Am I screwed?

[smokeater-n-hellraiser]

I was born with only one kidney. Sucks, but that's the hand I was dealt. I am already DQ'd from the military. Am I forever to be stuck on the outside of the fire service, looking in saying "Damn it, I wish.."? What are your opinions? Anyone have any idea how much a volontary kidney transplant goes for these days? Anybody out there have a spare kidney kicking around the house or attic.....

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"I hate it when someone says something is impossible, because then I have to go and find a way to do it."
Stay safe, boys and girls. It's for keeps out there.

[9C7]

I'm not so sure you are. A quick look at NFPA 1582 "Medical Requirements for Firefighters" 1997 Ed. shows it'll probably depend on the FD physician. As a "category B" condition, lack of a kidney would be a doctor's judgement call as to wether you could perform firefighting functions and not be a risk to the health of yourself or others.

I guess I'd talk to a doctor who serves as an FD physician and get his/her opinion on it.

Good luck.



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Stay Safe.
You asked for my opinion, now you have it. Any similarity to another opinion, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

[Skidz]

I am not familiar with what the man said but, it sounds like he knows what he is talking about. I would hate to lose someone who sounds as dedicated as you sound.


SKIDZZ

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PROUD, PROFESSIONAL, PROGRESSIVE

Montgomery County Division Of Fire/Rescue Services
Member IAFF Local 1664
[email protected]

[ALSfirefighter]

Smokeeater,

I don't see why you would be DQ'd from the fire service. The main reason why you were probably DQ'd from military service, was the fact that if your one kidney went bad while you were on active duty, the US Govt. would be forever tied to treating your condition, financially. They would also have to pay and give you a transplant. Hey all you can do is try brother!! Good luck.

[Adler]

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to join any FD. But, then again, I am not sure of what complications you have now. I agree, that the FD Medical Director would probably have to review your file, AFTER you passed the Civil Service test (or an equal test), and the physical agility test. Then they would probably look at your performance and the send the results to the physician. But, I would definitely check into it more. You could always be a medic, I know of no requirements that would hold you back that way. Good Luck bro'.

[hfdfao]

Email me, you are not screwed to my knowledge. I have a heart condition. Surgery and the whole nine yards. Medical clearance, passed the new state physical and here I am.

As the man said, Category B is what it is all about.

Dave LeBlanc

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In Memory of those who have passed before us, may their loss not be in vain........

[email protected]

[sohardy]

We have a guy on line with only one Kidney, lost one just after he came on. Recovered, got the check off from the Doc., and he was put back on line. Shouldn't be a problem.

[GTFDLt61]

Unless you lack of kidney is a problem for you, it shouldn't affect you. My Father found out at 53 years old that he only had one kidney. We always knew he wasn't "all there, but..."

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[Capt. D]

I donated a kidney while working as a firefighter for the Prince Georges County, MD
Fire Department. Since then I was hired by the Washington, DC, Fire Department. In addition, I passed the Medical and Physical agility for the New York City Fire Department. However, I did have to supply written certification from my surgeon which stated that I would be able to perform all of the physical functions required of a firefighter. What I am trying to say is tha no, you are not screwed. Keep on trying and applying until you get what you want and deserve. If you have any more questions, you can e-mail me at [email protected].

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[Pastor Dawn]

WE've got active guys who've had Open Heart surgery, stents, bypasses, you name it. I don't see why you can't be a firefighter if you are otherwise healty and fit. I like the suggestion that you go to a FD Doctor. Get a valid opinion from someone who truly knows. Best of luck !!!!!

[Catch]

I don't see that you're out of the fire service for any reason. I've got a heart condition that keeps me out of the military, but I'm still active in the fire service. So long as you can do the work like anyone else, I can't imagine you're not being able to be a firefighter.

[BrianMacc]

I also donated a kidney 5 years ago. I've been a firefighter for 15 years. My employer only wanted a letter from my physician stating I was in good health post transplant. I obtained prior to the operation, a letter from the city stating that donating a kidney would not hinder my career in any way possible. Some police departments will not allow a "one kidney person" to operate in the field.
Good luck and don't give up.
Brian

[johnny46]

When the last post was made on here, I was assigned to 46's as a pipeman, waiting for the EO's test to come out.

It's 0117 and I've resurrected this post. Ironically, I have only one kidney, like the author of this thread. I didn't search for this, I merely went to the last page of posts. Eight years it's taken for this thread to work to the 750th page. If the rate stays the same, I'll be a couple of years from the drop when I go retrieve it again in 2016. I'll put this in my calendar.

Does that make me insane?

[NCalElias]

Whatever in hell conspired to make you dig this stuff up?

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

When the last post was made on here, I was assigned to 46's as a pipeman, waiting for the EO's test to come out.

It's 0117 and I've resurrected this post. Ironically, I have only one kidney, like the author of this thread. I didn't search for this, I merely went to the last page of posts. Eight years it's taken for this thread to work to the 750th page. If the rate stays the same, I'll be a couple of years from the drop when I go retrieve it again in 2016. I'll put this in my calendar.

Does that make me insane?

To quote Curly Howard...

SOITENLY!