How to Quickly Get on a Transplant List

Regardless of what type of organ you need, awaiting a transplant can be a difficult experience, as you weigh all your options and wonder how you will get back to living your normal life--all while you face the ordeal of trying to get on a transplant list that is growing daily. But don’t let it get you down. There are a few things you need to have in order so you can be put on the transplant list and get the organ you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. First make sure you are in shape. You want your BMI (body mass index) to be in a healthy range for your height. Many transplant centers have a BMI cutoff--a great reason to make certain you're at your fittest. Think of it as if you're preparing for a marathon. If your weight is an issue, try modifying your diet and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Also, try exercising more so that you can get your weight in that healthy range.
2. Research transplant centers that interest you. They could be ones that have a high organ survival rate, retain specialists in your disease, transplant patients quicker or are closer to you geographically. Transplantliving.org and Srtr.org are excellent sites for this information. Find out what is important to you and get your doctor to send your information to the appropriate centers so that they can evaluate you for transplantation.
3. If you smoke or use illegal drugs, now is a good time to stop. Using drugs will exclude you from the transplant waiting list, and depending on your illness, smoking tobacco may do so as well. If you need a liver, you may be advised to stop drinking alcohol, if you have not already. Again, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional about ways to cease these activities, and to make certain that the aforementioned advice applies to your situation.
4. Finally, try to learn everything you can about your illness and how you reached the point of needing an organ. It will help you to be better informed when you are going through evaluation and speaking with clinical personnel. Again, get into the best possible shape so that you can be placed on the transplant list. Make a great impression on the clinicians and play an active part in your care. Be certain you know all the ramifications of transplantation—the good, the bad and the ugly. Also determine that you are able to afford the immunosuppressant medications that come with being a transplant recipient. Maintain compliance at all times with your current regimen and you will find yourself on the transplant list.