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Waiting for a kidney to become available can take on average four to six years, while a combined kidney-and-pancreas, pancreas or islet cell transplant can take less than two years. A liver transplant takes, on average, one to three years.
During this time, it is very important for you to maintain your health. We strongly encourage you to do the following:
Be aware the call for transplant may come at any time. Make sure that you have a plan for items to take with you, and make arrangements for children or pets so you can leave with a moment’s notice.
Please bring the following things with you when you come to the hospital for your transplant:
You must have a working telephone. Team members also need the telephone numbers of friends, relatives and neighbors who can locate you when needed. Please notify us immediately if your telephone number, insurance or address changes.
Please notify your transplant team of any health changes while you are waiting. Notify us of any recent illness, pregnancy, blood transfusions or infection.
Please note that while you are on the transplant list, we will see you frequently for a physical, laboratory testing and additional tests as needed to ensure you remain healthy for the transplant.
Please inform your transplant team of any insurance or phone number changes to ensure that your team can proceed with the transplant when the time arrives.