how do I help my loved one

[Pinkyboo28]

I’m considering donating my kidney if given the all clear ofcourse to my brother who is at end of life with stage 5 kidney disease. However I do not know who to contact would it be his kidney specialist that he sees every month? It’s hard because his also mentally ill so doesn’t know himself if he wants to do this but I am willing to try and save him. Just want to speak to someone and don’t know who. Doesn’t seem like he wants to even do dialysis let alone transplant but I just want to know more and do more. I think my gfr is 79

[FelineFandom146]

Hello and thank you for wanting to be a Living Donor for your brother. First thing is to contact your brother's Kidney specialist if your brother isn't with a Transplant Center yet. Tell him your intentions and see what needs to be done. Hope all goes well for both of you. I don't know where you're located but if you have access to internet you can always search online, too to see what you want to know. Hope this helps both of you. Wishing you both the best!! Here are a couple of links to get you started:

organdonor.gov/learn/life-s...

kidney.org/kidney-topics/be...

To become a living donor for your brother, follow these steps:

Contact Your Brother’s Transplant Center: Reach out to your brother’s transplant center and ask for the “Living Donor Transplant Coordinator.” They will guide you through the process and provide information on the evaluation and donation process.

Evaluation Process: You will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are healthy enough to donate a kidney. This includes:

Medical history and physical examination

Blood tests and imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI scans)

Urine tests and kidney function assessments

Psychological evaluation to assess your motivation and understanding of the donation process

Matching Process: If you are deemed a suitable donor, your brother’s transplant center will perform a tissue typing test to determine your compatibility as a donor. This involves comparing your and your brother’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types.

Surgery and Recovery: If you are matched, you will undergo a nephrectomy (kidney removal) surgery. The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours, and you will spend 1-2 days in the hospital for recovery. After surgery, you will need 4-6 weeks of rest and recovery before returning to normal activities.

Post-Donation Care: Your transplant center will provide guidance on post-donation care, including:

Pain management

Wound care

Medication regimen

Follow-up appointments

Additional Considerations

Financial Assistance: Your transplant center may have financial assistance programs or resources to help with expenses related to the donation process.

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to FelineFandom146]

Thank you so much for all this information o really appreciate it