From Iceland — Man Seeks New Kidney On Facebook

Man Seeks New Kidney On Facebook

Published March 12, 2014

Nanna Árnadóttir
Photo by
Kristján Kristjánsson

An Icelandic man is hoping that Facebook will help him find a new kidney, reports Vísir.

Kristján Kristjánsson was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy ten years ago and has been on a waiting list for a new kidney for the past two years.

“There’s no way to predict how much longer [I’ll be on the waiting list], could be another couple of years for that matter,” said Kristján.

IgA nephropathy hampers a kidney’s ability to filter waste and excess water from a person’s blood. This means that as Kristján waits for a new kidney he must undergo four-hour dialysis sessions, three times a week. His travel is restricted to accommodate his treatment and he must work remotely from a hospital bed for several hours each week.

“There’s no cleaning going on, my kidneys are only functioning at 5% capacity while they work at 100% capacity for a healthy person,” Kristján said.

The idea to go on Facebook to ask for a kidney came from a nurse Kristján knows and for those who are interested, he is looking for someone with an O Positive blood type.

Donating a kidney is not painless, Kristján explained and often is harder on the person giving than the one receiving.

“Am I hopeful? I haven’t thought about it, I had no idea that it would spread like this when I put it on my Facebook page,” Kristján said.

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