I live a full life with just one kidney? This is the most common question that comes to almost all donors’ minds. The answer is yes! You can live a normal, healthy life with only one kidney. Likewise, there are many other questions that may come to a person’s mind regarding kidney donation and kidney transplant. One of the biggest barriers to this life-saving treatment is the social misconception and lack of awareness. In this blog, we have accumulated a few questions that we often come across and answered with real facts.
1: Do I have to rely on medications for the rest of my life if I donate one kidney as I will have long-standing health issues?
Kidney donors are only given post-surgery medications to help with the recovery process. There is no such evidence that one will face regular health issues only due to kidney donation. At Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec-8, Faridabad; we accept donors only after a thorough medical assessment and we also provide regular follow-ups after the surgery.
2: When is a kidney transplant needed?
Kidney transplant is advised only when the patients have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5 or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In such conditions, both their kidneys stop functioning due to irreversible damage. The treatment options for such situations include lifetime dialysis or kidney transplantation.
3: Is there any ideal timing for kidney transplantation?
A kidney transplant is recommended when kidney function falls below 50%. It has been seen that patients who get kidneys transplanted before Dialysis (called Pre-emptive Transplantation), do better than dialysis patients.
4: Is bed rest essential for the donor post-surgery?
Well, there is a certain recovery period, which depends on the individual’s health. But, post-recovery, the donor can walk independently while getting discharged from the hospital.
5: Is kidney transplantation better than relying on dialysis?
Surveys show that people who get kidney transplants usually live longer than dialysis patients. Transplant helps them avoid the side effects of dialysis and leads to a better quality of life. They also have fewer dietary and lifestyle restrictions while dialysis patients have to maintain a comprehensive list of Dos and Don’ts. Moreover, the cost of kidney transplantation is much less compared to the cost of a life-long dialysis process.
6: Can a female donor get pregnant naturally after donating?
Once the recovery phase is over, female donors can start planning for pregnancy. Donating a kidney does not affect the conceiving and childbirth process.
7: Will I have dietary restrictions after the donation of kidneys?
Well, there are no special restrictions that you will have to follow for your whole life. However, as the best kidney transplant hospital in Faridabad, we always recommend a healthy, balanced diet to everyone for living a better life.
8: Can I donate a kidney to someone even if our blood groups do not match?
Yes, you can. This procedure is called ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplantation. The receiver/patient will need to go through an extra procedure called Plasmapheresis or Immunoadsorption. This is performed to clean the antibodies from their blood. Experts at Sarvodaya Hospital are well-versed to handle such cases.
9: Can I participate in outdoor activities or sports after donating one kidney?
We recommend a recovery period of 4-6 weeks after the surgery and then you can resume your normal sports and exercise activities.
10: I am a senior citizen; can I donate kidneys?
We accept donors over the age of 18 and there are no age restrictions if you are in good health condition to satisfy the medical requirements.
11: Will I get prone to kidney diseases if I donate?
This is not true. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, then there is no such possibility to get kidney diseases due to donating one.
12: I am a diabetic patient; Can I get a kidney transplant too?
Ofcourse! Diabetesis one of the most common reasons behind kidney failure. Hence, diabetes can never be a contraindication to getting a kidney transplant.
13: What are the risks of getting a kidney transplant?
No doubt that it is a major surgery, and it has some risks included such as complications from anaesthesia, bleeding, infection etc. But being one of the best kidney transplant hospitals with highly experienced doctors, we make sure that you do not go through any such complications. At the Sarvodaya Centre for Dialysis & Kidney Transplant, we deliver comprehensive services to our patients. We have equipped our centre with the latest diagnostic technology, advanced medical facilities and the best Nephrologists in the country to offer the most advanced pre-operative evaluation, dialysis support & complete post-surgery care. Get in touch to know more about us.
