With the deadline fast approaching (June 30) for ESRD QIP reporting for Q1 data, the following report may be helpful.

NHSN Report for CMS ESRD QIP, including:

• How to Create an NHSN Report for CMS ESRD QIP
• How to Read an NHSN Report for CMS ESRD QIP

My name is Terry and I received a kidney transplant on January 14, 2015. I was told by my Nephrologist that I may need to go on dialysis soon and he suggested that I begin the process of seeking a kidney transplant. I began the process by finding a transplant center. I was unable to go to the nearest transplant center because they did not accept my insurance, but found Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. I was listed there before I needed to go on dialysis. I fought starting dialysis and worked very hard to keep my immune system healthy with good food and natural vitamins.  I started dialysis on July 26, 2014. After starting dialysis, I had to quit my full-time job and this was a drastic change in my lifestyle. While dialysis was a good experience, I am young and wanted to go back to work.  

On January 14, 2015, I received the call that I was low on the immediate list for an available kidney and to fast until I heard from the transplant team. I was amazed that I received a call so soon after being listed. They called me back later and said to come down and that I was going to get the kidney.  The surgery went well but I did not immediately feel well. I needed dialysis that day and once more two days later. I also had to do plasmapharesis and IV Immuno Globulin therapy due to the rejection I was experiencing. I was fortunate and only needed 5 treatments of this. I had been told I would need 2 weeks of treatment. Once I was clear of the immediate threat of rejection I still had some pain. I did not realize that they do not remove my old kidney just make room for the donor kidney. The kidney I received was quite large. While getting the treatments I stayed at the Gift of Life House, which is a place for patients and families to stay after transplant. I really received great care at Jefferson University Hospital and was pleased with the entire process.

As a transplanted person, we are given a choice to write a letter to the donor family. Just thinking about the donor's family and the loss and emotional pain they were in was very emotional for me. I did write to the family but it was hard to express the gratitude and appreciation I felt knowing their loss. It is a profound and humbling experience when someone gives you a gift like that. You feel so blessed and your quality of life is so much better. Today I am able to continue my life and eat and drink what I want and I have tons of energy now. I highly recommend looking into transplant.