Getting the “Call”

Getting the call for a kidney transplant

When you are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant at Ascension St. John’s Kidney Transplant Center in Tulsa, OK, you will be contacted by the transplant center as soon as a suitable kidney becomes available. This is called a “call.” The call can come at any time, day or night, so it is important to be prepared.

Here are the steps that you can expect when you receive the call for a kidney transplant at Ascension St. John’s Kidney Transplant Center in Tulsa, OK:

  1. The transplant coordinator will call you and give you some basic information about the kidney, such as the blood type and size. They will also tell you how soon you need to be at the hospital for the transplant.
  2. You will need to pack a bag and arrange for transportation to the hospital.
  3. When you arrive at the hospital, you will undergo a series of tests to make sure that you are healthy enough for the surgery. These tests may include blood tests, X-rays, and an echocardiogram.
  4. If you are cleared for surgery, you will be taken to the operating room. The transplant surgery typically takes 4-6 hours.
  5. After the surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring. You will likely stay in the ICU for 1-2 days. After that, you will be transferred to a regular hospital room.
  6. You will need to stay in the hospital for 5-7 days after your transplant. During this time, you will receive medication to prevent rejection of the kidney. You will also need to start physical therapy to help you regain your strength.
  7. After you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to see your transplant team regularly for follow-up care. You will also need to take medication to prevent rejection of the kidney for the rest of your life.

A kidney transplant is a major surgery, but it can be a life-saving procedure. If you are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant at Ascension St. John’s Kidney Transplant Center in Tulsa, OK, it is important to be prepared for the call. The transplant team will be there to support you every step of the way.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • Ascension St. John’s Kidney Transplant Center: https://healthcare.ascension.org/en/locations/oklahoma/oktul/tulsa-ascension-st-john-medical-center
  • National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/
  • United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): https://unos.org/