Life Kidney Transplants - Page 3

BWillie · 07-29-2015, 08:42 AM

Someone in my family would like a Kidney donation. It's not an immediate family member like parent, brother, grandparent etc but someone I am directly related to. The relative is almost 60. I feel really obligated to do it, but quite frankly it scares the shit out of me.

I'm only 31, but I've read there can be complications during the surgery and even after the surgery. Even if the risk is low, there is still a risk. I mean, what if I need that kidney later on in life? I've read that kidney donors can possibly develop complications two years or so after the donation and some have even had to go on dialysis themselves.

I used to have a pretty bad energy drink obsession, in fact, I just stopped drinking 2 or 3 a day about a month ago. I had a blood test done and found out that my "uric acid", creatinine level was high. I believe my GFR level was not the best. When I say high, it was just at or above the "outer range". I'm not overweight or fat or anything. I have perfect blood pressure, but I eat red meat and pork about 7 times a week so I have a severely low good cholesterol level and a relatively high bad cholesterol level. I'm sure they can tell me this when I get screened, probably looks like I'm making excuses but I don't want to look like an asshole and I don't want my relative to die either.

The relative needing a kidney isn't necessarily going to die right away I don't think, they would eventually have to go on dialysis and they are on a waiting list for a kidney. In my reading on the internet, it does not even appear the kidney has to come from a family member, just someone as a suitable match. I do know they are on a list for a kidney.

What does CP know about this? Any life experiences or people in the know?

Lex Luthor · 07-30-2015, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

Thanks for the responses. I will ponder it. If it was for one of my parents or something I wouldnt have any problems doing it. That just makes me feel selfish. Im also afraid my family will look down on me if I dont. I might not even be a match, I dont even know my own blood type, how sad is that?

Donate a kidney for a sibling? Yes, no hesitation whatsoever.

For a parent? Yes. You owe it to your parent (assuming your parent didn't abandon you as a child or abuse you).

For one of your children? Hell yes. I'd give up both kidneys for my children.

But I would not offer to donate my 31 year old kidney for a 60 year old relative who isn't a member of my immediate family. You're obviously feeling pressured by your family, but they aren't the ones who would be taking the risk. You are. You'd be putting the rest of your life in jeopardy.

Don't do this. If you get tested with the hope that you aren't a match, that could easily backfire on you, and then the pressure to actually give up your kidney would be ENORMOUS.

I'm 57. I would NEVER ask a 31 year old family member for their kidney.

Don't do this.

cosmo20002 · 07-30-2015, 08:26 AM

There was a season of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Richard Lewis needed a kidney and asked Larry to donate. He didn't want to do it, which often led to comical situations.

I'm not sure if watching that season would help you in your decision, but at the very least, the shows were funny.

07-29-2015, 08:42 AM
BWillie Future NBA Finals MVP Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2331241	Kidney Transplants Someone in my family would like a Kidney donation. It's not an immediate family member like parent, brother, grandparent etc but someone I am directly related to. The relative is almost 60. I feel really obligated to do it, but quite frankly it scares the shit out of me. I'm only 31, but I've read there can be complications during the surgery and even after the surgery. Even if the risk is low, there is still a risk. I mean, what if I need that kidney later on in life? I've read that kidney donors can possibly develop complications two years or so after the donation and some have even had to go on dialysis themselves. I used to have a pretty bad energy drink obsession, in fact, I just stopped drinking 2 or 3 a day about a month ago. I had a blood test done and found out that my "uric acid", creatinine level was high. I believe my GFR level was not the best. When I say high, it was just at or above the "outer range". I'm not overweight or fat or anything. I have perfect blood pressure, but I eat red meat and pork about 7 times a week so I have a severely low good cholesterol level and a relatively high bad cholesterol level. I'm sure they can tell me this when I get screened, probably looks like I'm making excuses but I don't want to look like an asshole and I don't want my relative to die either. The relative needing a kidney isn't necessarily going to die right away I don't think, they would eventually have to go on dialysis and they are on a waiting list for a kidney. In my reading on the internet, it does not even appear the kidney has to come from a family member, just someone as a suitable match. I do know they are on a list for a kidney. What does CP know about this? Any life experiences or people in the know?
Posts: 46,119

07-30-2015, 08:26 AM	#32
cosmo20002 Debunking your bullshit Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: KC area Casino cash: $5110315	There was a season of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Richard Lewis needed a kidney and asked Larry to donate. He didn't want to do it, which often led to comical situations. I'm not sure if watching that season would help you in your decision, but at the very least, the shows were funny.
Posts: 52,592