@beckyjohnson, The transplant process is different and similar for each recipient whether they receive organs from a living or a deceased donor. All transplant recipients will take anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) drugs for the rest of their lives. You, as a donor, will not need these medications, nor will you need to make the life changes that are necessary for recipients. Also, you don't need to worry about the life changes that many recipients have shared in other discussions.
When anyone is evaluated for transplant donation as a recipient, or donor, there is are complete medical evaluations to determine if the patient is able to withstand the surgery and also to rule out any complicating medical issues. There is also a very thorough workup and conversation with the recipient about current and future medication and insurance issues.
This is, as I have said, a very complex journey. There are National standards that every transplant center must adhere to. If you are evaluated and are eligible to move forward, then you will be made aware of the things that will apply to you. Of course, take a list of all of these questions with you. We, here, are not the experts.
I want to add that this is an eye opener for you because you have not been around the world of kidney disease and dialysis. For those of us with the kidney issues, it is a fact that we already know. That is why we have insurance. That is why a social worker is on staff to provide resource information. When we receive a transplant - Gift of Life - we accept each day for the gift that it is, freely given without any expectation or guarantee.
Hugs and Hope,
Rosemary