kidney donation--have you ever been a doner?

[Guest]

I am looking for any real world feedback on donating organs? 

It's an odd story (mine seem to always be!) and I don't want bore ya'all with the details. 

Basically I started working in a new job and on my team is a pretty cool young lady. I found out she goes to dialysis 4 times a week. She is on a nocturnal schedule so she can work during the day. She has been in complete kidney failure for almost 6 years. 

Not married. No children. She makes everyone she comes in contact with a better person. 

For some reason when met her I felt a strong pull to her. 

After getting to know each other I asked her if she was on a transplant list. She said she was but so far nothing was happening. 

I asked her if she would accept one of mine if we matched. She said she usually tells everyone that asks that she isn't a candidate for transplant. It's not true. She said she couldn't live a good life if she got a living donor and then something happened to the doner she wouldn't be able to live a great life knowing the donor suffered because of her! 

OK so...I need to get tested/matched first, right? Do I just call her nephrologist to see a match test could be done? Will he/she need the recipient to start the process? 

Anyone know? Anyone been an organ donor? 

Feedback please! 

 

[2earls]

I hope someone has some knowledge on this subject for you. There must be an organ donor forum that you could join, or just the specific steps that need to be taken on some websites.  I'm sure we could help in finding them.

What a generous and selfless thing to want to do. She sounds like the same kind of person, no wonder that you were drawn to her.

 

[Guest]

Oh 2E you are much too kind! I have always been driven to try and make a difference--I feel like there isn't much I can give back to the world--I am not a healer, a mender, a scientist, a philanthropist, a teacher etc. I try to buy favor with my universe any time I can! 

I have been a 3 time surrogate, a bone marrow donor and of course a blood donor. I only say this so you know I have some experience with "donating". It has become a joke that I share with Sara--I say " Shoot, I gave three couples a baby! I can give you a kidney!"'

That's great advice about looking at other forums. 

Its really stupid that I detest going to the doctor for myself--I go once a year whether I need to or not! However if its for a greater good then I can go without any thought. Probably a huge psychological statement in that behavior! But shit, I am too old to change! 

Again I appreciate any feedback or experience!