Was Movie Wrong?

[Crocheting-Cricket]

My sister watched a remake of "Steel Magnolias" with Queen Latifah the other night and the mother donated a kidney to her daughter. But, my sister said they had to break two ribs in order to do the transplant! I am getting ready to donate to my brother and my sister was all upset about this. I have NEVER heard anything about ribs in all that I've read (and I've read a LOT!) Has anyone else heard such a thing? Thanks!

[vegiedonor]

In the early days of transplants, I've read that the whole process was a real ordeal for the donor since the kidney was removed through their back and it took a long time for recovery. Maybe we can get a medical professional to answer this history question. Hope all is well for everyone out there.

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

Hello - I'm NOT a medical professional! I donated to my Dad over 13 years ago. At THAT TIME, even though my surgery was not intended to be the OLD the OPEN cut, I did have to sign a waiver saying if something happened and they had to change the way they needed to get to my kidney, I allowed them to do the OLD surgery. It was described to me as about a 12 inch incision, and THE POSSIBILITY of removing a rib (or two?).... I didn't need to worry, it was all taken care of with minimally invasive surgery through my belly button - thank goodness. Again, that was over 13 years ago!! I'm SURE the techniques have improved even more and that the OLD way is even OLDER by now.

GOOD LUCK! Keep us posted!

[Crocheting-Cricket in reply to DSKdonor]

Thank you so much for this! I will pass this onto my sister so she won't be worrying so much!

[Michaelynn]

That movie refers to the old days.

Side incision was brutal

Now a days . Most of this is laparoscopic.

My incision was about 5 inches long around the bikini line. Nowhere near the ribs.

Don’t sweat it!

[Crocheting-Cricket in reply to Michaelynn]

It's funny, but I'm not sweating it at all! It's my "big sister" that is more concerned! Ha! Thanks so much for this!

[Michaelynn in reply to Crocheting-Cricket]

My pleasure. It’s one of the greatest things you will ever do! I donated 6 years ago to a stranger who is now a friend. No regrets! God bless you!