The consideration of organ donation, whether living or
deceased, is certainly a noble act characterized by unparalleled bravery. As it
specifically relates to kidney disease, dialysis is certainly a modality for
which we are most thankful; however, it is not without the potential of
long-term consequences including an increased risk of infection, as well as an
increased risk of heart disease. Dialysis also carries a tremendous
psychosocial burden, as many patients feel tired all the time amongst other unpleasant
issues. Furthermore, dialysis is very time consuming, as it requires at least 4
hours three days out of seven, which has a huge impact on family, work, and
personal life. Kidney donation and subsequent transplantation, allows patients
with kidney disease to free themselves from the constraints of dialysis, and
improve their long-term health outcomes, along with their overall quality of
life. Although deceased donor kidneys are just as important as living donor
kidneys, research has shown that the overall survival rate is much higher with
living donor kidneys. Also, living donor kidneys generally start working
immediately, which means that the recipient is able to come off dialysis much
sooner.
The decision to donate a kidney is not an easy one. The primary concern that most have relates to the impact of kidney donation to one’s own health and quality of life. Fortunately, there have been studies looking at the long-term consequences of kidney donation. Research has illustrated that the lifespan of kidney donors is just as good as people who do not donate a kidney. You also may have asked yourself, “If I donate a kidney, will my chances of ending up on dialysis be higher?” Research has shown that kidney donors do NOT have a higher rate of developing kidney failure, and requiring dialysis. Once one kidney is removed, the other remaining kidney compensates to ensure that all of the body’s requirements are met. Regarding quality of life after kidney donation, research studies have revealed that kidney donors have an excellent quality of life. Please keep in mind that all kidney donors go through a rigorous medical workup to ensure that they are in appropriate condition to donate a kidney.
As a medical professional, I have personally seen the tremendous impact that organ donation has on the life of the recipient. I personally view organ donation as the gift that keeps on giving. The Number 1 wish of anyone on dialysis is to receive a kidney. Through the selfless actions of people just like you, many dialysis patients are having their dreams to come true one kidney at a time.
The decision to donate a kidney is not an easy one. The primary concern that most have relates to the impact of kidney donation to one’s own health and quality of life. Fortunately, there have been studies looking at the long-term consequences of kidney donation. Research has illustrated that the lifespan of kidney donors is just as good as people who do not donate a kidney. You also may have asked yourself, “If I donate a kidney, will my chances of ending up on dialysis be higher?” Research has shown that kidney donors do NOT have a higher rate of developing kidney failure, and requiring dialysis. Once one kidney is removed, the other remaining kidney compensates to ensure that all of the body’s requirements are met. Regarding quality of life after kidney donation, research studies have revealed that kidney donors have an excellent quality of life. Please keep in mind that all kidney donors go through a rigorous medical workup to ensure that they are in appropriate condition to donate a kidney.
As a medical professional, I have personally seen the tremendous impact that organ donation has on the life of the recipient. I personally view organ donation as the gift that keeps on giving. The Number 1 wish of anyone on dialysis is to receive a kidney. Through the selfless actions of people just like you, many dialysis patients are having their dreams to come true one kidney at a time.
-Dr. Urseline Hawkins
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