As a 17 year old, can I donate a kidney to my cousin?!


Question: As a 17 year old, can I donate a kidney to my cousin?
Yesterday, my cousin was in a horrible wreck, which crushed his pelvic bone, tail bone, and a few others (I think). His bladder was punctured, and his kidneys are badly bruised and are barely functioning. They're not completely sure if the lack of function is due to bruising or if it's permanent,

My question is, if his kidneys were to quit functioning, would I be eligible to be a donor? I turn 18 on June 2nd, which is a little less than 2 months. I also graduate high school in mid-May. Would I be able to donate one sooner, or would I have to wait? I also smoke, and I read that you have to quit smoking for a month before you can donate (I would do that and need to quit anyway). I can't really find a lot of information about his through search engines, so I would really appreciate opinions and comments.

Answers:

I'm sorry to hear of your cousin's accident. It is way too soon to even think about a transplant. They put him on to dialysis to rest his bruised and traumatised kidneys and it will be a long time before transplant is considered.

You have to be 18 a reasonable match, free of disease and preferably a non smoker.

Let your cousin begin to heal before even mentioning such a dramatic procedure. I wish your family lots of luck.



I don't know where you live but here in the UK you have to be 18 to donate blood or organs

You also have to be a non-smoker (recipients choice) with no history of STD's




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