Organ Donation

[Artemis61]

Hi, I would like some advice / opinions if possible.

I would like to enrol in the live kidney donation programme. My only concern is 'what if my brother needs it'. He was hospitalised with decompensated cirrhosis in 2019 and was given a 20% chance of survival. He miraculously recovered and is now compensated. All his bloods are 'normal'. His latest scan showed that his liver was 'surprisingly' smooth and his kidneys are healthy. The only issue is an enlarged spleen for which he is waiting for a meeting with the consultant. I really want to help someone who needs a kidney but in the back of my mind have given 'first dibs' to my brother. I asked his consultant shortly after he was discharged if I could give him part of my liver but he said 'not really, a cadaver organ would be better' and that he 'probably wouldn't need a transplant for at least 10 anyway'. I am an organ donor but I'm thinking why wait till I'm dead when my organs may not be in tip top condition, I could give one now and hopefully change someone's life. Thoughts please! Thanks

[AyrshireK]

You would have nothing to loose in touching base with the live transplant programme for an initial discussion as to the ins and outs of it all.

In the long term you may not even be a match for your brother regarding the kidney as it has to be an exact tissue match to the recipient (not just blood group and size which is what liver is).Does your brother need your help with things day to day or do you have other caring responsibilities because these procedures are not without risk or longer term potential implications to you.

There are many pros and cons and you need to discuss these with the organ donation people (and indeed there is a lengthy procedure to go through) before you can enter the live donor programme.

At the end of the day it has to be your decision to be an altruistic donor, best wishes if you do go ahead. Personally I couldn't risk it, too many what ifs, no surgery is without risk let along giving away a major organ. Good on you if you go for it.

Katie

[Artemis61 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie, my brother is fine, he takes a cocktail of drugs daily, get very tired and has trouble sleeping through the night. He hasn't touched alcohol since 3 days before he was admitted, which is why his body went into shock we think. He's back at work and doing good and his good bloods and scan results are good news. I will call the live transplant people and have a chat. Thanks for your help x

[kensimmons in reply to Artemis61]

I'm a little confused, would the kidney donation be for someone you know or just random, to be a good citizen of the world.

Doing it for either reason would make you a superstar in my eyes, but if it's for the first reason, there is a stronger argument than doing it for a random stranger.

That was to introduce my question, or two questions, or one question in two parts...

1. How will you feel if you don't donate the kidney? Again, it's important if this is for someone you know "my best friend from childhood really needs it" or just for "general use".

2. How will you feel if your brother - who has already shown he is in a super high risk situation and most certainly could need it a liver or kidney donation - how will you feel if this ends badly for him but you couldn't donate because of your actions previously (if you had already donated)?

Fearing that I would never forgive myself, I would consider any donation at this time out of the question, but I am not telling you what to do, I am telling you how I would mentally approach it.

Bless you in either case. Clearly you are a very caring and generous person. Inspiring!

[Artemis61 in reply to kensimmons]

Thanks for your reply, I've decided to hang fire for the moment. My brother will hopefully have a consultant appointment soon and I'll go with him and discuss with him. I think you're right, I'd never forgive myself if I couldn't help my brother. X

[kensimmons in reply to Artemis61]

Let us know how it turns out. Bless you and good luck!

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Hi,

Here is the NHS information on 'Living liver donor' that may be helpful. Please do fully discuss your thoughts with your own GP first.

organdonation.nhs.uk/become...

edit- apologies i think you are looking for info on kidney donation, this is not our area of expertise but here is the NHS info-

organdonation.nhs.uk/become...