If you want to help save or improve someone's life, becoming an organ donor is a great way to do it.You can donate a kidneys if you are healthy and alive.It is a great present to give someone.It is a medical decision.It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about donating a kidneys.
Step 1: Decide between living or dead donation.
There are two ways to become a donor.The first is known as deceased donation, which means that the organ is taken from your body after you die.It is very easy to register if you are considering this type of donation.Donate Life America is a website where you can register to donate organs.A living donation is when you are still alive and healthy.It is possible to live a healthy life with only one healthy kidneys, because most of us have two.Consider the physical, emotional, and financial implications before committing to living donation.Those considering living donation should read this information.
Step 2: Consider a personal or anonymous donation.
If you are thinking about making a living donation, you need to think about who you want to donate to.Many people choose to donate a kidneys to a loved one who is in need of a transplant.A child, spouse, or sibling are the most common recipients of organ donations.You have the option to donate your organ to a distant relative, friend or co-worker.It is becoming more and more common for anonymous donations to be made.This is known as a non-directed donation, which means that you can donate your organ to someone else.
Step 3: A doctor will give you an evaluation.
Not everyone can become a donor.You may not be able to donate if you aren't healthy enough to survive a major operation or if your kidneys are weak.You will need a doctor to perform a physical evaluation in order to determine your eligibility for living donation.You will be tested for blood, urine, and radiology if you are a potential donor.Your doctor will determine your eligibility after analyzing the results.If you decide to make a personal donation, you need to take a blood test to see if your organ is compatible with the person you're giving it to.Before surgery, the doctor will order a chest x-ray and a computed tomograph of your kidneys to make sure they are healthy.They'll check for cysts, stones, or structural defects when they assess the size of your kidneys.
Step 4: The risks should be considered.
During the initial consultation, your doctor should talk to you about the risks and benefits of donating a kidneys.You will want to think about how this information could affect your life.Discuss possible outcomes with your family.Nerve damage, chronic pain, and intestinal obstruction are possible long-term side effects.High blood pressure is one of the health concerns that donors are at higher risks for.
Step 5: Think about the effects on others.
Donating an organ can be an emotional experience.There are a number of questions you should ask yourself if you decide to make a living donation.Think about why you want to make the donation.If your relationship becomes strained or if the recipient does not act grateful, you should ask yourself how you will feel.Will you be able to deal with that?The recipient's body may not function properly if you don't know that.Consider how you will feel if the organ fails.
Step 6: Talk to your insurer.
You will need to consider the financial costs after your doctor deems you eligible to make a living donation.Insurance plans for the recipient will usually cover the cost of the donor's surgery and hospital stay, but won't cover travel, lost wages, or other external expenses.Call your insurance company to find out what will be covered.Ask what medical expenses will be covered by the insurance policy.If your follow-up care is covered, you should find out.You should be prepared to miss four to six weeks of work.Your policy won't cover lost wages.
Step 7: Speak to the doctor.
It is a good idea to have in-depth conversations with your doctors when you are preparing for surgery.It is helpful to speak to your primary care physician, your surgeon, and other members of the transplant team.The recovery process and the surgical procedure can be asked about.Discuss the success rate of the transplant center with your doctor.Discuss the plan for follow-up care.If you will be assigned an individual donor advocate, ask.
Step 8: Search for a support system.
You will experience some anxiety leading up to surgery.Discuss your fears with your doctor.You should tell a close friend or family member that you are very emotional and need some support.You will need time to recover after the surgery, so let your friends and family know that.People will help you before your surgery.While you are recovering, you will have one less thing to worry about.A social worker should be provided by the hospital to talk to you about donating.You should schedule an appointment with him the week of your surgery.
Step 9: Have the operation.
The doctor will conduct final lab tests in the days leading up to the operation to make sure you are ready.You will report to the hospital or surgical center when you are ready.You will be placed under general anesthesia.Laparoscopic surgery is usually used.Laparoscopic instruments are used to remove the kidneys.Pain medication and oxygen will be given to you in the recovery room.You will have a catheter that will allow you to excrete urine.
Step 10: Recover at the hospital.
You will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery.You will be given pain medication after your vital signs are monitored.As pain allows, your nurses will encourage you to get up and walk.Make sure you request time off from work.It will take you about four to six weeks to recover.In the first two days after the surgery, you will experience gas and bloating.
Step 11: Don't allow your pain to get in the way of managing it.
You will continue to recover at home once you are out of the hospital.It will take about four to six weeks for your body to heal.If your doctor prescribes any pain medications, make sure you take them.Lifting objects heavier than ten pounds should not be done while taking pain medication.If you have small children, you should have help caring for them.If your abdomen is swollen, wear loose-fitting clothing.You may be tired during recovery.This is normal.It's important to rest as much as possible.
Step 12: Prepare for many follow-ups.
You will need to see your doctor multiple times.1-2 weeks after the surgery is when your doctor will recommend your first check-up.You will need to be seen for at least 6 months and a year.Your doctor may want you to have an annual check-up for the rest of your life.