It is hard to determine when a kidney will become available, so we recommend that you are prepared for when the time comes. An overnight bag should always be at the ready with comfortable clothes and personal items (toothbrush, shampoo, reading glasses, cell-phone charger, etc.) to ensure quick departure to the transplant center.
The hospital will call you to inform you that an organ has become available. This call can come in at any time of the day and any day of the week, so it is important for you to remain reachable at all times, whether you are at work, asleep, or even on vacation. We ask you to give us phone numbers of close friends and family as well, in case you can’t be reached directly.
You’ll be asked to stop eating right away; the digestive tract should be empty during the transplant procedure to avoid bowel movements mid-surgery.
You’ll need to travel to Lahey immediately once you receive the phone call. Deceased-donor kidneys can survive outside of the body for only 48 hours because they may get damaged when not receiving a normal supply of oxygen. Therefore, the faster it is transplanted, the higher the likelihood of success. With this in mind, we recommend you have arranged a transportation plan ahead of time with friends or family if necessary. We don't recommend you drive yourself because finding parking and walking from the parking lot may take away precious minutes.
