Living Kidney Donation

Posts Tagged ‘NHS’

We often take the NHS for granted. Quick to moan when things go wrong, such as long waiting lists. Okay the NHS is not perfect (what medical system is). We all know the NHS is under funded and has not been “updated” for far too long.

When this lady contacted me – who is a Vet in USA – I count my blessings that I have the NHS – warts and all! Family (including myself) have been treated quickly for cancer. A family member was given so much home help when she became old and unable to care for herself. Many instances where I am so grateful for the NHS. Yes there have been times I have been frustrated but ……

I hope things have changed in the USA since I heard from her. I often have people from other countries contact me with stories of despair and hopelessness. Brings me to tears and I feel so frustrated and sad that I cannot help. It also reminds me to be so very grateful for our NHS.

This is her story.
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I’m a 100% service connected veteran with kidney failure. I have been trying to survive my disease, fight for care & benefits from the VA for both myself and other vets, deal with additional complications
such as breast cancer and other ailments.

Getting on multiple kidney transplant lists. Ohio State, U of Toledo, Nashville, and U Cincinnati. My VA doctor told me “not to try so hard and get my hopes up”! Been on dialysis for 30 years! I’ve overcome many obstacles to reach this point and I’m now able to pass the battery of exams to be considered. Each transplant center optimistic about my chances. VA doctor is determined to block me by saying ALL of the copay after A & B is on me and could be $90,000!

I am ready for a change in my life! I realize that there is NO cure, but a change would allow me a better quality of life and will allow me to work to inspire others by showing what I’ve done and how to accomplish this goal. VA doctor suggested that I not get my hopes up for a possible transplant at University of Cincinnati. UC called for referral and as I hung up the phone, another nephrologist called to say that he would sign for me to get on the list. I’m Nashville bound late October. Ohio State University Eval mid October. UC bound mid October.

Now, just informed that the grant that pays for dialysis patients to have their Medicare B paid in order to have the insurance to cover transplants is NOT available to me because I am 100% service connected for my kidney failure and I must now pay $730/quarter in order to have the benefit of listing at the additional transplant facilities. My only option is VA Nashville to be fully covered and I previously waited 8 full years without one single call. The Dayton VA record for transplants has been only 3 in 15 years!

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I donated my kidney and it did not cost me any money at all. The NHS paid for the operation and recovery check ups. I have annual renal check ups to make sure my remaining kidney is performing ok (it is) – doesn’t cost me anything. The recipient of my kidney – received it at no cost to them, the NHS covered the cost. At times we can complain about the silliest of things – yet this lady and many like her … struggle just to stay alive. This was a few years ago and I pray that things have changed for people in the USA.