Should I be an organ donor?

Question

My sister needs a kidney transplant and we are the same blood type. Although she is on the waiting list for a kidney, I am feeling guilty like I should be the one to help her- but I am scared to go through with the surgery. Do you think I should do it?

Answer 1

I think this is something you really need to talk about with your family but I'm sure you'd feel better about helping your sister and won't be scared about the surgery... I'm sure she'd do it for you... I know I would do it for my brother in a heartbeat :o) either way I hope she gets a kidney...

Answer 2

I believe this has to be your decision completely although my mom was only born with a 1/2 of a kidney and if need be I would give her one of mine no matter what the cost. Although it may be scary the risk of you donating a kidney is unlikely for something more serious. Although you must take it light after giving a kidney giving your loved one's back their life is more priceless than the hurt. Kidney transplants are highly effective and as long as your health is good you should be fine and although I am not a Doctor acquiring all the information you can off the internet and from the doctor should help you in making the right decision. Good luck to you and I wish your sister the best and hope everything works out for the both of you.

Answer 3

Speaking proudly as an organ donor myself..... I donated a kidney to my wife.........

I would advise that you do what YOU feel is the right thing to do. No recipient would ever ask or accept an organ from an unwilling living donor. Trust me they know what it's like to be unhealthy.

I will tell you that I have suffered NO ill effects from my donation 7 years ago. You body can mange just fine with one kidney and will even increase the size and efficiency of your remaining organ. The human body is SOOOOOO cool that way.

The only downsides are the potential that you damage your other kidney in some way or develop the same disease as your sister. Get ALL the facts before you make your decision, and please for your own sake make the right decision for YOU.

Also the surgery is fairly routine, they remove them all through the abdomen now, 3 small incisions for the tools to disconnect and one 3-4 inch one to allow removal, not a painful recovery.

Answer 4

Yes, I think you should, she's your sister, but I think it takes more then being the same blood type. If it was just being the same blood type there would be thousands of people with the same blood type. Other things enter into it that have to be a close match.
I had a cousin that was a diabetic that needed a kidney, I was afraid if he didn't get a donor soon he would die. I offered him mine and the following week one became available from an unknown person. But, I had no problem with giving him mine if it meant he'd live.

Answer 5

Have you been tested to see if you're a match? It goes much further than same blood type.

Giving your sister a kidney would be the most unselfish thing you could ever do. You would literally be giving your sister life.

I understand your fear. It is major surgery. Whether you do it or not is up to you. You need to make the decision. No one here can do that for you.

I can sit here all night and give you reasons why you should do it...your sister needs it...you can live with one kidney...you would be saving her life...but I don't know you or your sister and there's no way I can advise you on what to do.

This decision needs to come from your heart. I do know one thing...your sister would be so grateful to you for giving her a chance to live.

You have a huge decision to make. It's not something to take lightly. Talk with your family...the doctors...a counselor...a religious adviser...maybe they can help you come to a decision. I wish you luck.

Answer 6

Yes you should if you love your sister. My Dad has lupis and needed a Kidney transplant and his sister gave him a kidney to save his life. If you were in the same situation you would want the same thing done. Its no big deal. If you can live with 2 why not.

Answer 7

Something like this can impact your emotional well-being. If she needs a kidney, and you're the one who is compatible, of course everyone is going to say yes, you should be the one to step up and save her life. However, you may have reasons why you are frightened...perhaps you have children and if something were to go wrong, they could be left without a mom...perfectly acceptable reason to be concerned for yourself, and there are many more.

Do some soul searching, talk to other's who have donated organs, contact a support group, have a discussion with a qualified physician...speak to your own physician...but above all....

YOU have the right to say NO without feeling guilty. It's a personal choice, you're not obligated to help, and no one should hold your decision against you.

Answer 8

first off i gave a kidney to my mother-in-law(yes mother-in-law) 6 years ago ...personaly i was ready as soon as she was told she needed it..but blood match is a very small part of the match. your health and mental well being matter alot..sure along the way i wondered some about it but then i realy knew it was fright of the surgery..and it does hurt, but the gift of a better life to someone you love is far worth it...good luck with your problem but the real answer is in you...you already know it

Answer 9

i think you should if you have two healty kidneys you will be under sleep sedation for the surgery and shouldnt have alot of pain after if you are worried about your pain think of your sisters no matter how scared i would never hesitate to give a kidney to my brothers or husband or parent or my child

Answer 10

Listen to your heart. What a wonderful thing it would be to help your sister and save her life. You might want to check with the hospital or dr.'s office and see if you could talk to other donors to see what the experience was like for them. Best of luck to you and your sister!