Learn About Being A Kidney Donor
According to the Piedmont Transplant Institute, they are passionate about live kidney donation because patients who receive a living donor kidney transplant typically spend less time on the waiting list, may avoid the health and quality-of-life challenges of dialysis, and often achieve better short- and long-term outcomes.
The following information is summarized from the National Kidney Foundation website.
You can also find more information on the Piedmont Transplant Center website: piedmontlivingdonor.org
Who can be a living donor?
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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Certain medical conditions may disqualify a donor, such as:
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Uncontrolled high blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Cancer
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Smokers will likely need to quit before being approved for donation.
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Transparency about smoking habits is essential for a successful donation and transplant.
What if I'm not a match?
If you turn out not to be a good match, another option is a “paired exchange”. A paired exchange involves two pairs of living donors and their recipients. The two recipients “swap” donors so that each receives a kidney from the other person’s donor.
Benefits
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No physical benefits for the donor, but donating a kidney can save the life of someone with kidney failure.
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Benefits of a living donor kidney transplant for the recipient:
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Shorter wait
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Better match
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Kidney lasts longer
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Better timing for surgery
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Risks
Just like having any other surgery, there are risks involved with having a living donor surgery. Some short-term risks include:
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Bleeding or getting an infection in the areas around the surgical area
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Developing a hernia if you lift anything too heavy right after surgery
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Getting a UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection. This can be caused from having a urinary catheter placed during surgery to allow your body to urinate while you're in surgery and under anesthesia
How to donate a kidney
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Getting Started
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Visit the following website to register to be a living kidney donor: https://piedmont.donorscreen.org/register/now
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Costs
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Medical expenses for evaluation, surgery, and follow-ups are covered by the recipient’s health insurance.
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Out-of-pocket costs like lost wages, childcare, and travel are not covered.
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Financial assistance for donors:
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Georgia Transplant Foundation
Living donor assistance program
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Evaluation Process, Surgery, and Post-Surgery Care
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Visit piedmontlivingdonor.org and download the "Living Kidney Donation Process" PDF to learn more about the details.
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