Steven,
I think much depends on the facility. I am approaching 9 months from the time I did the first round of tests. In my particular case the facility is UAB and I shamelessly have to say they ROCK! Early on UAB sent me requests for blood work about every 2 or 3 months. I already got admitted to do the surgery and it was cancelled at the last minute due to concern for my uncle who is receiving the kidney. Right before that admission I got a request to do additional blood work about twice in a 4 week period and it was repeated again at the hospital with some additional blood work tests. And, now that we were just cleared again, I have done the 2 cross-match tests within a month's timeframe with the understanding that another will be done when I go in for surgery.
The interesting part though is that they had me repeat almost all of the initial round of blood work tests since it has been so long since they were performed. They told me last month that they wanted to do those tests again within 2 weeks of surgery so they could get last minute confirmation of no hepatitis, hiv negative, and most of the other early on tests. They will repeat the blood work tests for the cross-match and many other items when I get admitted for donor surgery to be performed on the 18th.
Although you did not ask about the following I just want to mention/share a few things that I have learned about my journey which may be helpful:
First, I thought I was a patient person; however, this journey has taught me so much about patience on things that I can't control. We have had a lot of obstacles, delays, and even got within hours of transplant surgery before it was cancelled. And, although I have surgery planned for the 18th, I am going in with the understanding that issues outside of our control could again delay surgery.
Second, I did not give a second thought about donating since I knew it was the right thing to do. However, I was being a bit stupid that I didn't really even think about getting input and second opinions on tests and other issues from my own doctor. I am so lucky that that did not backfire on me.
Third, YOU need to take responsibility for getting as much information as possible and staying informed. Finding information that is reliable is difficult and since everyone is unique then you have to filter through a lot of literature and advice to apply it to your situation. For example, I would never have thought about validating my life insurance policy would not be impacted or about possibly being uninsurable post-surgery. You have to take care of yourself!
I can only hope you ultimately find the experience as beneficial and rewarding as I have. Almost every day I give a prayer of thanks for what my uncle's situation has brought me. I have a new perspective on things and it has forced me to acknowledge that I was not making wise choices in my life , resulting in being pre-diabetic, pre-hypertensive, stressed out all the time, and overweight. It is ironic that my Uncle is thanking me for "saving his life" and I am thanking him for saving mine.
Warmest Regards,
Scott
Topic: passed all test - how long results good for? (Read 6352 times)