How to Be a Kidney Donor

Becoming an organ donor is a great way to help save or improve someone's life. Unlike most organs, you can donate a kidney while you are alive and healthy. It is a great gift to give someone. However, it is a major medical decision. Talk to your doctor to learn more about donating a kidney.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Deciding to Donate a Kidney

1
Decide between deceased and living donation. There are two different ways to become a kidney donor. The first is known as deceased donation, which means that the kidney is harvested from your body after your death. If this is the type of donation you are considering, it is very simple to register. You can visit the website Donate Life America to register, or you can declare your intentions to donate organs on your driver's license.^{[1]XResearch source}
- A living donation is when you are still alive and healthy and choose to donate a kidney. Most of us have two kidneys, and it is possible to live an entirely healthy life with only one healthy kidney.
- Before committing to living donation, consider the physical, emotional, and financial implications. The following information is intended for those considering living donation.
2
Consider an anonymous or personal donation. If you are contemplating making a living donation, you will need to think about who you want to receive your kidney. Many people choose to donate a kidney to a loved one who is suffering from a kidney ailment and needs a transplant. The most common kidney donations are made to a child, spouse, or sibling.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can also choose to donate your kidney to a distant relative, friend, or even a co-worker in need.
- Anonymous donations are becoming more and more common. This is known as a non-directed donation, which means that your kidney may be given to anyone on the transplant list.
3
Get an evaluation from a doctor. Not everyone is eligible to become a kidney donor. If you are not healthy enough to survive a major operation, or if your kidneys are not strong enough, you may not be able to donate. In order to determine your eligibility for living donation, you will need to have a doctor perform a thorough physical evaluation.^{[3]XResearch source}
- As a potential donor, you will undergo blood, urine, and radiology tests. Your doctor will analyze all of the results to determine your eligibility.
- If you are making a personal donation, the blood test will determine whether your kidney is compatible with the intended recipient's physical makeup.
- Before surgery, the doctor will order a chest x-ray and a CT scan or MRI of your kidneys to ensure that they are sufficiently healthy. They'll assess the size of your kidneys and check for masses, cysts, kidney stones, or structural defects.
4
Consider the physical risks. During the initial consultation, your doctor should talk to you about the many possible risks that go along with kidney donation. You will want to carefully think about all of this information and how it could impact your life. You should discuss possible outcomes with your close family members.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Some potential long-term side effects are nerve damage, chronic pain, and intestinal obstruction.
- Donors are also at higher risks for health concerns such as high blood pressure, and reduced kidney function.
5
Think about the emotional effects. Donating a major organ can be a very emotional experience. When you are considering making a living donation, there are several questions you should ask yourself. For example, spend some time thinking about why you want to make the donation.^{[5]XResearch source}
- You should ask yourself how you will feel if the recipient does not act grateful, or if your relationship becomes strained. Will you be able to handle that?
- You also need to recognize that your kidney may not function properly in the recipient's body. Consider how you will feel emotionally if the kidney fails.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preparing for Surgery

1
Talk to your insurance company. After your doctor has deemed you eligible to make a living donation, you will need to consider the financial costs. Generally, the recipient's insurance plans will cover the cost of the donor's surgery and hospital stay, but won't cover travel, lost wages, and other external expenses. Call your insurance company and ask a representative what exactly will be covered. ^{[6]XResearch source}
- Make sure to ask exactly what medical expenses will be covered by the recipients insurance policy. You should also find out if your follow-up care is covered.
- You should also make sure that you are financially prepared to miss work for four to six weeks. Your policy will almost certainly not cover lost wages.^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Speak to the doctors. When you are preparing for surgery, it is a good idea to have in-depth conversations with your doctors. You may find it helpful to speak to your primary care physician, your surgeon, and other members of the transplant team. Ask questions about both the surgical procedure and the recovery process.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Talk to your doctor about the success rate of the transplant center, and what the rate of complications for donors are.
- Discuss the plan for follow-up care. Ask if you will be assigned an individual donor advocate to guide you through recovery.
3
Find a support system. Leading up to surgery, you will likely experience some anxiety. Make sure to talk about your fears with your doctor. You should also tell a close friend or family member that you are very emotional, and could use some extra support. Let your friends and family know that you will need some help after the surgery, as you will need time to physically recover.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
- Line up people to help you before your surgery. You will have one less thing to worry about while you are recovering.
- The hospital should provide a social worker to talk to you about the emotional aspects of donation. Make sure you schedule an appointment with him/her the week of your surgery.
4
Have the operation. In the days right before the operation, the doctor will run some final lab tests to make sure you are physically ready for the operation. When you are ready, you will report to the hospital or surgical center for surgery. You will be prepped for surgery and placed under general anesthesia.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
- Typically, the surgery is laparoscopic. Small incisions will be made in your abdomen while laparoscopic instruments are inserted to remove the kidney.
- You will wake up in a recovery room, where pain medication and oxygen will be administered.
- You will have a catheter to expel urine from your body, which will typically be removed the next morning.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Recovering From Surgery

1
Recover in the hospital. You will need to spend 1-2 days in the hospital post-laparoscopic surgery. Your vital signs will be monitored and you will be given pain medication. Your nurses will encourage you to get up and walk around, as pain allows.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Make sure that you have requested time off from work. Your total recovery time will be about four to six weeks.
- You will likely experience gas and bloating in the first two days after the surgery.
2
Manage your pain. Once you are released from the hospital, you will continue to recover at home. Your body will need about four to six weeks to heal before you can return to your normal routine. Make sure that you are taking any pain medications prescribed by your doctor.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Avoid lifting objects heavier than ten pounds (4.5 kg), driving, or operating machinery while taking pain medications. If you have small children, you should arrange to have help caring for them during this period.
- Your abdomen may be slightly swollen, so wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
- You may feel very tired during recovery. This is normal. Make sure to rest as much as possible.
3
Prepare for multiple follow-ups. You will need to see your doctor multiple times after donating a kidney. Your doctor will recommend that your first check-up occur 1-2 weeks after the surgery. You will also need to be seen after 6 months, and 1 year.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
- Depending on your health, your doctor will probably want you to have an annual check-up for the rest of your life.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
I had a stent put into my left anterior descending artery 9 years ago. I have not had a heart attack. I am 65 with well-controlled hypertension &a osteoporosis. Am I disqualified from being a donor?
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Expert Answer
The best way to find out is to register to be a living kidney donor through a transplant center. The organization will contact you to discuss your eligiblitiy. One such center is the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Kidney Transplant Center. Here’s the link to registration: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/living_donors/register.html
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Question
I have high blood pressure and M.S. Could I still be a kidney donor?
Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Expert Answer
Generally, you can only be a donor if your blood pressure is well-controlled because uncontrolled high blood pressure is a main cause of kidney failure. This can be a problem if you only have one kidney, so you likely wouldn't be accepted as a kidney donor.
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Tips

Learn as much as possible about the surgery. If possible, talk to someone who has already donated a kidney.
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Consult your doctor or transplant center to find out if you are a potential donor.
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Follow all of your doctor's instructions during the recovery period.
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Warnings

If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet.
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