Live kidney donation

[matthew2909]

Hello all just an update on where I’m at in the process I’m now at the tests stage but I’m wondering what tests do they do I know they do ultrasounds but what else and do any involve using a needle or anything

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

Hello! I donated over 12 years ago, so my memory might not be too too accurate, but to my recollection, aside from blood tests, most of the tests did NOT involve needles! CT Scan, X-ray perhaps, colonoscopy, stress test -- and some may vary based on YOUR age and what you have or have not had tested recently. Just remember, in the end, if you can donate - THAT'S THE PRIZE and there are 2 winners!!! Best of luck to you.

[vegiedonor in reply to DSKdonor]

Just for fun I counted how many vials of blood they took from me from start to finish. Would you believe 80! I just stopped looking after awhile and I'm a regular blood donor. I have my 6 month checkup this Monday (more blood and I'm still not looking.) Good luck Matt.

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador in reply to vegiedonor]

I personally did not have NEARLY that many... perhaps only 10% ... certainly not more than 10 total!!

[Abram1]

Dear Matthew.

The amount of blood tests mostly depends on the recipient. In some cases, the center will repeatedly test both parties' blood to fine tune compatibility.

In my case, the hospital sent me vials which I brought to a local testing center and then returned via fedex to the hospital. This way you don't have to miss more work than is necessary.

After donation, I became a regular platelet donor (about every three weeks) so I guess I overcame my fear of needles

Good luck and don't worry about the occasional black and blue mark

[alimesoda]

Hi Matt

I donated to my husband last year and I was not a good needle person either and I’m not an easy stick—which means it’s tough for them to find a big vein. I just took it one day at a time and kept my mind focused on the end goal— a successful transplant! The 1st round of testing is bloodwork to confirm whether you are a match. As others have said they take loads of vials but its typically only via one needle. Once blood type, antigens, and cross match confirmed that I was a match the next step involved spending nearly a full day for further testing (EKG, cat scan, xrays), psych consult, insurance consult, and surgical consult. Depending on your age, you may need a colonoscopy. Given that I’m female, I also needed mammo and clearance from my Gyno. If you have any other specific findings you may need more tests but hopefully not!

Best of luck! You are a very specially person!!!

[butterflyintraining in reply to alimesoda]

Alimesoda

I’m donating to my husband too. I’m worried about not being able to be there for him. They said many times the donor is in a separate part of the hospital from the recipient and post surgery I want to be as close to him as I can. Any tips there? Anything you experienced?

[alimesoda in reply to butterflyintraining]

Our surgeries were at New York Presbyterian in NYC and it depends on room availability and outcomes whether your in the same floor/unit. They discourage shared room. I ended up being on a different floor. I suggest that you get two support teams so both you and your husband have someone with you. I truly had no pain with the exception of gas pain from the procedure technique. I used loads of heat packs constantly which was very southing. My stomach and head did not tolerate the pain meds but I truly did not have pain in the incision area but I was very fortunate to have benefited from a single port nephrectomy which mean I only had one incision in belly button— it was so amazing to me!

Feel free to ask away bc it’s so helpful! I met an altruistic donor randomly one month before my surgery who was a fantastic help. We are attending the NKF gala in nyc together next week because we are now lifetime friends!

[Crocheting-Cricket]

I'm pretty sure that as soon as you're able to get out of bed, they'll have you go see your husband, no matter where he is! The nurses may also help you with a wheelchair if you can't get up right away. Just ask! I'm sure they'll be very helpful.

[marcyc NKF Ambassador NKF Peer Mentor]

I had many blood tests, CT scan of kidneys with contrast(small needle), blood gasses, EKG, Chest X-ray. And had all the normal prevention tests like colonoscopy, Pap test, mammogram. I already was up to date so just had to get results. 24 hour urine tests and a 24 hour blood pressure monitor. I donated in 2015.