Non-Directed kidney donation

[NickyCampbell]

Hi! I've recently been considering becoming a non-directed kidney donor and I'm wondering if there are any donors here who could tell me about the process and their experience. Have you made any life changes after? What was your recovery like after?

Thanks!

[Charlene_Coxhead]

Hi Nicky

What a fantastic thing you are considering doing . I can only tell you what my mum had done when she was trying to be a donor for me.

You have loads of bloods to see what blood type, tissue type and to check for any virus such as HIV etc and that you have no under laying health conditions. If these come back fine,you will need chest x-rays, ultra scan, gfr tracer, ECG, heart scan. Before all this you will need to see a counsellor about thr process and the reasons you want to do this, this will also involve seeing a surgeon to explain the operations and the risks.

It's fantastic what you are thinking of doing and as some one that is on the waiting list as my mum was found to have kidney issues and so was my dad you are considering giving the gift of life. If You decide to do this you will change someone's life.

After donating your kidney you will be looked after my the renal team for the first 12 to 24 months and then your be looked after by your gp doing 6 monthly bloods.

I would recommend you speaking to the professionals, even if you look into this you are not committed you are just getting all the info you need to make your decision.

Hope this has helped a little

Charlene

[mdelponte515 in reply to Charlene_Coxhead]

it's worth it. If I wasn't a match for my husband I would've gone this route.

[Hidden]

Hi Nicky

I donated a kidney to my husband four weeks ago. We were lucky to be "a good match", but if this had not been the case I would have gone into a pool and donated my kidney to a stranger. I believe that kidneys from living donors perform better than those from deceased donors, so it would be a marvellous thing if you decided to go ahead. There are loads of tests (as detailed by Charlene), none of which are at all painful and they make sure you are really fit and healthy before they will accept you.

I had the operation to remove my kidney on a Thursday and came home on the Sunday. The whole process was very smooth and I experienced a degree of discomfort but no real pain. I was stiff and feeling tired for a few days but soon recovered, and was able to go for walks from the Tuesday. I was driving again within three weeks. My only real problem was I had constipation for several days and I was told this is common.

I made sure I kept myself fit by taking regular exercise in the weeks just before the operation and I'm sure this helped my recovery.

I do hope you give serious consideration to becoming a donor. It has made a big difference to my husband, who now has much more energy and is feeling considerably better. The kidney worked immediately. Your gesture could certainly make a huge difference to someone's life.

Best of luck,

Glynis

[mdelponte515 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Glynis I did the same. It was the easiest decision I ever made. Good luck to you and your husband. Happy healing.

[NickyCampbell]

Thanks guys, this helped a lot!

[gardengirl97301]

Glad to hear this! I'm just going through the process for a transplant! Gives me hope!

[Hassmac]

Can I echo what has been said. As I transplant recipient (15 years ago from my dad) I am so grateful to people like you who are considering this. I will need another one myself at some point. My father had a series of blood and tissue tests, as well as screening for all kinds of things. I agree with whoever said speak to a professional. I believe you need NHS Blood and Transplant services. Thank you again on behalf of all of us out here