Living donors!

[sleepyhead81]

Hi all

My brother has advanced kidney diseas and needs a transplant. Anything i should be aware of offering my aervices to him as a live dono? Will take quite a but to deter me but good to hear from live donors!!! X

[michelle5656]

I’m (hopefully!) a recipient from a live donor. We are just starting down this route now. The main thing I’ve picked up is that testing isn’t a quick process. They will test you to the enth degree - but they try their utmost to do so as efficiently as possible.

If you can, take a look at the recent BBC documentary on a live donor. See google.co.uk/url?sa=i&sourc...

[sleepyhead81 in reply to michelle5656]

You are amazing. Thank you and i wish you all the luck in the world. Its great they do rigorous testing in a way...anything to increase the chance of success is good for everyone.

[michelle5656 in reply to sleepyhead81]

No - you are the amazing one! People who are prepared to donate a part of themselves in such a physical way just floors me. We all say we’d do this if our loved one needed it but being in need myself I’ve been surprised at the number of folks who just wouldn’t consider being a live donor. I’m not holding that against them at all - this isn’t like borrowing a top or 50p. The implications that need considering are not light. But you will be giving your loved one something that they can never take for granted because it’s the gift of life.

But the process seems slow but from that I take that it’s through. There are psychological assessments that you’ll go through for both of you. You’ll not be allowed to donate there is even a slight risk to you. Equally, if you can be are not a match I’ve seen scheme a bit like buying a house where you are in a chain. I’m constantly amazed by the options, the opportunities and the process.

[sleepyhead81 in reply to michelle5656]

What kind of psychological testing do they do? I was diagnosed with anxiety but had treatment and on a small amount of meds and i actually now believe im far stronger mentally than anyone thats never had CBT as Im able to cope with my thoughts far better than others. I dont want them thinking because I had anxiety Im ruled out when im mentally in such a good place but only I know how I feel. Any tips?

[michelle5656 in reply to sleepyhead81]

We’ve not got to that stage yet but as I understand it, it’s to ensure you know what you are doing, that you aren’t being coerced into donating an organ and to obviously prepare you all for what if it doesn’t work. There are no guarantees. I’ve also recently heard that after the op, you aren’t in the same ward as the person you are donating to. This is to protect everyone from the effects of it not taking / working. These guys know what they are doing. We’ve just got to trust them.

[sleepyhead81 in reply to michelle5656]

100% agree they know what theyre doing I dont ....and that actually makes total sense if theyre in different wards. I really appreciate you sharing what you have found out you really have been fantastic. X

[sleepyhead81 in reply to sleepyhead81]

Yes i heard about that pooling program where you do a kidney swapsie lol. Such a great sensible idea.