I did not know a lot about living kidney donation before kidney disease affected my life. Understandably, some people are hesitant due to the surgery and prospect of living with one kidney. However, I have since come to understand some basic facts which one should consider when deciding whether to become a donor:
- Living with one kidney does not result in a meaningful reduction in quality of life or life expectancy.
- Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions.
- The recuperation period is typically two weeks.
- The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). – – The hospital can give you an extensive information on this.
You will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for YOUR best interests. Your team will put you through a number of tests to ensure you are healthy enough to donate.
If you participate in the Canadian Kidney Paired Donation Program, you can become a living kidney donor ensuring that someone you want to help receives a needed kidney, even if they are not a direct match.