What is process for NKF Living Donor?

[amimahesh]

I am new to this blog. I am about to donate a Kidney

[hjwazwaz]

Hi Amimahesh! Congrats on wanting to become a donor. Do you know who you are donating to? If you do then you go to that person’s transplant center and let them know you are interested. If you live far away then call them. The living donation begins with a thorough evaluation of your health. If you want to donate to anonymously then contact the nearest transplant center and they will direct you on how to begin the process. Also search around you to see if there’s anyone in need of a kidney in your community.

Once you’re in contact with a transplant center, they will have you do a few blood tests, check your BP and make sure your BMI (body mass index) is under 30. If those tests come back good then they will schedule a day for you to have more tests along with an interview. Each center does this differently and they will walk you through all the steps.

The most important thing is for you to be healthy, have the same blood type as your recipient and and match close enough on the tissue typing. Once all the testing is done and everything matches, you can schedule surgery. This process can take up to a few weeks to a few months depending on center.

Hope this helps!

[hjwazwaz in reply to hjwazwaz]

Let’s say you are healthy and can donate but you’re not compatible with the recipient. You can still donate by entering into the paired exchange program which means you will donate to someone other than the recipient and another donor in your same situation can donate to your recipient. Many centers have that option. Instead of saving one life, you save two!

[BigTerp44]

Hi Amimahesh-

You are about to embark on an amazing journey. Hjwazwaz post is spot on. Feel free to google my story. Go to Delta Sigma Phi, Summer 2014 Carnation. Page 40-42.

A few tips.

Make sure you have a comfortable place to recover and a caregiver. The 3-7 days post op will find you tired and sore. But, follow the post op instructions and you will be fine. Walk as much as you can and take it easy to 2-4 weeks. I was back playing soccer 5 weeks post op.

I'm 8 years post op and feel fine.

Good luck to you.

Much respect-

Gene