For those of you interested in Living Kidney Donation, I’m hoping that this list will help answer some of the questions you may have. I am in awe of what you are thinking of doing for someone. You are my hero!

Myth #1: A kidney donor will have to take medications for the rest of their life.
Fact #1: A kidney donor will be given prescriptions for pain medication and stool softeners at discharge from the hospital. These are only for the immediate post-operative period, after that time, a donor does not have to take medication.

Myth #2: A kidney donor will have debilitating pain for an extended period of time.
Fact #2: A kidney donor will have some pain after surgery from both the incisions and related to gas and bloating. This pain will diminish in the days following surgery and can be controlled with pain medication if necessary.

Myth #3: A kidney donor will be on bed rest following surgery.
Fact #3: A kidney donor will be out of bed and walking independently before discharge from the hospital.

Myth #4: A kidney donor will be in the hospital for an extended period of time after surgery.
Fact #4: A kidney donor will be hospitalized for two nights (i.e. if surgery is on a Tuesday, the donor will typically be discharged on Thursday).

Myth #5: A kidney donor can no longer participate in sports or exercise.
Fact #5: A kidney donor should be able to return to regular activities and exercise at approximately 4-6 weeks following surgery.

Myth #6: A kidney donor will have to follow a new diet plan following donation.
Fact #6: A kidney donor should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. There are no dietary restrictions following donation.

Myth #7: A kidney donor can no longer consume alcohol following donation.
Fact #7: While excessive alcohol use is always dangerous, a kidney donor can consume alcohol in moderation.

Myth #8: A female kidney donor should not get pregnant after donation.
Fact #8: A female kidney donor should wait 3-6 months' time after donation to become pregnant. The body requires time to recover from the surgery and to adjust to living with one kidney prior to pregnancy.

Myth #9: A kidney donor's sex life will be negatively affected by donation.
Fact #9: A kidney donor may engage in sexual activity when they feel well enough to do so.

Myth #10:  Out of pocket expenses for the donor will be too high.
Fact #10:  The recipient’s insurance policy covers all medical costs including transplant and transplant-related follow-up.

Myth #11:  Donating a kidney reduces the donor’s life expectancy.
Myth #11:  Donating a kidney does not reduce the living donor's life expectancy. Interestingly enough, people who have donated a kidney outlive the average person.

Myth #12:  Not all religions support living donation.
Myth #12:  All major religions in the U.S. support living donation.

Myth #13:  The living donor needs to be a family member in order to be a match.
Myth #13:  A living donor does not need to be a family member. Living donors must be willing to donate, be healthy enough to donate, and be compatible with the recipient. Kidney swap is also an option if you aren’t a match!

Interested in Living Kidney Donation?

Or do you know someone who needs a Living Kidney Donor?

Please contact us at info@justakidney.com for kidney donation assistance today. Or simply sign up on our App today!