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See this pic? It's a healthy human Kidney. Most human beings have two of them. Some are born with only one and live a perfectly normal life.
6 years ago I went to my rheumatologist for lab work. (I'm on biologics because I'm blessed with A.S.) The lab tech saw some numbers in my blood count that was "rather alarming".....
It was a regular day. Felt fine as usual. Appointment went well as expected. On my way home I got the call from the doctor to IMMEDIATELY go to the closest ER. I told them where I was going and when I pulled into the hospital parking lot, The ER team was waiting with a wheel chair and an ambulance. April 10th, 2016...
Stage 5 renal failure. Left kidney 13% function. Right kidney 0 function.
The last day I felt like I was a human being.
I'm on dialysis. The usual 3 days 4 hours per. Cannot function after treatment.
Now CIGNA refuses to pay for renal consult from the doctors ($650 per visit)
$5000 annual co-pay for treatment
covers 15% of weekly lab work
refuses to cover any preventative care like, x-rays, mri, ct scans, thyroid tests, med checks, etc...
SOOOO.....
Anyone out in the imgur world have type o positive blood and not using one of their kidneys? If you're not compatible blood type, You could still donate.
Message me for more details if you think you're up to it. I've made the decision to stop dialysis by the end of summer. I've been on the transplant list since day one. And looking at another 10 years or more of dialysis before I receive a transplant-
VadertheH8er
I’m O+ what part of the country are you in?
ImAnActionBirb
@OP is in Massachusetts
bubbag33k
Just curious if you are on peritoneal dialysis or a machine? My uncle lived a very full life for many years on peritoneal dialysis.
combatwombat0
Sounds like they do the other kind based on the scheduling they mentioned. Peritoneal seems easier on the body and on scheduling
bubbag33k
Peritoneal is all done at home by yourself. No need to go to a clinic.
GreenYawgmoth
I'm a T1 diabetic, my kidneys are kinda busy.
ButtersTheCat
I'd donate one of mine, but I don't think a kidney full of staghorn stones is considered "desirable", for transplantation. I CAN help with
ButtersTheCat
your insurer, though. PM me and I'll see if I can't at least get your consult paid.
graceinsheepsclothing
@op
mav81
If you have a relative or friend that is willing to donate, but not a match, there are cross donation programs available.
robnav77
I didn’t know this. As a person born with one kidney I hope I never need this but if I do this just opened up way more possibilities.
brumbievan
My friend is involved in one. She is getting a kidney in about a month and her mom is donating one to another person. Pretty cool.
cybergern
https://freakonomics.com/podcast/make-me-a-match-a-new-freakonomics-radio-episode/
DocCrit
Very cool stuff
MrCroupAndMrVandemar
I’m in partial remission for stage two membranous nephropathy. Upvote for awareness. Living donors are fucking heroic. Good luck to you, @op
warden2689
Are you not able to get SSDI MEDICARE MEDICAD? Renal failure is covered under SSDI. Please look into that. Talk with a social worker.
Lalamehlala
:( USA I assume?
digivirus
Sorry dude I've only had 1 since I was 3 weeks old, so it's busy atm. Hope you're able to find a donor
ChaoticSquid
You guys should take turns
ChaoticSquid
"Hey, mom said it's my turn with the kidney!"
GuybrushThreepwoodAMightyPirate
A friend was born with one, but it's massive
DesperateDunn365
MasterGed
If it were me, id give it. Not because its generous, i just would rather not exist :D
gottakeepgoing
Have you heard of John Carter?
JedClampettWetDreams
Oh damn.
ifchewydiesiwillriot
I'm o positive. I don't have messaging capabilities, never post, comment rarely. Uuuhhh gimme deets.
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ifchewydiesiwillriot
Thanks! Just did it.
checkyesjewliet
I don't have the vacation or sick time and I'm not eligible for FMLA until 3/9/22. But I'm saving your post.
ColdestOne
Ankylosing spondylitis? Did it affect your kidneys prior to the renal failure? Do the Drs know why your kidneys all of a sudden crapped out?
baraseth
Can you take O neg?
ImageAberration
Compatibility matching for organs is more complicated than for blood donations. A blood type match is a useful indicator, but not absolute.
ImageAberration
But if somebody of any blood type can donate a kidney on OP's behalf, there are programs to match/swap with a donor who has a kidney with 2/
ImageAberration
...the right immune spectrum match for OP.
SacrificialClam
I would argue that that picture does not show a healthy kidney, as it is not attached to a human body. Anyway, sadly I am not your type
BloodOfASlaveHeartOfAKing
OP can find someone who also has an un-matching donor, and you would swap donors, thus both getting a matching blood type kidney. Go for it!
SacrificialClam
That's way too much math for me
ImSorryOakIllPutTheBikeAwayJustGetOutOfMyHead
Upvote for awareness @OP I’m the wrong blood type
SerenePrincess013
I'd love to donate either of mine (one, not both), but after they both ended up a/ some substantial damage, dono is out of the question.
lysergia
No pressure, but if you are interested: https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/incompatiblebloodtype
CargoManshark
On dialysis myself right now, it sucks and I'm sorry. But you definitely qualify for Medicare and SSD. Don't give up yet. 1/2.
CargoManshark
Even with transplant, depending on your age, you'll be back on dialysis again. While they can last longer transplant average about 10 years.
HaplessCat
@OP see above
bril350
Well thats fucking depressing
Travelcedric
I've had a kidney transplant, I know how you are feeling. Fortunately I am in Canada so everything was covered. If you need to talk, send/1
Travelcedric
Me a DM. My situation was different but moral support is always welcome.
Bunhyung
You qualify for Medicare after the first 30 days of dialysis. Medicare pays 100% for dialysis. Please reach out to the social worker 1/
Seminole4ever
Link to Medicare’s web site dealing with renal failure: https://www.medicare.gov/manage-your-health/i-have-end-stage-renal-disease-esrd
mav81
So much this. It’s retroactive as well. If you have paid bills for dialysis, there’s a good chance you can get refunded.
FatDickSpirit
This OP, same with Medicaid in some states like indiana. 100% paid for no bills.
HaplessCat
@OP This and call a disability attorney and look up your local SSN office. Nixon put the whole system in place for renal failure people.
TheobromineAddict
I confirm this. And the payments are retroactive. google.com/search?q=how+apply+for+SSDI
Bunhyung
if you are at a private clinic (Davita, Fresenius...),or ask the hospital to hook you up with a dialysis insurance specialist. 2/
Bunhyung
If you want more info or to commiserate, DM me, I am a kidney recipient and my wife used to be a dialysis tech.
SociallyAwkwardCanadianMoose
Is that how you met?
built4speed
ALL OF THIS. Former nursing home admin here, this is correct. Get in touch with a social worker. You have help, just have to ask for it
FluffyCthulu
It pays for most of the dialysis. And doesn't cover other crap like the doctor. I've been on dialysis for six years
trelf
Part B covers doctors. Those with ESRD should have pretty much 100% coverage unless enrolled in managed care.
Eldibs
I just had a question. When do my kidneys fall out and my adultneys come in? For real though, I hope your info helps someone in need.
saucytwatcrumpet
*facepalm*
ImScaredToGiveYouMyRealName
I am gifting this gem to my hubby for his 'dad joke' repertoire. I thank you on his behalf!
riverofdeath
O+ who can’t figure out messages- pm me?
Tommyknockerman
Just messaged you @OP with my phone number. I am O+ and have two perfectly healthy kidneys. Get at me bro.
QueenofMean19510
God bless you both!
intergalactic1ness
Hey I gave 1 of mine away in 2017... no problems...it was pretty easy, go for it!
QueenofMean19510
WoW! You are another angel’
BloodOfASlaveHeartOfAKing
As someone who is also currently on dialysis, good shit my fellow human!!! We are born with 2 and only need 1 to function! Thank you!!!
ImAnActionBirb
Dude, you are a hero even for offering. I’m humbled.
QueenofMean19510
Me too! He’s an angel!
Tommyknockerman
Not like I'm using both of them lol. The Gods gave me two, and if Tyr can get by with one hand, I can spare a kidney.
Mountainbae
We really need lab grown organs for things like this
JonatanFuglevaag
Or "washing out" any donated organs, grafting host stem cells into the cell matrices to grow an identical "replica" (a current project)
bril350
Sadly the amount of available organs is far more than it seems. Its due to mismanagement (lost organs, failed storage etc) that the wait is
bril350
So awful
Letstriptogether
They are working on this, but will be way too late for people in trouble now.
asmasm
This country is simply broken.
KrankyKidney
Difficulties in finding organ donors is not just an American issue
FuzzyX
Yeah, do the right thing and get insurance, then when you need them they refuse to pay out... for common medical needs.
CGMR
As a Canadian, I just don’t get this. I actually can’t grasp being denied life saving treatment over money. Fucking disgraceful.
noccymcchunkchunk
Same here, as a Brit it blows my mind. Medical treatment regardless of how minor or serious is all free at the point of use here also.
baronnapalm
Saw a post here about broken femur surgery being like 500k. Had the same surgery 2 months ago in Canada. Was $350.. for the airlift plane.
ShutUpPam
ImShocked
The fact that the donor program is an opt in system and not an opt out system is all you need to know about human society.
MioTaalas
Yes, when someone dies, they should be considered an organ donor, immediately. Obviously there's a real risk of shady organ farms, but....
Etrigan77
Agreed. UK changed to opt out just a few years ago. Massive difference.
SmoothOpawriter
Actually dialysis is 100% covered by Medicare in the US, this person is either unaware or is purposely omitting it.
ImYouFromTheFuture
Truth. Its not just for 65 and older. Renal failure qualifies you
SmoothOpawriter
Section 5: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10128-medicare-coverage-esrd.pdf
Cthulhuchooseyou
@OP
Cthulhuchooseyou
@OP
QuickLighting53
Half the country thinks other people don't deserve healthcare. It's disgusting...
TheBeyonder3191
Especially when they feel entitled to social security and medicare
Majskornsuperstar
When will the sane part really become tired of the republican bullshit? The gop is basically killing people
asmasm
Not "other people" is the weird part. They think nobody - including themselves! - should be able to afford healthcare.
DukeDarkwood
Their thought processes go "I'm not sick, so I don't need it anyway." They at no point plan on becoming sick. Naturally, when they get sick,
DukeDarkwood
they will ask for help paying their bills, because they don't see their own hypocrisy.
QuickLighting53
Nah. They will be billionaires any day now, they're sure of it. They've been tugging at their bootstraps for like a week.
firstmiddlemiddlelastlast
I agree, but I also think if would be just as hard to acquire a healthy kidney in another country.
Ilikerandomgifs
This, I'm in kinda the same boat as op. The wait list is usually about 10 years unless you can find someone that's compatible.
testudoaubrei
That may certainly be true, but in the meantime other countries wouldn’t refuse to pay for treatment or scans.
powerrangerpl
Hear me out! What if there would be universal healthcare and nobody had worry about life ruining medical bills?
QueenofMean19510
Well, then the U. S. Would actually, honestly be a humane, civilized nation - and to Hell with the greedy drug and insurance companies.
RedLanternGrodd
What exactly can I do to help with A+ blood?
lysergia
https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/incompatiblebloodtype
meganical
Donate blood if you qualify. I just donated blood and felt good about it the next day and still feel like I did something to help someone
Munnin41
If I could I would, but I pass out even if they take just 1 vial for bloodworks
flacoloco
Sorry OP, Different blood type but Upvote for awareness to others
MrMetroid
Make sure to look at the Hospital's financial assistance program if they have one you can get steep discounts depending on how much you make
Chomanche
I know several people who started working shit jobs so they could qualify for such programs.
EmilyKla
That is so sad and fucked up.
LewdSomnambulist
Call a lawyer
jcoddinc
Almost as steep as what they give insurance companies discounts on.
arthurvanhoudt
Yeah but €650 for a renal consult is CRAZY!!
CargoManshark
Renal failure also guarantees Social Security Disability and Medicare if dialysis dependent.
GenesisNynja
Medicare/Medicaid often times requires you to have 0 assets. They’ll make you sell off your house before paying out. Shits whack
CargoManshark
Not usually if you have kidney issues. We can get of get a pass.
GenesisNynja
Oh really? I don’t know it was different for kidney issues. My dad had a stroke and Medicare wouldn’t help unless he sold his house
CargoManshark
It's shitty how they do people but yeah. Own my home and 2 cars, have SSID and Medicare and got them on my 1st try since I'm on dialysis
PerlerBeads4Dayz
This. @op I worked for social security disability determination in my state, DM me with any questions about applying.
ILoveSpicyPeople
.
demonic
My mom had to apply 3 times (3rd with a lawyer) to get accepted even tho you can tell she can't work ?
PerlerBeads4Dayz
It's hard, sometimes people are right on the border line, hard to to into in 140 characters or less.
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IWishIWasBlank
Came to repost this link. Wife has PKD and already has over 5K in debt and she grew up poor on "free" gov healthcare.
SonOfABitchStoleMyLine
@op
AlaskanX
oh damn that's good to know
DangerousNoodle
Damn, I checked it out and I BARELY make above the limit, so I’m screwed if I need to be hospitalized.
LetumComplexo
They can and will work with you to solve that problem. Most hospital workers don’t like our insurance system either.
DrowningLessons
Ask for a paycut
EmilyKla
This. Or ask for a pay cut temporarily and for your pay to be deferred under after your treatment?
HowMuchWoodCouldAWoodDuckDuckIfAWoodDuckCouldDuckWood
That sounds like fraud
Maveric315
Yeah buddy! You and me, friend. Made $800 too much to qualify for university financial aid - I didn’t go, couldn’t afford the debt #blessed
maxwilder
If you look at the chart they will still forgive a large chunk of the bill unless you are fairly wealthy.
FlyingCRVT
Wanna be treated like a human being and learn a New language ? Come live to France! We're waiting !
FactWino
How hard is it for folks with serious chronic health issues to immigrate?
HaplessCat
Very. Especially someone on Dialysis. They really can't miss those apts. One Dr I was going to partner for research basically wanted to (1/
HaplessCat
Institute a policy that No Shows would receive a wellness check from Police. He wasn't playing. (2/2)
StabbyMcMurder
I literally know nobody with type O blood or I would totally donate one for you.
adrianontherocks
…this makes it sound like if you knew someone with that blood type you would kill them and give their kidneys to op…?
StabbyMcMurder
That's the point.
DefinitelyaHumanNotanAlien
They don't call him Stabby McMurder for nothing.
ShipOfFate
Let’s start an Imgur black ops squad to “borrow” kidneys from people who stormed the capital on 1/6.
polarbearbaby
I’m in. Getting my 2nd shot on Saturday so give me 2 weeks before I can go road tripping.
beardedheathen
Or the people who lied and brainwashed them into believing they were being Patriots.
GreenYawgmoth
How about we borrow a few hundred organs from the people who make this the level of "healthcare" in america?
ShipOfFate
Ok I officially retract & regret this comment. We should never joke about violence in today’s world. No one wants a traitor’s kidney anyways
OrangeFlavours
alright, thank you
sudoalias404
Hey,I'm all for rewarding/reducing prison sentences for donation of human organs. A 10 yr sentence cut in half for saving a life by donating
EntropicEVO
Hang in there @OP. I’ve been on dialysis before and am getting ready for my 3rd transplant. If you want somebody to chat at, hmu.
Cancerzworld
3rd?!?! I can't even get one :(
EntropicEVO
Sorry hear that… I’ve lived with kidney issues my whole life and despite some issues for each one I’ve been fortunate.
selej
sorry to tell you this. my research on kidney transplants came up with the fact that kidney transplants usually only last 10 ish years.
muhvitus
It sucks balls we can’t clone one as routine yet.
selej
i have a kidney disease and im heading for dialysys within a year or two. so
Cancerzworld
Oh I know that. But that's 10years that I don't have to give up 15 hours with my kids every week.
thatsferalcheryl
Had mine for 30 years