Many people have considered donating a kidney to help someone in need, but they may not be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure. In this article, we'll discuss what happens after donating a kidney, from the initial decision to be evaluated as a potential donor to years after the donation occurs. When considering whether to donate a kidney, it's important to talk to the transplant staff about the best ways to return to physical activity. Donors should also avoid contact sports where the remaining kidney could be injured.
It's also recommended that donors avoid lifting heavy objects for about six weeks after surgery. Kidney donation may slightly increase the risk of developing kidney failure one day, especially for black men. However, the increase in risk is small, with less than 1% chance of developing kidney failure in the future after a kidney donation. After donating a kidney, many donors have reported feeling bloated and constipated, which are normal symptoms after any surgery due to anesthesia.
They'll also feel itchy and some pain around the incision as it continues to heal. Donors should clarify their schedule and plan to get plenty of rest. Most donors are able to return to work within 10 to 14 days, although those with physically demanding jobs such as construction should take 6 weeks off. Don't lift anything heavy, including your children, for the first month.
Since the mid-to late 1990s, advances in surgical techniques have drastically improved the cosmetic outcome following live kidney donation. When the kidney is removed, the single normal kidney will increase in size to compensate for the loss of the donated kidney. Living donation doesn't change life expectancy and doesn't seem to increase the risk of kidney failure.Like any surgery, kidney donation carries the risk of surgical complications, such as blood clots and others, but these risks are low. We have passed the Living Donor Protection Act, which protects donors from being denied life, disability or long-term care insurance after donating.If you want to be a living donor, you'll need to have a medical exam with blood tests to make sure you're healthy enough to donate a kidney.
You'll also be examined to make sure you don't have any health problems that could worsen if you donate a kidney.Another way to donate a kidney while you're alive is to donate a kidney to someone you don't necessarily know. People who are considering becoming a kidney donor should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of donating a kidney. In many ways, the benefits of kidney donation are personal and cannot be known to anyone other than the person who donates or has donated.
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