A Fall River man is looking for a living kidney donor as he manages kidney failure with home peritoneal dialysis, according to a statement from his wife.
Marco Dias, whose blood type is A, has been told the wait for a deceased donor kidney could be five to seven years. In July, he began peritoneal dialysis at home, spending eight hours a night connected to a machine five nights a week. The couple’s spare bedroom has been converted into a dialysis room filled with monthly supplies, and Dias has been sleeping on the couch for the past three to four months because his catheter and lines make the bed too uncomfortable.
Despite the treatment, Dias continues to work full time. He takes upwards of 13 medications and has dealt with related complications, including severe gout that has led to emergency room visits and a Labor Day weekend admission to Charlton Memorial Hospital for gout pain and low calcium. He also receives monthly iron injections and has been referred to a neurologist for restless legs syndrome.
His wife underwent testing at two transplant centers in hopes of donating but was medically disqualified after doctors found four kidney stones. She has since focused on advocating for him and expanding the search for a donor beyond family and friends.
Those interested in learning about a living kidney donation for Dias, can contact the UMass Memorial Transplant Center at (855) 862-7763 or visit the center’s website and let them know you would like to be evaluated. Tell them his name and birthday (September 30th, 1977). The family is also asking people to share his story.
