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Kidney transplant - process for being a living donor
Transplants | Last Active: Apr 1, 2017 | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
Hi @lovelly2017 - I recently donated a kidney to one of my friends. It's normal to feel nervous and scared. Use the resources available at your hospital to discuss your concerns. The process took us almost a year, she was on dialysis prior to the procedure. I had the surgery three weeks ago and am still in the recovery stages. The feeling I get from helping her live live greatly outweighs my discomfort. I hope you are a match for your son! Keep us updated 🙂
Replies to "Hi @lovelly2017 - I recently donated a kidney to one of my friends. It's normal to..."
Why did it take a year? I just sent my blood kit to Mayo for my sister. We are in our 60's. I was hoping we could do this before her daughter gets married in July so she would feel well. My sister is doing the fluid exchange. Thanks.
@shbertrand, This is a good question. I want to welcome you and to thank you for asking it. I am a recipient, but I have no experience with living organ donation. While we wait for some more responses, I want to share this direct link to Living Donor information. http://mayocl.in/2lSxf7C There are materials for transplant recipients as well as living donors. I hope it is helpful.
Have you spoken to anyone at Mayo about this?
Rosemary
It took a year because I have multiple arteries and we had to switch hospitals. The first transplant center said they couldn't do so we got a second opinion at the Indiana University transplant center. It took several months to get approved and scheduled, then I caught a bad cold and we had to reschedule for a month later.
They need to make sure both the donor and the recipient are in good health, so all of the tests take some time. It good be different at your transplant center. I wanted to go to Mayo because I know someone else who goes there and had her transplant there, but it was too far for the recipient. Having it done and recovering by July does not sound do-able to me, but talk to your coordinator!
Best of Luck!
Lisa
@shbertrand, I would like to also add a welcome to @rosemarya's. You have found a great place here on Mayo Clinic Connect, a community full of information, support and lots of advice from members who have experienced being a donor or recipient.
The page link that rosemary provided to you to the Living Donor information is filled with information and materials. Please let us know if you have further questions or if there is something specific you are wondering and unable to find on the page.
Please keep us updated along this process so others can also learn from what you share.
Connect
@uneeq1, Dear Lisa, Thank you for returning to Connect with your updated information. I wish you and your friend many more years of friendship and health.
I invite you to keep in touch with us.
Rosemary