Living donors can be a friend, relative or simply a good Samaritan making the personal choice to save a life. According to Donate Life America, a living organ donation offers another choice for some transplant candidates, reducing their time on the waiting list and leading to better long-term outcomes for the recipient. Here are some things to expect when you make a living donation.
Limit Alcohol Use Before Surgery
Excessive alcohol use is always dangerous. There are no specific restrictions regarding alcohol use for kidney donors following surgery.
Limit Weightlifting Activities for a Minimum of Six Weeks
After being discharged from the hospital, home recovery will take approximately two to four weeks. Weightlifting restrictions will be placed on anything over 10 pounds for six weeks.
You can Still Live a Normal, Healthy Life with One Kidney
People can live a normal, healthy life with one kidney. Living kidney donors are carefully screened to ensure they are healthy before a living donation can take place. They are encouraged to have regular check-ups and follow a healthy lifestyle. For women of childbearing age, having only one kidney does not prevent one from having a child.
Schedule Routine Check-Ups Following Donation
Routine follow-up care will occur with the donor’s primary physician yearly, or at the UofL Health – Trager Transplant Center for at least two years following donation.
For more information on living kidney donation, please contact Trager Transplant Center at 502-587-4538, option 5 or 800-866-7539, option 5.
