Yes certain aspects could have been improved and I am told they have been. For me it was really only communication. It was hard to get hold of anyone to talk to. Having said that, It was always at the back of my mind that daily they are dealing with people who are dying from kidney disease. I was fit and healthy and the last thing I wanted to do was to impose on their busy time. Having said that, it could still have been a lot better. That really was the main thing, being kept in the loop on a regular basis and being able to speak to someone easily. I think where it might have gone wrong (and this is only my guess) is that as I was the first altruistic donor at that hospital they themselves did not know exactly what to expect. The only compulsory evaluation was the mental one. I mean up until then they had dealt with donors who know their recipient and no doubt were seen together and had regualar contact anyway due to dialysis 3 times a week. As for locating the recipient, again I think it was all knew to them. They had not had to match a recipient to an altruistic donor before.

I have to say I was probably a “good” first timer for them. I never pressurised them, I took the stress of long waiting periods between contact as a challenge. i.e. If I am determined to donate, nothing will stop me. AFter I had donated I did liase with the team and we went over aspects that could be improved upon. They were well aware there were some aspects that could be improved. Since then they are now into double figures on altruistic donors passing through their doors. That is amazing since it is not even 2 years yet.

Everything else was magnificent!! If I was able to donate again, I would want to do so at the same hospital.
What made the whole experience (forgetting the little niggles) so enjoyable was the people there. From the receptionist, to the ladies who took blood, to the coordinators, doctors, surgeons, nurses, kitchen staff …. they were all lovely wonderful people. So friendly and kind. Always a smile and I always felt so relaxed there. It was like one great big happy family. Some of them had been there for years and years.
If I could live my life again, I would want to be a nurse and then specialise on the live donor team side and/or dialysis side. I also met many patients there and you could not help but feel so humbled in front of them. One couple in particular really affected me which is one reason I will do all I can now to help donors or recipients.

Lovely to hear you might be donating yourself. Any questions please ask.

Yes the whole process is new – 2007 being the first. Some transplant centers still have not had an altruistic donor pass through their doors. To date there have been 90+ donors and growing all the time. However we still need many more to sign the organ donor register. If most people did then perhaps there would be no need for live donors.

Thank for posting
Di
x

1) Just because you think you are healthy does not mean you are. People have been turned down from donating because during their very length medical evaluation it has been found they have some illness/disease that would make donating a kidney dangerous for them. Anyone who was prepared to offer you money for your kidney, when it is illegal to do so, I fear could very well lead to minimal evaluation for you, a dodgy surgeon/surgery and very little after care should something go wrong.

I know it is hard when hit by financial problems, and I do feel for you, but selling an organ is fraught with problems and really not the answer.

I will pray that you find some other means to help get out of your financial difficulties.

All the best … stay strong … be brave and keep healthy ….
With blessings
Di
x

Regards
Di

Good afternoon

i am a young and healthy many looking for a recipient for my Kidney. I do not smoke and exercise regularly i am from the blood group O+ and i am donating due to financial problems any help/Guideline instructions will be apreciated