The Living Kidney Donor Experience

Webinar recording from September 8, 2022

[@cbhopkins6]

I just donated my kidney to a stranger 3 weeks ago. I am doing well and would encourage others who are considering donating to just do it.

[@PeteHob]

You are very generous and courageous. In my case, I am probably going to need both of my kidneys out due to disease. My question is about what is most important, actually the only important thing, to me. How bad were the first three days and you feel that your medical team adequately kept your pain under control? Stay well.

[@cbhopkins6]

The medical team did a great job helping me. Having a strong support system after is critical.

[@chrisgrant1029]

I am an altruistic kidney donor. I'm almost close to the point of surgery after having so many scans, tests, ultrasounds, xrays as well as a financial and psychological assessment. I'm in UK

[@pamhunter5171]

Thank you, I am currently being tested to donate a kidney to a relative. This video was very informative and answered many of my questions and concerns. Again thank you!!

[@matthawley5896]

Thank you so much for all this great information. My Dad has kidney failure and I'm considering donating one of my kidneys, assuming it's a match. I'm a bit nervous about the decision. And sometimes even have mixed feelings about it. But I would love to get another 10 years out of him God willing.

[@markhill9275]

Mate, i'm down the road in the process, hoping to give to my neighbours adult daughter. Im actually a match, so now i have to see if i'm OK to actually donate. I'm 68 but feel fairly robust, but still feel a little nervous. Although nervous i'm not for one second concerned about my decision, i've done my research, and the only change it will make is that i'm back riding my bike (used to race), and really on a mission to look after myself. Personally i'm not gunna live on what if's, i already know i cannot donate to my sister or nephew, i'm O and they are B+. Hope you become totally comfortable with your decision, it's OK to be nervous, i sure am, (i'm allergic to pain!). Remember, this is your decision, if you decide not to, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that decision at all either. Good luck on your journey!

[@matthawley5896]

@@markhill9275 thank you for your encouraging words. Your neighbors are blessed to have you as a neighbor. My dad just turned 77, so hopefully we can find someone here in the US to do the surgery. I read somewhere 65 or under was the preferred age for the recipient. But since it's a living donation and I want to give it to my dad, hopefully that will make it be ok and we can find someone to do the surgery. I'm amazed at the selflessness and bravery of people like yourself that are willing to give a kidney to a neighbor , or total stranger. God bless you all and best wishes moving forward with your surgery. You're a true blessing.

[@markhill9275]

@@matthawley5896 no sport, nothing special, its just the right thing to do, pretty simple. I just think, if that was someone i really loved what would i want, what would i do? Its your Dad, you love him, pretty simple that one. There are so many on the wait list, so a living donor is helping more than 1 person, by shortening the wait list. Im not cleared yet, think im gunna have to get my blood pressure down, but i will at least try.

[@SarahTravis-y5y]

Just wanted to say thank you for all your information. A year ago I stepped up to donate a kidney to a friend of mine and the surgery. Now will be September 15th. 2023 Can't wait to help my friend. God laid it apond my heart to help her. God laid that on my heart and I told God. I would be the willing person to step in. But I give God all the glory.

[@christine-oreeno465]

How’d it go?

[@markhill9275]

Jimmy Page thanks you for glorifying him!

[@pamhunter5171]

Are there any living donor support groups?

[@apparentlyayla146]

There’s one on Facebook

[@HI8US..]

Thank you all for this and god bless you all for your dedication to saving lives.