You will need to provide us with a list of phone numbers so when organs become available, we will be able to get contact you. Think about who would most likely be able to reach you if you are not at home. When attempts are made to contact you when donor organs become available, the person trying to reach you will not leave a message on an answering machine. It is important that they speak directly with someone. If you leave instructions on the answering machine on how to contact you, those instructions will be followed.
Many people ask about the use of pagers or beepers while they are waiting for transplant.
We do not recommend the use of pagers as we have had problems with them in the past. If you feel you must carry a pager, we suggest you obtain the type of pager that displays the number of the person who is trying to reach you. It will also be important for you to let the transplant coordinators know how you are doing while you are waiting. Specifically, you will need to notify the transplant coordinators if you are placed on any antibiotics, if your steroid dose changes or if you are hospitalized. Also, one of the transplant coordinators will contact you by phone periodically.