living donors

[htristam]

My son has volunteered to donate a kidney to a stranger, and I can't say I am overjoyed about this. He is 28 and I am worried for him, I can think about nothing else. The operation is in a few weeks time. I would like to hear some stories to convince me he is doing the right thing.

[stevey10]

Hi. Ask the doctors is there any side effects and how long his recovery will be? I have close friends man & wife the man donated his kidney he had to stay of work for four months . With his wife back at work within five weeks . Mite be a one off thing. But he needs to ask lots of questions. I wish him well.

[andy52 in reply to stevey10]

Hi Just a very quick call my sister is wanting to do the same thing for me, I am 62

she is 58. Call back if I can help. Andrew

[Mungo]

As a recipient of a new kidney, I think it is a wonderful altruistic gesture by your Son. Saving a life is a very special thing. If he was mine, I would be very proud of him. However, you do need to talk to the doctors if you are worried.

[manbreak]

What a brilliant thing for him to do and how brave my Mum gave me her kidney over 30yrs ago she is now 77 and fit as a fiddle she still goes to the gym 3 or 4 times a week they do say people who donate are more likely to keep themselves more healthy I can understand how worried you are but you should be very proud that you have such a lovely son........

[Hidden]

I appreciate your concern and wanted to write to you to let you know that my dad donated his kidney to me in April 2013. He is in his 70's and as fit as a fiddle. The hospital performing your sons op WILL NOT take one of his kidneys if they are not 100% confident that he is fit and able to donate what will be a life saving organ. I think he is marvellous for doing this & I wish there were a lot more people out there like him. Bless you both and I wish you all the very best for 2015

[Hidden]

I appreciate your concern and wanted to write to you to let you know that my dad donated his kidney to me in April 2013. He is in his 70's and as fit as a fiddle. The hospital performing your sons op WILL NOT take one of his kidneys if they are not 100% confident that he is fit and able to donate what will be a life saving organ. I think he is marvellous for doing this & I wish there were a lot more people out there like him. Bless you both and I wish you all the very best for 2015

[htristam]

Thanks everyone for your comments. Son had kidney removed 2 weeks ago and is now ready to stop pain medication - seems to be recovering well. I am disappointed that he was discharged after 3 days barely able to walk with no advice or follow up appointments, just 'call us if you have any problems', perhaps its just maternal worry, he is not concerned.

[shorrj01]

Hi - very glad to hear all went well. I am also a previous donor and now part of a charity called Give a Kidney (giveakidney.org) which helps to raise awareness of non-directed donation and support donors (and their families!) through the process. Do get in touch if you or your son would like to talk to anyone who has already been through the process. Around 400 people in the UK have donated in this way now and the outcomes for the recipient are very good and significant problems with the donor are very rare.

It's usual for donors to be discharged after a few days if they are recovering well and there were no complications with surgery. The sooner they become mobile at home the better and many people prefer to be in their own environment. Of course they are not ill like many people who need beds in hospital, so once the operation is over and healing has begun people are discharged with pain killers and advice unless they are showing any causes for concern. If your son has any problems at all though do not hesitate to get in tough with his coordinator or go to your GP who will be able to offer prompt advice and support.

I wish your son a speedy recovery - his recipient will have a much better chance of a vastly improved life because of his gift. All the best to them both.