Kidney Transplantation - A Patient's Perspective
by Tyrone R. Johnson
My battle with kidney disease began in 2002 and I began to consider having a kidney transplant in 2004. Being a Jehovah’s Witness, I was concerned though that any procedure be performed without the use of blood transfusions.
The transplant coordinators at Allegheny General helped my wife and I to understand the procedure and to complete all necessary testing. At my initial evaluation with the Transplant Department I had a full day planned which included meetings with many of the staff. I was very pleased that included on this schedule was my meeting the coordinators of The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery. They reviewed with me my decision not to receive a blood transfusion and explained to me a number of products and procedures that might be impacted by my refusal of transfusions. Meeting with him and knowing that there was a program in place to respect my beliefs and wishes made me feel just great.
Dr. Vivas and Dr. Nghiem, the Transplant surgeons made me feel comfortable that my wishes to not receive a transfusion would be respected. They assured me that they would do all they could for me. Feeling that they really cared for me and my outcome was very encouraging.
Finally, I was placed on the waiting list for a transplant and on October 29, 2006 received a phone call from the Transplant coordinator informing me that a kidney had become available. I was excited and rushed to the hospital. This was one of the best days of my life!
Even with all of the preparations and discussions over the previous months, it still occurred to me to wonder how my decision to not accept blood transfusions would be handled now that the surgery was about to become a reality. Therefore, it pleased me very much when even though this was a Saturday, I got to see the Bloodless Medicine Coordinator again. He ensured that everything was understood and documented. ‘No Blood’ stickers were placed on my chart and special wristband stating ‘no blood’ was given to me. Most importantly, I was made to feel comfortable and at ease.
My transplant surgery went very well. It went so well that I was able to get up that same day. The nurses were very kind and helpful. In just a few days I was able to be discharged to home. My friends were amazed to see my rapid recovery.
I know that many people find it difficult to think about being an organ donor since it means thinking about the possibility of your own death. But I am grateful that some persons are willing to do so. The transplanted kidney has greatly improved my quality of life. I can do more, my strength has returned and I’m able to smile a lot more now.
I’m also grateful for the services of the Center for Bloodless Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital. If a Jehovah’s Witness were to need an organ transplant, I would encourage them to contact the Center because they do all they can to make you feel good about yourself and to feel comfortable about decisions about blood which are important to you.
Dr. Nghiem, Head of Transplantation Services at Allegheny General Hospital for over 20 years adds: "I am very pleased with Mr. Johnson’s recovery. I am also glad that his experience with us was so positive. I am proud to note that the transplant programs at Allegheny General Hospital remain at the forefront in all aspects of transplant patient care, with state of the art procedures. These advances have given us the ability to complete transplant surgeries without blood transfusions in most cases. All of our patients receive individualized care, and the respect and courtesy that they deserve. This includes the very important beliefs of patients who choose not to accept blood or blood products.”
