Life Kidney Transplants

BWillie · 07-29-2015, 08:42 AM

Someone in my family would like a Kidney donation. It's not an immediate family member like parent, brother, grandparent etc but someone I am directly related to. The relative is almost 60. I feel really obligated to do it, but quite frankly it scares the shit out of me.

I'm only 31, but I've read there can be complications during the surgery and even after the surgery. Even if the risk is low, there is still a risk. I mean, what if I need that kidney later on in life? I've read that kidney donors can possibly develop complications two years or so after the donation and some have even had to go on dialysis themselves.

I used to have a pretty bad energy drink obsession, in fact, I just stopped drinking 2 or 3 a day about a month ago. I had a blood test done and found out that my "uric acid", creatinine level was high. I believe my GFR level was not the best. When I say high, it was just at or above the "outer range". I'm not overweight or fat or anything. I have perfect blood pressure, but I eat red meat and pork about 7 times a week so I have a severely low good cholesterol level and a relatively high bad cholesterol level. I'm sure they can tell me this when I get screened, probably looks like I'm making excuses but I don't want to look like an asshole and I don't want my relative to die either.

The relative needing a kidney isn't necessarily going to die right away I don't think, they would eventually have to go on dialysis and they are on a waiting list for a kidney. In my reading on the internet, it does not even appear the kidney has to come from a family member, just someone as a suitable match. I do know they are on a list for a kidney.

What does CP know about this? Any life experiences or people in the know?

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-29-2015, 08:48 AM

Are you a match?

BWillie · 07-29-2015, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMeatballDave

Are you a match?

Haven't even got that far, but I don't want to go in to the doctor, find out I'm a match and be like nah.

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-29-2015, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

Haven't even got that far, but I don't want to go in to the doctor, find out I'm a match and be like nah.

This would be a tough decision. I'd see if you're a match, because if you don't really want to do it, and if you're not a match, it's out of your control.

**LoneWolf** · 07-29-2015, 08:57 AM

I have a good friend who donated a kidney to one of their cousins. She regrets it every day of her life. Her quality of life has been much worse since the donation (10 years ago). She had extreme weight gain right after the surgery (60 pounds) that she has spent 10 years trying to reverse. She has lost about 40 of the 60 pounds.

Her remaining kidney has started to have trouble and her doctors have told her she will have to very on dialysis sometime in the next couple of years.

If it isn't a direct family member like your parents or siblings, I wouldn't do it. Especially if the person is 60 years old. You are still very young and IMO it's not worth the risk.

**pr_capone** · 07-29-2015, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

If it isn't a direct family member like your parents or siblings, I wouldn't do it. Especially if the person is 60 years old. You are still very young and IMO it's not worth the risk.

Yup... it sucks but they are old(ish) and had their time.

If they get a kidney from someone plowing their motorcycle into a mountain then so be it but there is no reason, IMHO, for someone of that age to receive/accept an organ from someone who hasn't even hit the midway point in theirs.

**LoneWolf** · 07-29-2015, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

Yup... it sucks but they are old(ish) and had their time.

If they get a kidney from someone plowing their motorcycle into a mountain then so be it but there is no reason, IMHO, for someone of that age to receive/accept an organ from someone who hasn't even hit the midway point in theirs.

That's exactly how I feel. I'm 43 and I wouldn't accept accept a kidney from a relative that was 20-30 years old.

58-4ever · 07-29-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

Yup... it sucks but they are old(ish) and had their time.

If they get a kidney from someone plowing their motorcycle into a mountain then so be it but there is no reason, IMHO, for someone of that age to receive/accept an organ from someone who hasn't even hit the midway point in theirs.

I'd take all this into account for sure. Ultimately, it's a personal decision. Keep doing your research and talk to doctors that have done the procedure. Hopefully they will be able to 3-D Print Livers later in my life.

**wazu** · 07-29-2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

Yup... it sucks but they are old(ish) and had their time.

If they get a kidney from someone plowing their motorcycle into a mountain then so be it but there is no reason, IMHO, for someone of that age to receive/accept an organ from someone who hasn't even hit the midway point in theirs.

Side note - I learned recently that summer is referred to as "Donorcycle Season" among the medical community.

Pablo · 07-29-2015, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazu

Side note - I learned recently that summer is referred to as "Donorcycle Season" among the medical community.

I'm sure they give up their fair share of organs.

**Mr. Flopnuts** · 07-29-2015, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

I have a good friend who donated a kidney to one of their cousins. She regrets it every day of her life. Her quality of life has been much worse since the donation (10 years ago). She had extreme weight gain right after the surgery (60 pounds) that she has spent 10 years trying to reverse. She has lost about 40 of the 60 pounds.

Her remaining kidney has started to have trouble and her doctors have told her she will have to very on dialysis sometime in the next couple of years.

If it isn't a direct family member like your parents or siblings, I wouldn't do it. Especially if the person is 60 years old. You are still very young and IMO it's not worth the risk.

This. Sometimes it's okay to be selfish. You're not being, but if that's your hang up, that's my response. ****. Start tipping like a normal human being and you can feel better about yourself.

ThaVirus · 07-29-2015, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts

Start tipping like a normal human being and you can feel better about yourself.

Seriously. Free riding douche tips 8% when he's out of town because he's cheap and knows he'll never have to see the waitresses again.

.. And he's talking about giving up a kidney. Not a chance in hell he does this.

BWillie · 07-29-2015, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

Seriously. Free riding douche tips 8% when he's out of town because he's cheap and knows he'll never have to see the waitresses again.

.. And he's talking about giving up a kidney. Not a chance in hell he does this.

Lol i never said I dont tip, I just wish I never had to do it. Id prefer the self serve places where u wait for you food and then sit down. I just dont tip 20% to 25% like some of you guys. I think thats silly. I always tip around 15% though, I just regret every time i do it and do find myself tipping more at places I frequent the most often

**bevischief** · 07-29-2015, 12:42 PM

If they aren't on dialysis yet don't even think about it yet.

WhawhaWhat · 07-29-2015, 12:43 PM

Tell them you have AIDS.

07-29-2015, 08:42 AM	Topic Starter
BWillie Are you ready to Rumble? Join Date: Apr 2006 Casino cash: $-1438759	Kidney Transplants Someone in my family would like a Kidney donation. It's not an immediate family member like parent, brother, grandparent etc but someone I am directly related to. The relative is almost 60. I feel really obligated to do it, but quite frankly it scares the shit out of me. I'm only 31, but I've read there can be complications during the surgery and even after the surgery. Even if the risk is low, there is still a risk. I mean, what if I need that kidney later on in life? I've read that kidney donors can possibly develop complications two years or so after the donation and some have even had to go on dialysis themselves. I used to have a pretty bad energy drink obsession, in fact, I just stopped drinking 2 or 3 a day about a month ago. I had a blood test done and found out that my "uric acid", creatinine level was high. I believe my GFR level was not the best. When I say high, it was just at or above the "outer range". I'm not overweight or fat or anything. I have perfect blood pressure, but I eat red meat and pork about 7 times a week so I have a severely low good cholesterol level and a relatively high bad cholesterol level. I'm sure they can tell me this when I get screened, probably looks like I'm making excuses but I don't want to look like an asshole and I don't want my relative to die either. The relative needing a kidney isn't necessarily going to die right away I don't think, they would eventually have to go on dialysis and they are on a waiting list for a kidney. In my reading on the internet, it does not even appear the kidney has to come from a family member, just someone as a suitable match. I do know they are on a list for a kidney. What does CP know about this? Any life experiences or people in the know?
Posts: 52,818

07-29-2015, 08:48 AM	#2
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	Are you a match?
Posts: 59,997

07-29-2015, 08:57 AM	#5
LoneWolf Constable of Untruths Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wichita Casino cash: $-928916	I have a good friend who donated a kidney to one of their cousins. She regrets it every day of her life. Her quality of life has been much worse since the donation (10 years ago). She had extreme weight gain right after the surgery (60 pounds) that she has spent 10 years trying to reverse. She has lost about 40 of the 60 pounds. Her remaining kidney has started to have trouble and her doctors have told her she will have to very on dialysis sometime in the next couple of years. If it isn't a direct family member like your parents or siblings, I wouldn't do it. Especially if the person is 60 years old. You are still very young and IMO it's not worth the risk.
Posts: 15,421

07-29-2015, 12:42 PM	#14
bevischief .... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere Kansas Casino cash: $7729352 VARSITY	If they aren't on dialysis yet don't even think about it yet.
Posts: 27,771

07-29-2015, 12:43 PM	#15
WhawhaWhat MVP Join Date: Feb 2013 Casino cash: $-688884	Tell them you have AIDS.
Posts: 18,321