Kidney Donor

[LGM17]

I donated a kidney to my husband in 2013 at University of Maryland Medical Center when I was 64. I am in excellent health with the exception of mild arthritis. I would be happy to share my experience with anyone considering donation.

[Sulyn]

Hello, I also gave my kidney to my husband in 2011 also at the age of 64 and we are both doing well. Hopefully we both can be a source of support for others considering kidney donation especially to those who are older adults such as ourselves.

[MeganHagerty]

I'm considering donating when I'm 18 (in 2 months) but am still on-the-fence about my decision and trying to research more. Right now my family and I are mostly wondering about finances, medical bills, and insurance and how that will be. I was wondering, if it's not too much or too rude to ask, what those aspects are like for you? I can't seem to find many people talking about the cost of the surgery for donors.

[Sulyn in reply to MeganHagerty]

Hello Megan

The cost of the surgery for the donor and the recipient is payed for by Medicare. My son gave my husband a kidney when he was 24 and my husband was 50. Medicare payed for both surgeries. In 2011 my husband needed to have another transplant and I gave him my kidney and Medicare paid for my surgery and for my husband's surgery. This information is available by contacting Medicare or the National Kidney Foundation.

Hope this is helpful.

Susan