New donor

[vegiedonor]

Hello all, As of Oct 2018 I became part of the kidney donor group. A friend sent an email back in April saying a person he knew needed a transplant. I thought this was some sort of bogus scam. Checked with him, found out it was for real and said she could have mine. I'm 64 she's 61 and had to do an exchange with kidneys flying coast to coast but all are well I think. Avid bicyclist, sailor, and vegan in New York area. Grateful to be able to do this and be useful. The physical surgery/recovery part was absolutely no problem. The experience has certainly changed me for the better not to mention the recipient.

[LivingDonor2003 NKF Ambassador NKF Peer Mentor]

Congratulations on joining the "Club" and thank you for your selfless donation. The next step is to be share your story and be an advocate for living donation and/or encouraging others to register to be a donor.

[Happydonor]

Thank you for your generous donation. I hope you realize that you not only saved the life of your direct kidney recipient but also saved another person by "freeing up" a deceased donor kidney for them. Awesome selfless act by you. I hope you continue to recover quickly.

[vegiedonor in reply to Happydonor]

Thanks for reminding me. I always forget about the "freed up kidney".

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

CONGRATS! Based on my own experience, you might continue to feel the benefits of delight with your GIFT, not to mention your recipient AND the person who doesn't even know they were lucky to come off the list because of your donation (as mentioned by Happydonor)!!

[vegiedonor]

I guess the question should be "How does one not feel the benefits?" It has been only a few months but I keep discovering things even though I try to keep a low profile. The whole process has given me a purpose for which I am very grateful. My directed recipient, after having a rough time with complications, has gotten back to driving and most important of all, she was smiling the other day on the beach. Major accomplishment!, she's getting her life back. Not so bad for a "parts supplier".

[EchoMax1012]

Great job! It is also wonderful that you take great care of yourself after donation, by exercising and having a healthy diet (I too am plant-based). I do think it is incumbent on donors to realize that because of donation, there is an increased risk of ESRD vs healthy normals who do not donate.