Each of us has two kidneys, and when one is donated, the remaining kidney compensates and the donor’s life shortly returns to normal. No longer does the recipient’s life revolve around dialysis three times a week for three to four hours at a time with a less than great quality of life. The recipient’s life becomes more akin to the life they led prior to kidney failure. Additionally, with a living donor, the receiver of this precious gift, most often lives considerably longer.
Giving a Kidney is Giving Life
The process of recovery is generally easier and faster for the donor, than the recipient.
Preliminary testing is done to ensure that the donor is a healthy person. The testing is routine and is paid for by the recipient’s insurance as are the other medical costs incurred. Travel and housing however is not covered. The surgery itself has risks as do all surgeries but generally it is performed laparoscopically and means a much quicker recovery time. The hospital stay is generally 24-48 hours and back to a fully normal routine 4-6 weeks post-op.
If you have read this far, I want to thank you for your incredible kindness. To donate an organ is to donate a life and that makes you an amazing individual to even contemplate this huge ask! I can tell you that I appreciate it more than words can describe as does my entire family and friends. Thank you!