Hello,
How do I decide I want to be a donor for a woman in my community? She volunteers her time for seniors and is loved by many. I feel it is our need to help others as I believe we are all connected spiritually. So why do I have doubts?
These are my concerns:
My wife is concerned insurance companies will deny us coverage in the future when they find out I gave one of my kidneys. I see some posts here about continuous abdominal pain.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Your generosity will be rewarded in so many ways- your recipients life will immediately be better, all of the pre-donor screening will prove to you how healthy you are, and emotionally you will fulfilled because you are doing such a great thing.
My husband has received this most generous gift twice from his sister and his wife (me) and we would both do it again if we could! Based on our experience at NY Presbyterian both time, we have no abdominal pains. The procedure was improved to a single port extraction which dramatically reduces the incision. I have no lingering impacts. The only impact I had was fatigue/more tired for a few months — I took my 1st nap! My body has adjusted and I’m back to my pre-donation energy level.
Happy to answer any questions you or your wife as you explore this gift.
I was a donor in 2015 and would do it again in a minute. I am also a RN. First, call your local transplant center. They have free classes for anyone interested. You are thoroughly tested to make certain you are healthy enough to donate. You have a team separate from the recipient. Their job is to protect you. You have your own social worker. They talk with you about why you want to do this. You can back out anytime. They don’t tell the donor why, say not medically suitable. National Kidney Foundation has a Peer Mentor Program. You can call and they will give you a mentor to talk with. I am one. Also there is federal and state legislation in progress called the Living Donor Protection Act which assures FMLA and prohibits insurance discrimination. Ask me anything! Important considerations. The donors insurance covers all care for donor. You will have follow up for 2 years at Transplant center and then annual with family doctor. I was back to work in 3 weeks.
PeaceToAll - No one can help you decide to give the gift of life....that's all within yourself.
The others who have replied have said what I feel myself -- I'd do it again if I could in a heartbeat...but we gave to family members. You'd be doing one better!
Resources have been listed out accurately and I too, had abdominal pain post op, but nothing more... it goes away and mine was all from gas... NOTHING more!
As far as insurance ... can't speak to that other than as long as you don't lapse, you're FINE! It's perfectly normal to have one kidney!!
Just thinking about donating is a wonderful thing... doing it is AMAZING! You won't be able to donate unless YOUR TEAM of doctors clears you; so it's also wonderful knowing that you're healthy enough yourself and can share with someone less fortunate!
Good luck!!
Please view Lori Palatnik's video on being a donor. youtube.com/watch?time_cont... It is well worth watching. Your insurance will NOT deny you coverage! This is a marvelous thing you are considering!
First there's individuals that are born with one kidney. You actually only need one. Secondly the receiptants insurance covers you from testing, actual kidney removal and future aftercare. Thirdly Transplant can tell you if you're even a healthy candidate, lastly if you are a candidate Transplant Doctors wouldn't let you donate one of your kidneys if it was going to create major issues for you in the future. But, you also have to ask your wife "What if it was her that needed a kidney and you were the only match. Would she take it or just wait for a random donor. I will just tell you dialysis is a life altering situation that affects you mentally, physically and financially.
Dear PeaceToall-
I have had ZERO issues with health insurance coverage since I donated in 2012. In fact, the care and medical testing I received pre and post donation was fantastic.
My recovery was relatively unremarkable. I was playing competitive soccer 30 days post op. Don't get me wrong, the first 3 days, I was tired, grumpy and a general pain in the butt but overall, I would do it again.
Feel free to reach out if I can help.
Cheers
Kidney donor 
Altruistic donor
Living Donor
Donor
Desperate for a Kidney Donor 
