Doing well but always wondering...

[JSjs2009]

I'm new to this online community. I donated to my brother in 2009. My health is good but I'm always wondering how long that will last. Does anyone else feel that way?

[JanChristensen]

I donated in 1990, and except for high blood pressure, easily controlled by drugs, now at age 76, I'm in great health. The blood pressure issue could have happened anyway--my father had it, and I admit I'm overweight. I am sure you will do well in the years to come. After all, we all had to be very healthy in order to donate in the first place.

[katiw in reply to JanChristensen]

Great response! Thank you!

[LivingDonor2003 NKF Ambassador NKF Peer Mentor]

Sometimes. I take better care of myself now then I did before donating. Not a health "freak" but maybe more health conscious now. Donating really should have very little effect on your health going forward...so long as you take care of yourself.

Lately I have been more concerned about how long my recipient's (mother) health will last. I donated to her in Feb 2003.

[Sulyn]

Hello - I donated a kidney to my husband in 2011 and had the same thought. During my research on the topic I found that the life expectancy of a kidney donor is the same as a non donor. Also before I donated my kidney in 2011, my son donated his kidney to my husband in 1998 - that was 18 year ago and he is in very good health. Other than following a normal healthy diet, we have foods low in salt . With exercise and a healthy diet we hope to live many more years as I'm sure you will too. Best of luck to you and to the person you donated to!!

[pegarizona]

I donated only about 1 1/2 years ago but I enjoy excellent health and don't worry about it. I just try to live healthily. My sister donated over 25 years ago and also is in great health. Good luck, take good care of yourself and betting you'll live well for many years.

[Kaurageous in reply to pegarizona]

What a brave and giving family you are. May you be blessed in all the good things.

[marcyc NKF Ambassador NKF Peer Mentor]

I donated in 2015. I am also a RN with 25 years ICU experience so know all the things that can go wrong with a person. I take better care of myself now, exercise, eat better, get my annual physical. There are people born with one kidney and do just fine for life. Try not to worry, just make time to care for yourself as well as you care for others.

[katiw]

I love all the positive comments people are leaving. It's a common concern I think in the back of everyone's minds. Thanks for sharing!

[nharper]

My sister donated a kidney to me 30 years ago she is health and lives a full life.. After transplant she had three more kids. So be thankful and live your life to the fullest..