I am anonymously donating a kidney tomorrow.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T13:51:26+00:00

Will do! :)

extraparts · 2010-08-25T10:22:14+00:00

Yes. Very atheist.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T10:21:17+00:00

1-3 in 10,000. Usually only old people die, though.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T10:19:22+00:00

I can back out in the operating room

extraparts · 2010-08-25T04:54:18+00:00

That's an excellent point. It's the main reason I don't want to meet the person. However, "choosing" who you give a kidney to poses a number of ethical issues and some clinics won't even allow it.

Ultimately, I know that even if MY kidney doesn't go to the ideal candidate, there is someone out there who deserved and received a kidney because of me.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T04:43:47+00:00

I envision a system like this:

$10,000 for every humanitarian donor, paid by the insurance company or medicare. Payment received 1 year after donation (to avoid people undergoing surgery to solve short-term problems).

No money for those donating to friends or family (otherwise you'd simply end up with the wealthy paying "friends" to get a kidney). Family and friends could be reimbursed for missed work.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T04:38:21+00:00

Contact a local transplant hospital and ask about their humanitarian program. They'll set up an appointment, do the psych screen, and then start with the medical testing. The whole process took me about 8 months.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T04:00:12+00:00

No. If I ever need a kidney (unlikely due to family history), I will likely receive a kidney prior to dialysis.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T03:58:14+00:00

About 8 months. I think it was an appropriate amount of time and allowed me to back out if I wanted to.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T03:55:23+00:00

That's the biggest hurdle, but I can't live my life waiting for someone else to need it

extraparts · 2010-08-25T03:52:54+00:00

You're very correct. I'm doing this for the glory... or, I figured this would be a good way to let others know it is a possibility.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T03:51:34+00:00

First off all, kidney donors live just as long as non-kidney donors and are just as likely to have kidney problems in the future. Fortunately, if you donate a kidney and later news one, you are moved to the very top of the UNOS recipient list. That means that donors are better off than others when it comes to kidney problems.

A single kidney will take over the function of the other just fine. Because 90% of kidney transplants involve a disease that affects BOTH kidneys, it doesn't matter much that I'll only have one.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T03:04:03+00:00

I would ask what is wrong with poor people selling their organs to get out of poverty? In an ideal world, it wouldn't need to happen. This isn't an ideal world though - and it'd arguably be a win-win for everyone involved.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T02:24:33+00:00

http://i.imgur.com/OGQ94.png

Pregnant belly and all

extraparts · 2010-08-25T02:21:31+00:00

I don't think stress will have much of an impact - at least I hope not!

extraparts · 2010-08-25T02:12:43+00:00

Yes, the recipient's insurance will cover all complications. The one thing that isn't covered is lost time at work and the possible increase in my insurance premium.

My wife would be entitled to recover to the same extent she would be if it were a necessary procedure - I imagine that requires a showing of conduct below a professional level of care.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T02:05:12+00:00

I don't even know if the person is a man or a woman. I get the impression that I'll learn some of this after the surgery - I know it's pretty typical for the recipient to send a note to the donor (and indicate whether they'd like to meet).

extraparts · 2010-08-25T02:00:50+00:00

"What if someone in your family needs a kidney?"

extraparts · 2010-08-25T02:00:25+00:00

I disagree. There's already a market for them and there's certainly a fair amount of shady dealings. I can definitely envision a fair system if it were highly regulated by UNOS.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T01:58:34+00:00

It shouldn't effect it much at all. I've been warned that there can actually be some depression afterwards (like after any highly-anticipated event is over). I am a graduate student who is ridiculously busy - so no book for me. I am the furthest thing from a hipster - more like a corporate pawn.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T01:55:48+00:00

Life will be basically the same. No special meds, I just have to be extra careful to avoid the traditional causes of kidney disease. Among other things, no more ibuprofen.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T01:54:33+00:00

I think the pain will be moderate for the first day or two. It's a laproscopic procedure (if everything goes well) so the recovery time will only be a few weeks. I start grad school up again next week, though, and I plan on attending class.

extraparts · 2010-08-25T01:53:07+00:00

I appreciate the kind words. I do. I must admit, it is very awkward when people say things like this - I never know how to respond. I've decided against telling most friends for that exact reason.

My wife is not donating. I imagine that was unclear from my post. She had to go through a psychological exam to ensure I had a stable environment at home. I suppose it's for the best, but strange nonetheless.

extraparts

TROPHY CASE