Being a live kidney donor
// March 9th, 2007 // Life
On 21st February I donated one of my kidneys to my sister. Just over 2 weeks on and everything is going well for both of us.
It has been almost a year since we found out my sister would need a kidney donation and when we found out I knew I wanted to get checked to see if I was compatible. There was no hesitation, it’s what big brothers are there to do at the end of the day.
Fortunately all the tests proved I was a suitable match. I had numerous blood tests, a CT scan, pee tests, X-Rays, an ECG, a nuclear dye injection and scan (can’t remember the name of that one) and various examinations. I should probably be glowing due to the amount of radiation I’ve had directed at me.
So all tests proved positive and my kidney was an excellent match. Finally the day of going into hospital arrived after one previous delay and we ‘checked in’ to St Georges hospital in Wimbledon, London. I have to admit to not liking hospitals, but the staff on Bucklands Ward were excellent. Not an unhappy face in sight and all very bubbly and just a bit crazy. An X-Ray and ECG out the way and it was time to put the sexy stockings on that are meant to reduce the chance of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and try and settle in.
The operation was due at 8.30am on Wednesday morning so we had a night in hospital before the op. All the way through the tests I had not felt nervous, scared or any anxiety towards the op. I don’t know why, maybe because I knew I was helping my sister. I referred to the op as being sliced and diced to anyone that it came up in conversation with and I was always optimistic about it.
After a restless nights sleep, because the hospital ward was too warm and the bed wasn’t long enough for my lanky 6′4″ frame, it was time to be sliced and diced. I was wheeled off to the operating room and into the room where they knock you out (not with a hammer). I don’t remember having to count down once I had the inital injection, I just remember the room going a bit blurry. Now some people say you have the best dreams while under a general anaesthetic, but I don’t remember a thing. I rarely remember my dreams anyway. I woke up after the op in the recovery room and spotted my sister asleep, the surgeons wandered round and said everything had gone really well. So I went back to sleep.
Now, for those of you that don’t know what happens in this type of operation, here is a very unscientific break down.
First I went in to the operating theatre. The technique they use for removing the kidney, providing it only has one main blood vessel going to it, is almost entirely keyhole. There are three incisions made for the keyhole equipment which is a camera, an ultrasonic scalpel thingy and a hook or grabby type thing for moving stuff out the way and assisting with the cutting and sewing up. All very clever. To get the kidney out, an incision is made on my belt line below, about 4 inches below my belly button and about 4 inches long. This is where they take the kidney out from. Considering where the kidney is positioned in the body, it is quite a clever way of doing it. It’s done this way as this position for the main incision causes the least pain in recovery. All good stuff.
When they are happy that my kidney can be removed and is ok to be removed, my sister, in the next operating theatre is opened up, ready to receive the kidney (one careful owner). Now, this is the thing that people don’t realise. They don’t remove any of my sister’s kidneys even though they don’t work and they add the new one in behind her pelvis and plumb it in there. The reason for this is that the pelvis acts as protection for it, it’s easily accessible for the operation and if there are complications further down the line, it’s easy to get to should it need removing or other work done to it. So now my sister has three kidneys, although it’s only really the new one that is doing anything.
So with both procedures complete we are sewn up and that’s it. As my procedure was keyhole, it meant recovery time was minimal. I was actually walking about the morning after the op. I was disconnected from the drip and pee bag and was able to move about. Quite amazing really. There was no real pain so I didn’t even need any pain relief, just the odd paracetamol which don’t really do a great deal anyway. My sister took a little longer to recover as her op was a little more involved, and she had a lot of discomfort initially as she couldn’t get comfortable, but all the tests were very positive and everything was performing as it should.
Friday came and that was the day I was allowed to go home. So two days after having a kidney removed I was able to go home, have a shower, and even better, I could have a beer! Yep, as long as I was sensible, there were no reasons why I couldn’t have a beer. I wasn’t on any medication, I just had to keep drinking water to keep things flushing through.
My sister was allowed home on the Sunday after a big improvement in her comfort and being up and about. So she was home after only 4 days of having a new kidney. Amazing.
So at home, with my parents, is when the boredom really kicks in. Load of rubbish on TV as normal. I couldn’t get out and about straight away as it was still a little uncomfortable moving about. I couldn’t do any photography as the weather was rubbish and I was resisting doing any work too soon. Early nights and puzzle books passed the time along with the extended DVD trilogy version of Lord of the Rings (great films!!!) and Green Wing series 1 & 2 (the funniest thing that has been on TV in a long while).
So now it’s 2 weeks since I’ve been home (well, not my home, my parent’s home) and the discomfort has almost gone and the weather is improving and I can get out and about a little more. I’m getting back into my freelancing web work and am getting better at crosswords.
My sister is still doing fine, all tests looking very good, so hopefully it’s all been a success. There is always the risk that there might be rejection of the kidney, but for now it’s all going well and looks to be good for the future too.
I don’t feel any different than before the op, and as long as keep healthy I won’t notice only having one kidney at all….. which is nice.
If you are, or someone you know is, about to go through this procedure, I am happy to share my thoughts and experience, so just ask. I’m sure my sister will too. As everyone keeps saying to me, it’s a great thing to be able to do for a member of your family or a friend (you don’t have to be related to donate a kidney). I just see it as something I was able to do, and was glad to be able to do it.
[...] last few weeks, since having an operation, I was hoping to get loads of useful info on this site and really get it going, but as usual life [...]
I am considering being a live donor for a member of my church. I have never considered doing something like this before, but feel driven to help this family. I know if anyone in my family needed help I Would do it in a heart beat! Right now my biggest concerns are a benign heart valve condition that causes me to have an irregular heart beat under anesthesia and gaining 100% support form my family members. I feel like God has given me two kidneys, they really aren’t mine, they are his, so I should help
this family if I am able.
Hi Kat, I would find out about the heart condition first and whether that is going to prevent you being a live donor. It may be ok though, I’m no doctor
It’s a great thing to do for someone, just try and gather as much info as possible beforehand so you are fully aware of what goes on and more importantly what risks are involved.
Well, I am a match to give a kidney to my father and I am wondering what type of physical activity can you do or that you have done? Would you be able to run a marathon if you wanted?
Hi Cyn, to be honest, I don’t feel any different to before the operation, so for me as the donor I could do anything I could do before the op…. except donate a kidney of course
For the recipient, having an extra kidney means you have to be a bit careful of contact sports etc as the new kidney is not as well protected… but running a marathon, yeah, if you could do it before, you will be able to do it after
I was recently tested as a match for my brother. The challenge now is he’s in America and I’m in England. The America doctors are concerned about potential blood clot especially as I would have to do a 9hours flight back. Also, I need 12 weeks and getting this time off work means no pay and I’m concerned about this i.e. financial side of things. Is there any insights some can give me on this. Also as a donor do you get any after effect like gastro discomforts?
Hi Voke. This is a tricky one, and I would like to point out that I am not expert on the subject. The financial side is the most tricky, have you spoken to your hospital advice place about it? Are you a UK resident or just working over here? As for the flight back, yes that is a risk, maybe you could get a few weeks over there to get over the op (it didn’t take me long, but that was just me) then fly back?
As for any problems, not noticed a thing, and even forget I’ve done it sometimes.
Just to say that I donated a kidney to my dad on 14 August 2008 at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. Dad was on CAPD for 18 months and I couldn’t bear the thought of him going through dialysis every 4 hours, 7 days a week until a cadaveric kidney became available. I made up my mind to donate in March 08 and following the necessary tests, Dad and I were given a provisional date.
I can honestly say that it was the right thing to do and have been overwhelmed by the kind words of support from family and friends. We can all look forward to the future with anticipation rather than trepidation.
Congrats Jackie, I hope your recovery is as swift as mine was and I hope your Dad starts benefiting soon too. The improvements my sister saw were great and made it worth while.
Hi Gary
Glen has been diagnosed with acute renal failure on July 1st after a routine check up. He has been on HD at Saint Georges hospital in Tooting ever since ( I believe it’s the same hospital where you have been operated) I have offered to donate my kidney and should be starting the tests in a couple of weeks time. I am not worried about the procedure but would really like to talk to you about it if possible as it would be in the same hospital
Let me know
Hi Gary. what a wonderful and encouraging post. I’m scheduled in to give my mother a kidney (Hammersmith Hospital) towards the end of next month. Every one keeps telling me how brave I must be but I keep telling them ‘you’ve only got one mother right?’ and haven’t had one moment’s hesitation about offering to donate. I’ve had the exact same tests – I think the one you can’t remember is called a GFR scan. So far it’s all been plain sailing and NO pain involved whatsoever in any of the tests (although did feel a bit like a pin cushion aftwards)
It’s comforting to know that you didn’t experience any real pain post-op but then pain always subsides in the end and look what will come out of it (hopefully and happy & healthy mother). Glad to hear you & your sister have had a great outcome. Thanks again for the post. Jasmine
Hi Jasmine, all the best to you and mother for your operation. I hope everything goes well and you both have a speedy recovery.
Hi Garry,
So glad I’ve found you. Your story is inspiring; I’ve just been sitting here browsing the web when I saw it. I’m doing the tests for a friend of mine. We’re both O+, which is good. Did my 24hr urine sample with final blood test today, so now it’s up to the Lord. I can’t bear to see my friend go through that dialysis for 4hrs at a time – she’s just had the op done and is waiting for a few weeks before she begins her treatment. My husband is very supportive, but I’ve got 2 small kids and my family are very concerned for my health, even though I’ve explained everything to them. I’m sitting here in South Africa and your surgery procedure seems wonderful. It’s seems we’re still doing the “old” way, where they take a slice of you on your side – looks to be about 12cm long in the waist. Have had many surgeries, so it’ll go with my well decorated body. Looking forward to any comments, advise, etc., from someone who’s just gone through it all. I’m very excited about the op, because I just know my friend will have a whole new life.
This Wednesday I will be donating my kidney to my sister. I share a lot of the same feelings you did. I hope our surgeries will be as successful as yours.
What wonderful people there are out there, you make little of it but you have no idea how amazing your donation is. You are giving a life back to the recipient. What an amazing prospect viewing from the other side. I have been on haemodialysis for the past 5 years. Those of us in my unit dream of being free of this commitment. Despite being grateful for the treatment that keeps us alive, it can be so depressing to have to come in three times a week for 4 hours a session, and leaves you so exhausted. Travel is very difficult as dialysis has to continue wherever you are. Within the EU it can be arranged with difficulty for free but beyond that it would cost about £300 a session. So out of the question for most of us.I have heard that some doctors (not the renal ones) call us the living dead. Which I guess is fairly accurate. It is not really as bad as it sounds, the nurses are great and there is a lot of cameraderie and where would we be without it! But for you donors and potential donors never underestimate the importance of what you are doing, you are life savers. God bless you.
Thanks Jan, even though I make it sound like a small thing I did, I know it was life changing for my sister. I’m just glad I was able to do it for her. I wish you all the best with your treatments and hope that a donor comes along for you one day soon.
Hey, I just heard about an 1hour ago that my kidney donation has been approved. It was great to come across your webpage when I started to google to see what other went through. I am the donor and funny enough have not been scared a bit (yet). I feel even more content now that I have heard your story, Thank you for sharing it. I am very exited for the lady that is receiving the kidney and the change it is going to make in her life. I thank THE LORD for the oppurtunity to do it.
Its so good to find you here and thank you for the information you have shared. I have a niece in Australia who has been on dialysis for many years and is currently again on a waiting list. We have been communicating more and more over the last few years about family and medical history. I recently went to have a blood test and discovered that I am the same blood group as my niece. I feel that I should take this further although I am a little apprehensive. I am not sure what the next step would be. Can my testing be done in the UK before flying to Australia.
That’s great news Vicky. It’s a great thing you are doing and if you are like me it has made no difference to my life, but a hell of a difference to the recipient. I hope it all goes well and please let us know how it all went. All the best to you and the recipient!
Hi Mary. If you are considering being a live donor then the first thing to do is see if you can speak to your local renal unit and just find out what’s involved. They were a helpful bunch for me, and answered any questions I had. I’m sure all the tests can be done in the UK, but also find out about any financial help you can get either here or in Oz, you may not need it but I was told very early on that I could claim for various things and the hospital was very open about it. But back to the apprehension, and I don’t blame you for being so at all, it’s a massive thing to do for someone, related or not. There are numerous tests to go through, but right up to the point where they put you to sleep for the op they make sure you are still happy to go ahead and there is no pressure at all, it has to be your decision. I’ll gladly answer any questions I can for you, but I am not a medical expert by any means so please speak to the professionals too!
Hiya – this is in response to Voke’s comment (July 23rd 08).
My mum is in exactly the same situation as you, her brother lives in America (operation would be done in Pennsylvania) and we were just wondering if you went on to progress with the operation. Her brother has 14% kidney function and is due to go onto a dialysis without a transplant. If you have any advice for us anything would be appreciated – please can you email me – jessssssssssss@hotmail.com thankyou!
Hi Garry. I’m full of admiration for you & all these wonderful people who have or are in the process of donating. I find myself in the same situation as Voke and would be interested if Voke or anyone else has travelled from the UK to the US to donate. My main worry is the flight back (post op), any assocaited risks & whether this will extend the time I have to take off work. I must admit that before I went to see the consultant I thought my brother would come to the Uk. Also, it would be great if the people who have contacted you before their ops continue to stay in touch as it is so useful for people like me to read their comments. Thanks everyone.
Hi Gary
Im so glad you put this post on , my mother is 74 and diabetic yesterday i asked if i could be considered as a doner as mum is soon to go on dailysis
i did not have a clue so thank you for the information
my poor mum is not keen a all but we just have to see how the dailysis goes thanks again Sue
I am going through tests at the moment to see If I can donate one of my kidneys to my partner Steve. I have had the blood tests back all ok and ecg, chest x ray and dye pumped around my kidneys to see if they ok. I go to see the transplant doctor on the 12th june i only hope and pray it can go ahead.
Sue and Rosie, I hope all goes well with the tests and everything goes ahead. It’s a great thing you are doing (even if I do say so myself) and seeing the change it makes to them makes the few days of discomfort (in my case anyway) worthwhile. Let me know how you get on.
Hi Gary
Its such a wonderful thing what you have done for your sister. I am currently being tested to be a live kidney donor for my mum. shes had such a tough couple of years, her kidney failure is down to a very rare rection to a perscription drug which caused her to have Steven Johnson Syndrome and TENS, she was on life support for 6 weeks and we nearly lost her 5 times in total. She still holds on to the fact that her kindney’s will kick start back to normal but unfortunatley thats not the case.
I was just wondering what life style changes you have had to make since the operation and how your sister is doing now?
Kindest Regards
Suzie Shaw
Hi Suzie
Lifestyle changes. Hmmm, well for me there hasn’t really been any difference at all. I have an annual checkup now, and apart from having to drink a bit more water than I normally do (when I remember) there hasn’t been any changes. For my sister, apart from her daily tablets, she has got her life back and is back to her crazy self which is all good. She has to be careful of infection and the normal things where your immune system is low, and there are a few things to be careful of if she was to ever have kids, but otherwise all is good and there are no signs of any problems so far.
Obviously our circumstances may not be the same as everyone, but we have had a fairly easy time with it post op.
All the best and I hope it all goes well for you and your mum. But if you do have more questions, I’m more than happy to try and answer them from my experience.
Hi Garry
I am about to join the club My sister and I are waiting for a date for my donation to her.We are expecting late July. Were there any restrictions on how long after the op that you could travel abroad.? I am hoping to go out to see friends in Greece in September but want to know if this will be too soon
Hi Penny. I couldn’t say for sure. There is a period of 6 to 8 weeks where you aren’t meant to do any lifting or stretching to avoid difficulties with the stitches, but I would ask the doc or nurse before booking anything.
I hope it all goes well for you and your sister though, it’s a great thing you are doing for her!
Hi Everyone, I have now completed all my tests,I am awaiting meeting with transplant doctor on 12th June. My partner steve kidney funtion is now at 13% and they told him yesterdau that he should start thinking what treatment he wants if i not a donor. Does anyone know if you not a pos good match would they still do all the tests. Steve has 2 more pos donors so I just want to ask would they say no to me first, then test 1 of the other donors. Any feed back would help as i am finding it hard to talk things through in person to my friends. Thasnks Rosie.
Hi Everyone, I have now completed all my tests,I am awaiting meeting with transplant doctor on 12th June. My partner steve kidney funtion is now at 13% and they told him yesterdau that he should start thinking what treatment he wants if i not a donor. Does anyone know if you not a pos good match would they still do all the tests. Steve has 2 more pos donors so I just want to ask would they say no to me first, then test 1 of the other donors. Any feed back would help as i am finding it hard to talk things through in person to my friends. Thanks Rosie.
Hi Rosie, I don’t think they would carry out all the tests if you weren’t a suitable match. When I did it, my mum was tested as well and had the wrong blood group so she didn’t have any of the other tests done. Please make sure you talk it through with the hospital staff and ask any questions you have. I found them to be very helpful and supportive, but they will at all times make sure you are happy to do it.
The next stage for me and my sister is to meet with the Independant Assessor whos function(so we were told) is to establish that we are genuinely sisters and that there is no coersion or money changing hands.etc and there is adequate care provision at home after we leave hospital.We live in Wales and are having to wait a month for this meeting due to lack of resourses which is very before frustrating date for the op can not be booked untill we have been approved by the assessor.Is this the same in the rest of the UK and what sort of questions do they ask?
Hi Penny, it’s the same in the UK, they have to be totally sure you are doing it of your free will. Don’t think of it as a high pressure interview though. They will just be making sure you are happy to proceed and know everything that’s involved before and after the op takes place. You will even get asked before they knock you out before the op whether you still want to go ahead.
Hi I am off for my results today to see if I can be a donor for my partner Steve. I hope all will go well and will let you know the outcome. Rosie.
Hi I went for my results on friday. All were fine apart from finding traces of blood in my urine. They want me to do 1 more sample if still the same, they want me to have the thing where they put a camera in you to see where you bleeding from, Then a kidney biopsy. They told me it would not normaly bother them, but if it is the kidnetys bleeding they would not be able to put me up a his donor. I am scared at the moment , not of the op but this biopsy. Dont know is there is anyone out there that this has happened to Rosie.