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Thinking about becoming a donor?
It can be daunting when you start consider becoming a living donor – there’s a lot to consider. It’s a big decision. That’s why we’ve compiled information to help you decide what you want to do.
Why become a living donor?
Donating a kidney gives someone the gift of life. There is usually a personal reason why people decide to donate a kidney. For many black living donors it’s because they don’t want family or friends to spend years on dialysis, which is all too common within the black community.
Many family members care for loved ones whose lives are centred around dialysis, they witness the emotional, physical, and mental impact it has on them. It’s this experience that leads some relatives to think about making a living donation. If this is you, please take a look at the information on this website and keep talking!
Frequently asked questions
What is a living donor?
A living kidney donor is a person who gives one of their healthy kidneys to someone so it can be transplanted into someone who needs it. Living donors can donate to friends, family members, or someone you don’t know.
Why is living kidney donation especially important for Black people?
Due to the low number of Black people on the donor register, Black kidney patients can spend on average 3-4 years on dialysis while waiting for a deceased donor. With a living donor transplant, your loved-one can avoid needing dialysis treatment entirely.Â
What if I need my kidney in the future?
Before you can become a donor, you will have several medical tests, these tests are to ensure that in the future you are not at risk of developing kidney disease.Â
Can I be a donor if I haven’t had children yet?
Yes, many women have had children after donating a kidney without any impact on the pregnancy because they’ve donated a kidney. For most women donating a kidney will not cause additional risk during pregnancy or childbirth.Â
How long will it take to recover?
After donating a kidney, a person may need up to 12 weeks off work to recuperate depending on their work, although most donors are back to normal within six weeks.
Will I be on any long-term medication?
No, you will not be on any long-term medication as a kidney donor.
Living with one kidney
As a donor you have a yearly check to monitor your kidney function you are advised to drink plenty of water and continue living your life as before.
What if I need my kidney in the future?
Before you can become a donor, you’ll have several medical tests. These tests will look for any indication that you may be at risk of developing kidney disease.
More Than A Match
One Family’s Uplifting Experience of Living Kidney Donation Paperback
More Than a Match is an informative guide book on being a Living Kidney Donor for a loved one or close friend who has kidney failure and needs a life- saving transplant.
The book narrates the personal and emotional journey of a family who unite together as living donors to try and save the life of one of their own who needs a life-saving kidney transplant.
This book will inspire you to become a living organ donor and change someone’s life forever.
