I donated my kidney anonymously to someone on the transplant waiting list 10 years ago.
The run-up to the operation consisted of several months of appointments at the hospital for checks on my health and suitability as a donor. Wherever possible, the various procedures were booked on the same day, so as to reduce the number of days I had to take off work to attend.
Once I had passed all the various checks, I then had blood samples taken for tissue typing, to find a compatible recipient on the transplant waiting list- this was the most nerve wracking part, hoping that I would be a match for somebody.
I opted to do a “one to one” donation, instead of joining a chain, because there would be less risk of the op being cancelled if the recipient became ill- this was to save causing staff problems at work for when I was off sick. With hindsight, I wish I had opted for the chain donation.
The operation itself went very well. I had some back-ache issues after, but this was because I’m not comfortable sleeping on my back, but lying on my side was difficult whilst connected to the various machines.
I left the hospital after two days and went to stay with a friend in Dorset for six weeks to convalesce. I really didn’t need six weeks, but thoroughly enjoyed myself! I don’t recall having to take any pain relief afterwards and the wounds healed well (several small holes for keyhole instruments and a larger one to take the kidney out).
I asked for a photo of my kidney once it was removed (which I got), then after the operation, I received a thank-you card from the recipient (a young man in his twenties), which contained a picture of the kidney before it was transplanted into him! Kindred spirits!
In the years since my donation I can honestly say I feel no different whatsoever health wise. I have an annual check at the hospital to monitor my remaining kidney function- so far so good.
My life has not changed at all health wise since donating. I would do it again if I could!
Donating a kidney has been my proudest moment and I would urge anybody in a position to do so to give it some serious consideration. It can really transform the life of another person, at no loss to the donor.
For me, it has given me a warm feeling of smugness, that by giving away something I can easily do without, I have helped change somebody’s life for the better. I feel I’m in a very exclusive club!
I’d just like to say there are thousands of people currently on the kidney transplant list, waiting for a kidney. A kidney from a living donor is much more likely to last longer.
Blood donors, platelet donors, stem cell donors- you already do great things- think about taking that extra step and donate a kidney, after all- you only need one!
