your organs and tissues for donation.
Question: Will the recipient of my organs and tissues be told who I am?
Answer: Only if it is mutually agreed upon. Otherwise, you will remain completely anonymous. Normally, organ and tissue donation is an anonymous gift.
Question: After I sign a donor card, can I change my mind?
Answer: Yes. Simply tear up the card or inform any state registry you have signed up with that you have changed your mind. You should also let your family know about this decision.
You can save FIFTY LIVES! Sign the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry at www.donatelifeky.org!
A Publication of the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky
