Hi there,

I have checked here and I have not found a topic on this specific issue.

I donated my kidney to my mother in August. The process itself was very long and at times quite frustrating. This whole period was like a roller coaster with it's ups and down. Without going into too much details at the moment it was the most intense period in my life but also the most rewarding for me personally.

All is going extremely well for my mother and I am now on the last stage of recovery.

My aim in creating this topic is to find out people's opinions on the subject.

All opinions are welcome from anyone.

Also, if anyone has their own story on the process that they would like to share, it may be of help for someone that will/are going through something similar.

If I can help to answer any questions (not medical) just from my own personal experience as a donor and my witnessing my mother's recovery as a recipient I would be more than happy to do so.

Well Done!
I'm pleased both you and your Mom have come out of it OK.
You must be delighted.
You are very brave and you should be very proud of what you've done.
It's something I have thought about in the past, not for me personally to be the donor or recipient, but I know someone who was asked to be a donor and didn't want to do it. I could understand why they did not want to be a donor and I can see why you wanted to be one.

There are risks involved, for both donor and recipient, and I'm sure the surgeon outlined those to you. How did you feel about those?

Did you have doubts at any time?
Or was it always a case of, 'Let's get it done! The sooner, the better!'
_________________
Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.
(Jack Benny)

Thank you so much for your kind words Handsel.

Personally there was just one obstacle. Due to myself not having any brothers or sisters what would be the likelihood of having kidney failure in the future like my mother.

Although I was going through the tests, I made it clear to everyone concerned that I would only be able to contemplate going through with the op after this specific question was answered.

Nothing in life is 100% but the amount of tests and the long process (which I have been told was more invasive than most) made the answer as clear as it could ever be.

Well, then it was all steam ahead for me! Funnily many thought that I would change my mind, back out etc.. but I was extremely sure and never questioned my choice or felt under pressure to go through with it from my mother. If anything my mother was against it and was, in her own way trying to change my mind.

I was worried about the risks but mine would be minimal in comparison to my mother's. I did actually get an infection (not for the squeamish..hehe) but even that was a small price to pay for the end results.

Such a dramatic change on how my mother is now and was then. It is literally a new lease of life and really makes me appreciate 'quality of life' and gives me more of an understanding on what that can mean. It definitely makes me understand how important health is and all the small things I used to take for granted.

I can understand people such as your friend that may not want to go through with it. I also have a friend that chose not to do it. It is a very big and personal decision. Not for everyone and I for one would never judge someone for not going through with it, just like you. I had my reasons just like they must have theirs.