Kidney transplant w Hep C

Are success rates better now for kidney transplants with Hep C virus, I have had Hep C 25 or 30 yrs with no damage but scarring, have membranous glomerulonephritis diagnosed in 1984. Would rather have transplant than get on dialysis, as I was there for 2 mths and have very bad veins, my working fistula, (even tho I wasn't on dialysis clotted off last wk and I hear this keep happening. Please advise.

[cuteus]

this board ia a patient to patient, so noone can really advise on medical decissions. If you do a web search on kidney transplant with hep c, you will come up with this
http://www.transweb.org/qa/asktw/answers/answers9701/96042401.html

and other links.
GL

[linthomas]

That was a llegitimate question, I wasn't wanting someone to tell me what to do, just figured since it was hep c site someone might have been there. Sorry I phrased the please advise wrong.

[BostonGirl]

Hello Linthomas;
               I am sorry that you have this kidney disease. I really do not know much about kidney transplants. But what I do know is that they are much easier to perform than the liver transplants and that the success rate is much higher for kidney than liver transplants.

I'm curious though, did you doctor say that you might have developed this kidney disease from the Hep C?  

I was diagnosed with cryoglobulemia and correct me if I am wrong, but my doctor said that cryoglobulemia can trigger this type of glomerulonephritis to attack the kidneys. Have you ever been tested for Cryo? Just curious.

Hope things work out for you and you get your transplant.

God Bless, Sue

[chellski]

Hey! I can give you some personal info.  My husband was diagnosed with kidney failure - they found no cause for the failure except for the fact he tested positive for hep c which doesn't affect the kidney.  anyway he had a liver biopsy which show a 1 (very little damaged).  they did not treat the hep c; and he was on dialysis for 1year while being tested, approved, looking for doner and whatnot.  His nephew donated a live kidney to my husband; they did the transplant and both were fine.  they still kept ck on the hep-c but did not ever treat.   also after transplant, all complications of kidney failure, (diabetes, high blood pressure, vision problems) went away slowly.  Take care of ur kidneys if you can; most dr's will keep track of hepc/liver damage in addition to treating ur kidney problem.  as long as not bad liver damage; they will approve a transplant.  btw: my husband both kidneys were non functional - dialysis 3x a week; 4hrs a shot; wiped him out but he still worked full time; coached jv girls basketball (for our girls)  good luck whatever you decide; i will keep you in my thoughts.
not a doctor but this is my personal experience.
michelle

[LvdByGod!]

sorry i'm not much help. i'm not sure of the success rates for kidney transplants with Hep C virus, but, i hope the idea cuteus had can help you... you never know there may be someone lurking here who has had a kidney transplant with hep c who can help you...i hope so.

[linthomas]

Thanks everyone that annswered definately need some input into this and BostonGirl they have never mentioned the kidney disease might have come from Hep C, the (sorry I can't spell that) I've never been tested for, what is that exactly? I will sure check into it. And Michelle thank you, you may have just helped me make up my mind to pursue this, I can't see me spending my life on dialysis, especially with accesses that keep failing and they always do again. I'm gonna go to different hospital and see about evaluation. Somethings got to work. Thanks to all of you, I'm scared to death. Linda

[BostonGirl]

Hello Linthomas;
               I am happy to see that you got a positve answer on the outcome of kidney transplants with Hep C. You might want to do a Google search to find a kidney disease web site and ask questions about the Hep C and transplants. I am sure there are others out there with the kidney disease that wil be able to support you. This site is mainly Hep C people doing tx or doing alternatives and waiting to tx. Good luck. I am sure you will be OK.

As far as Cryoglobulemia causing this glomerulonephritis, I do not know. I was told it is a possibility. I do not have any kidney disease, but was told that because I have the cryo and it is advancing, it could hit my kidneys next. My doctors monitor my kidneys and are on top of things.

Cryoglobulemia is caused by the Hep C. It's an anitbody that your own body will produce to kill the virus. Only it does not attack the virus, but attacks healthy tissues, vessels and organs.

Right now I have vasculitis from the cryo. It is attacking my blood vessels and my joints. I am into 3 months of treatments and still have the cryo > hopefully I will clear the cryo too.

God Bless (((((( Sue )))))))

[linthomas]

They have never mentioned anything like that. Hope it all goes well with treatment. Thanks Linda