What are the consequences of donating a kidney?!
Question: I read an article where someone was looking for someone to donate a kidney of a certain blood type, and I have the certain blood type they are looking for. I am a 30 year old woman with no health problems, but I do like to drink a few beers through out the week. I would also like to know if it would have any affect if I were to get pregnant and have a baby if it would have any affect on my body or would I be shortening my life span? If anyone has any information please let me know. I just read this article and it really stood out, and before I reply if I could be a possible donor for this person, I would like to know what I would be getting myself in to.
Answers: I read an article where someone was looking for someone to donate a kidney of a certain blood type, and I have the certain blood type they are looking for. I am a 30 year old woman with no health problems, but I do like to drink a few beers through out the week. I would also like to know if it would have any affect if I were to get pregnant and have a baby if it would have any affect on my body or would I be shortening my life span? If anyone has any information please let me know. I just read this article and it really stood out, and before I reply if I could be a possible donor for this person, I would like to know what I would be getting myself in to.
I think i can help you with this question! I am a living donor as I gave my left kidney to my daughter, ten years ago!
I can truly tell you that I have had no problems. My right kidney carries the full load and I just had an urinalysis done, for my own peace of mind, and it shows my levels are perfect!
I understand that now, they are doing the actual surgery, laproscopically. That is a miracle and one I am very happy to know. When I gave, it was a major operation and the donor went through much more than the patient!! Not anymore! It is like a day surgery now!
If you feel led to do this, I would certainly pray about it and if the incentive is there...go for it! You will save a life and there is no reason why you should not be able to have children! The transplanted women have children too!
God bless you for even thinking about this and if you decide to go through with this, please let me know and I will keep you in my prayers!
Well, there are a lot more factors that need to match besides just blood type. If you are considering this donation, remember, it is major surgery. Do you have insurance? Will your insurance cover your hospital stay, etc.? Can you get the time off of work that would be required? Are you willing to take a chance like this for a person you don't know? If you can do all this, then you should pursue it further. As far as having a child, the only drawback I can see is that if your child ever needed a kidney, you would not have one to donate even if you were a match. Good luck and God bless, whatever you decide.
Your Immune system will be quite low and you will get colds/flus virus more often!
There are many tests that are done before the medical team can determine if you can donate. Aside from blood type other compatibilities must match and you will have to pass a physical exam and other testing. If you are a match, the surgery is done laparoscopically today. This means several small incisions, faster healing time, less pain, less time in the hospital... I am almost positive that the recipients insurance pays for all of the donor's medical bills so you don't have to worry about the financial aspects. Many people have one kidney and it will do the job of both kidneys with no problem. It should not affect a pregnancy but ask your doctor about this.
There is a severe kidney shortage so if you decide to donate you will be doing a great deed- God Bless and good luck making the decision.
I just want to correct what one poster said.
As the donor, you will NOT have any medical expenses -- all the expenses will be paid by the receiver's insurance (or medicare if they are uninsured - kidney failure is the only disease under medicare that is fully funded for all age groups - kind of odd but that's how the law was written).
And your job is secure under the medical leave act.
I think it is fantastic that you are considering this.
I would check out www.unos.org - this is the group that maintains the transplant list and they can answer all of your questions and put you in contact with a local organization that can start the testing process.
Good luck.