Sarah is a UX Researcher in Financial Services and has a young daughter. Here, she shares her experience of becoming a non-directed living kidney donor.
I’ve had no personal experience of kidney disease, but when I read about an altruistic donor in a news article, I immediately knew I wanted to donate. It made total sense to me that if I could save, extend or improve someone’s quality of life with just a temporary inconvenience and no impact to my long-term health, why wouldn’t I do it?
The donation process
The process took a year, from beginning to end, with several trips to the hospital for tests, and then waiting for a match; luckily I didn’t have to travel too far and my employer was very supportive, so I could take the time I needed to go to appointments.
When the time came, I learned that I was part of a chain, and that my donation would enable three people to receive a new kidney on the same day, which was amazing to hear.
The recovery
I spent three days in hospital, was up and walking around a little after the first day, and the care from the medical team was excellent. Being on the ward with those suffering through this disease made me sad and frustrated that kidney donation is not the norm.
I had a month off work recovering; there was a minor issue with fluid build-up, but it didn’t impact my day-to-day too much, and after two months I was completely back to normal and out running again.
My only regret is that I forgot to ask the team to take a photo of my kidney!
Post donation
I have a huge sense of fulfilment about donating, but there has also been a tangible benefit to my own health: thanks to all those thorough tests, a non-kidney-related issue was spotted that may become problematic in future, so now I’m aware of it, it can be monitored.
I want to extend my thanks to Give a Kidney who put me in contact with someone who had previously donated and who I was in contact with before and after. It’s reassuring to know there’s a network of people out there who have shared this experience.
If you’re willing and able to share your spare, you have the power to transform someone’s life.
If you are considering becoming a non-directed living kidney donor and would like to ask any questions or just hear more from someone who has donated to a stranger, please consider using the Robert Dangoor Partnership for Living Kidney Donation’s UK Buddy Service.
