I'm considering donating a kidney and would love to hear from someone else who has also donated one. Basically, I want to know how it's affected your life, have their been negative consequences, that sort of thing.
I'm not a doctor but a long time ago my friend told me that her brother may need a new kidney. She said she was told she would not even be considered since she had not had any children yet. I don't know but it would be worth asking if you want any more. I think it is a beautiful thing you are considering! Good luck.
I didn't donate my kidney, but I donated my bone marrow for a cancer patient. I can't tell you how rewarding it was to be able to help save a life. I say go for it if you are healthy. It will change your life and you will be a true blessing to someone as you give the miracle of life to someone in need. You are in my prayers.
Unless it is a life or death decision and you are someone's only hope, I'd wait to do something so wonderful when your family will be less impacted. The recovery time will take away from your precious babies. They need you now full time.
One of my best friend's gave a kidney to her dad. She basically has to go periodically for check ups and she cannot allow even the slightest sign of a urinary track infection go without a trip to the doctor immediately. She has to just be vigilant and take good care of herself. Her recovery was pretty rough but it has been a couple years ago now and she seems to be just fine.
I do not have any experience in donating, but what a huge decision you have to make.
I will pray that you have the courage to make an informed decision.
I pray that if you do give this person such a great gift that your surgery and recovery go well, and that the person that may receive your gift also has a good surgery and recovery. I will pray that you have a long and fulfilled life.
If you choose not to do this, remember it is your choice, and even thinking of giving this gift is remarkable.
I hope your decision is clear in your head, and you feel in your heart that you are doing the right thing...what ever it is you decide.
God Bless you ....
I think that this is a wonderful thing to concider doing, but you may want to think about the consequences to your children later on in life. A kidney is one of those things that the blood type and such has to be just right in order for the transplant to go smoothly, and majority of the time they are looking for a family member, the closer the better for a correct match that will not be rejected by the recipient. I would just hate for you to give one up without knowing if it's going to help anyone or not, and not to mention that if anything happens with one of your children, you will not have one to give up any longer. I would just talk to someone like a councelor and a doctor regarding this before you make such a big decision. I saw that there are several on here that mentioned they have donated one before, but each of them were family members. I would just check in to be sure you are doing to right thing for yourself, your family, and the person you are concidering donating to. If it's a family member, then you are more likely to be able to have a smooth transition. Good luck, and may God be with you in this decision.
D. H.
Hi E.. I am so glad that you are considering donating a kidney it is such a blessing. I donated a kidney to my son when I was 31 years old. I am now turning 47 at the end of October and have had no problems whatsoever. I heard stories from other people about all the problems I would have but they were all wrong. Please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com or on this website. God bless you and hope everything works out for you.
E.,
A little over 1 year ago, my mother in law donated a kidney to my husband. She was able to do the laproscopy procedure but has had NO problems. It took about 6 weeks (3 weeks down time ) to recover but has been fine ever since. No medications to continue either.
Good luck with this, and know that if you decide to do this you are helping a family beyond your meausres. And on there behalf I will say Thank you, and God Bless.
The thought of you donating a kidney is wonderful and thoughtful.
The thing you need to keep in mind is that you have 2 very small children that need there mommy in the best of health for the years to come to raise them to be healthy happy children.
When you give an organ that is vital to you like a kidney you will be on meds for the rest of your life everyday,and the complications of the possibility of something going wrong. if not sooner it can happen later. If your children were grown then that would be great for you to make a decision like that. You have to think of your children FIRST and how you need to be as healthy for them.
Wow E., that's a big decision. Are you considering donating a kidney to family member or close friend that is in need? Or do you have a desire to help a stranger?
You have two small children. You need to consider how this surgery and it's consequences will affect them as well as yourself. Your first responsibility is to them.
I am an RN and I have cared for several patients following a donation and transplant. It is NO JOKE. It is usually a long process for both patients and is not without serious risks and life-long effects. Weigh your options carefully, do your research, talk to your doctor and think long-term about how this will affect you and your family. Good luck!
Hi E.,
What a noble and beautiful thing to consider doing for someone. My dad donated a kidney to my mom in 1992 (she had kidney disease) and it lasted until her death in 2001. Keep in mind that you can donate that organ and the recipient's body can reject it a day later-disappointing, I know but it is the harsh truth) My dad did very well with the surgery, no complications, no permanent meds from this and is still doing fine today with one kidney (he is now 65). The doctors said the chance of them being a match was 1 in 17,000 but they were. And it provided a kidney to my mom for several years and she did not have to wait a long time for a cadaver donor.
I was also willing to donate to my mom in those days but still had a several months until I turned 18. Now, more recently my MIL is on dialysis (for over a yr) and needs a kidney. When I told my hubby I considered it, he said no way b/c his mom ended up on dialysis by not ever caring for herself (she has diabetes and high blood pressure) and STILL continues to do the same. I must say I agree. An organ is a precious gift and if the recipient will not treat it as such, then why go through that great risk? Also even if nothing has ever been diagnosed in you, make sure to consider all symptoms you may have from time to time and I would not proceed unless you are a VERY healthy individual. I am not sure who you are considering this for so I am just throwing all things out there for you to think about. Best of luck to you! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
L.
