Feeling lost: Hi. I donated my kidney to my... - Kidney Donation

Kidney Donation

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Feeling lost

susieinindiana profile image
6 Replies

Hi. I donated my kidney to my brother in 1997. He had 26 years of doing what he loved, however, his death has been painful for me.

I know that’s what they told us about our recipient’s death, yet I had been so positive and felt the donation was such a freeing experience, I thought I was prepared.

Any advice?

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susieinindiana profile image
susieinindiana
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6 Replies
SophieSkye profile image
SophieSkye

I’m so so sorry for your loss. We are never prepared for losing a loved one. Can I please ask the cause of your brother’s passing? Was this renal related?

susieinindiana profile image
susieinindiana in reply to SophieSkye

He had congestive heart failure and complications from Type 1 diabetes. They found that his kidney had completely failed on Thursday and his body then just gave in by that Sunday Morning.

Tarheel8082 profile image
Tarheel8082 in reply to susieinindiana

I can only imagine how you feel. I'm in the evaluation process to donate to my brother, also a Type 1 diabetic. Losing him is one of my greatest fears. I wish I had advice, will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

SophieSkye profile image
SophieSkye

My condolences Susie. So tragic. Thinking of you and all the family.

cathyserene profile image
cathyserene

Susie, I'm sorry for your loss. It's very strange and disconcerting to lose a brother. I was a donor to a dear friend who died after just 3 years. My personal loss never eases but her family and friends remain grateful for the chance of life that I gave her. I remain an advocate for donors. You and your brother had 26 years of memories and joy. Please cherish that; Through the sorrows I hope many happy memories will surface.

GivingOne profile image
GivingOne

So sorry for your loss, sending you virtual hugs 🫂 and positive energy your way through. I've lost a sibling to Cancer, even though that's not the same thing you're going through, I tend to just go day by day, and on the holidays or her birthday, I think of good memories only, keep busy, and I try to remember she wouldn't want me to be depressed or jeopardize my own health since she was a Nurse.

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