I'm interested in hearing the stories of those with diverse backgrounds within the transplant experience. Differing racial backgrounds, gender identity, sexual orientation...
I am 57 year-old black woman (She/ Her). I received my transplant a little over a year ago. I had been on the kidney list for seven years. I had no issues with my transplant at all. I had a wonderful transplant team.
that's awesome! I know discrimination in healthcare can be a real thing. I come from a trans-racial family, and my husband and I are adopting trans-racially, and this is something I think about often. I experience it from having a disability, but there are so many aspects of discrimination where I, as a white, cis gendered woman, experience privilege
As a Native American there was nothing unusual in my transplant process. The need for kidneys is pretty high among Native American communities. It is mostly due to a genetic presdisposition that the Anglo diet brought to North America is not good for persons with Native American ancestry. Being sedentary isn't good either. Earlier blood sugar screening, educating the people on diet and nutrition and exercise is helpful. Also, education on the impact of alcohol on the body and immune system. Really, this can apply to everyone, but it is vital among Native peoples.
so nice to hear your perspective. I don’t know where you live but where I am there is huge discrimination against the Native American population, and a lot of the reasons you listed are used as a weapon against these people and are used for claims they aren’t trying hard enough or they’ll just go back to their old lifestyle when in reality there aren’t the resources to support them. I’m glad to hear your transplant went well
I live in Oklahoma, where we have 39 tribes represented in the State. My ancestry is Cherokee. The Cherokees were removed from the South, especially the Carolinas, and forced to walk to Oklahoma, giving up their land, homes, and livestock (the Trail of Tears). My great-grandmother and grandfather established themselves and rebuilt their lives and raised a family. There are no reservations in OK, only communities that have higher clusters of Native populations. With the allowance of casinos to operate in the State, the tribal governments for the most part are doing very well. Some of the tribes have excellent health care facilities and provide medication to tribal members. Everyone pretty much gets along. I have never been bothered. States that have reservations don't seem to fare as well. Too much dependence on the government. Too little opportunity.
so interesting! I live in Alberta, Canada, and there are a lot of reservations not too far from me. Maybe that influences the dynamic here? My husband is Metis, though not connected much to his native heritage. My grandfather also grew up near a reservation, and had a negative experience which influenced how my entire family spoke about native americans and reservations
1 - 6 of 6 Replies
I am 57 year-old black woman (She/ Her). I received my transplant a little over a year ago. I had been on the kidney list for seven years. I had no issues with my transplant at all. I had a wonderful transplant team.
Transplant Patient
that's awesome! I know discrimination in healthcare can be a real thing. I come from a trans-racial family, and my husband and I are adopting trans-racially, and this is something I think about often. I experience it from having a disability, but there are so many aspects of discrimination where I, as a white, cis gendered woman, experience privilege
As a Native American there was nothing unusual in my transplant process. The need for kidneys is pretty high among Native American communities. It is mostly due to a genetic presdisposition that the Anglo diet brought to North America is not good for persons with Native American ancestry. Being sedentary isn't good either. Earlier blood sugar screening, educating the people on diet and nutrition and exercise is helpful. Also, education on the impact of alcohol on the body and immune system. Really, this can apply to everyone, but it is vital among Native peoples.
Transplant Patient
@A_Ray
so nice to hear your perspective. I don’t know where you live but where I am there is huge discrimination against the Native American population, and a lot of the reasons you listed are used as a weapon against these people and are used for claims they aren’t trying hard enough or they’ll just go back to their old lifestyle when in reality there aren’t the resources to support them. I’m glad to hear your transplant went well
I live in Oklahoma, where we have 39 tribes represented in the State. My ancestry is Cherokee. The Cherokees were removed from the South, especially the Carolinas, and forced to walk to Oklahoma, giving up their land, homes, and livestock (the Trail of Tears). My great-grandmother and grandfather established themselves and rebuilt their lives and raised a family. There are no reservations in OK, only communities that have higher clusters of Native populations. With the allowance of casinos to operate in the State, the tribal governments for the most part are doing very well. Some of the tribes have excellent health care facilities and provide medication to tribal members. Everyone pretty much gets along. I have never been bothered. States that have reservations don't seem to fare as well. Too much dependence on the government. Too little opportunity.
Transplant Patient
so interesting! I live in Alberta, Canada, and there are a lot of reservations not too far from me. Maybe that influences the dynamic here? My husband is Metis, though not connected much to his native heritage. My grandfather also grew up near a reservation, and had a negative experience which influenced how my entire family spoke about native americans and reservations