My thoughts are random, and jump rapidly from one area to another.
Despite that randomness, today I have found myself thinking greatly about my kidney donation. I have a meeting with the Surgeon on Thursday, September 24th, and this will be the first meeting my husband will attend with me. The meeting is to discuss my anatomy, and which kidney they would take. I will need to get a blood test done as well as I am still working on getting (and keeping) my iron at a decent level.
From this meeting, the team will then go to a Round Table discussion, and my understanding is this is where the final decision, the go/no-go will be decided.
I'm not nervous about the appointment, I'm nervous about the decision. This is really, truly, something I want to do, and I am scared they will tell me no. I am scared they will say that I am a young woman who hasn't had children yet, and that thank you very much for the offer, but come back after you've had kids. I don't want them to say that. I want to do this, and as much as I know I will do this later if they say no now, I am ready for this now.
I now this is horrible, but I was thinking that maybe they will let me go ahead. I mean, I've had every test in the book. They've spent a lot of time working with me, testing me, evaluating me, making sure I make the grade. To have all those resources go to waste because of my age, and to deny someone a kidney, I think that would be a shame. But then again, that perspective is tainted by my own desire to do this.
The other thing I have been thinking about lately is speaking out. I have been adamant about remaining anonymous, but have started to think that maybe I could advocate for Anonymous Donation, and hopefully encourage more people to enter the program and help save more lives. The only reason, and I must stress this, only reason I would do this is to try and help. There are so many men, women, and children waiting for organs, and kidneys... you can live perfectly fine with just one. So with all the healthy people out there, and all the people that are fighting for their lives, doesn't it make sense to try and match them up? And if I can help with that, should I? Or stick to my original plan which was to donate my kidney, tell as few people as possible, and continue on with my life.
I don't know if anyone actually reads this blog, but if you do, I would really appreciate some feedback. What would you do? Speak up? Or Donate and continue on with life? Why?
Well done you. Wonderful thing you are doing. As for remaining anonymous I think what you have to consider is the privacy of the recipient is paramount. So stop giving out dates of tests etc etc as when you donate you do not want any clues for the recipient or family to know who you are as then their privacy could be compromised. then wait until after the donation. Let the dust settle. Then if you want to promote this, then do so, but just remember the privacy of the recipient. Do not give any clues away that could later help identify them. Even then you can still remain anonymous yet promote kidney donation. Your name never need be known if you are concerned about people thinking you have other motives. Many people have promoted live donation without their face or name ever being known. After the donation see what the hospital says. Maybe you can do something with them.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime take care of yourself and look forward to your donation, which I know will happen.
As far as living with one kidney there are some precautions that will be needed. You must never take NSAIDs which includes asprin as they are known to possible have side effects on the kidney. You will need to make sure you drink enough water each day with one kidney. Never lose too much weight as it is a pocket of fat that supports the kidney and avoid contact sports.
Good luck with your journey and well done.
Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it. And thank you very much for reminding me about the recipient's privacy, I will admit I hadn't much thought about that but have taken your comment into consideration and will be more selective in information that I post.
ReplyDeleteThe tips are great as well, I didnt know about NSAIDs, but will jump to google to learn more (and will continue to post about life post-op and the changes it has meant for me).