New here. From all I read, dialysis sounds horrific. Why aren’t more people stepping up to be living donors 4 family members instead?

[KellyLS]

Family, living donor, dialysis

[Cap21_NKF Partner]

Asking someone to be a living donor is no easy task. It is a big operation that can result in a lot of emotional pressure. Some people are just less likely to want to go through such a major change with their body.

[STLtoCLT]

While I agree that we can do more to encourage and educate around living donation, I would be careful being so quick to judge. As someone who has been going through the non-directed donor evaluation process these past several months, it’s a lengthy process and there are so many disqualifying health conditions that can arise. It also seems that in many cases kidney disease can run through a family - immediately disqualifying much of the network of a recipient in need. If someone is lucky enough not to have health as a limiting factor, the other challenge may be stepping away from work or from caretaking responsibilities for the few weeks needed to recover. Or they’re just scared by the risks (although manageable, others may not see it as such). I’m grateful that I’m healthy and at a point in my life where I can donate, but I never would judge someone who couldn’t do it.

[KellyLS in reply to STLtoCLT]

That was a great answer. I didn’t mean to sound judgemental of others.

[PUMPINGIRON42]

Our daughter began testing to donate for my husband, but she was disqualified after completing some of the tests. Due to his age, he can only receive a kidney from a living donor as the list for cadaver donors is so long! If you are interested, maybe you could donate to him.

[Hidden]

Yes, there are only 6500 living kidney donations per year. My wife was part of a paired kidney exchange in 2020 that allowed me to get a living donor transplant. Living donors are cool. I know 2 of them — my wife and my actual donor Elsa.

Honestly, it is a huge sacrifice to give away a kidney. Prior to being diagnosed with PKD I offered a kidney to my dad who had the disease as well. For me, donation was a no brainer.

[Rmatthew]

Coming from someone who’s been offered kidneys by friends/family, I refused to take a kidney off anyone, due to the risks for them, the procedure etc, I never wanted to put anyone through something similar to what I’m going through. That’s just my own take on it and I waited for a deceased list kidney.

This could also be an aspect into why more isn’t being done.

[SophieSkye]

I’m almost 65 and six months ago I donated to my 30 yr old son. He’d a kidney removed when he was 3. His remaining kidney failed couple of years back and transplant took place at 10% function. Dialysis was never an option. It was a no brainer for me. In Scotland I was rigorously tested physically & mentally every step of the way. My age was never an issue. My other 2 sons & family were worried but as long as you’re healthy & mentally strong, you’ll be fine. You’re giving the gift of life. However I do understand your concerns. You both need to speak openly with your renal team about all risks involved. Good luck