Kidney donation: what are the conditions that you must fulfill?

A kidney transplant or transplant is one of the treatments for kidney disease that is no longer functioning, aka kidney failure. This procedure requires a donor kidney, whether from a living or deceased donor, to be placed in the body of the recipient. So, what are the requirements for a kidney donor?

Requirements for a kidney donor

If you have two healthy and well-functioning kidneys, you may be able to donate one of these bean-shaped organs. One of the donated kidneys is later used to improve the quality of life or save others.

Both the donor and recipient can live with only one healthy kidney. However, you cannot just be a kidney donor because you need to be in good physical and mental health.

Here are some conditions that need to be met in order to do a kidney donor.

• Are over 18 years of age.
• Physically and mentally healthy.
• Have the same blood type as the donor recipient.
• Normal blood pressure.
• Do not have diabetes, including gestational diabetes.
• Do not have cancer and / or have a history of cancer.
• Do not have autoimmune diseases, such as PCOS and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Do not experience vascular disease, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Not too fat, aka BMI must be less than 35.
• Do not suffer from kidney disease, such as kidney stones.
• Do not have sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B.
• Never experienced blood clots.
• Has no history of pulmonary disease with impaired oxygenation or ventilation.
• Protein in urine> 300 mg per 24 as proven by kidney examination tests.

Some of the conditions above will be proven through a series of health checks before donating a kidney. The reason is, these physical criteria are important when selecting organ donations.

In addition, donors also need to do the following things to make the process smoother.

• Willing to donate voluntarily.
• Not under pressure, threats, lure or coercion.
• Do not intend to sell or buy a kidney because it can be criminalized
• Have an understanding of the risks, benefits, and outcomes.
• Do not abuse drugs and alcohol, both active and historical.
• Get support from family.

Benefits of a kidney donor

It's no secret that being a donor is an advantage for the recipient, aka the person who got your kidney. recipients of donor kidneys who are still alive will usually live longer and are healthier.

This can be seen when compared to donor recipients from those who have died.

Even so, there are several benefits that can be felt by people who donate kidneys, namely saving the lives of kidney disease patients and understanding their own health conditions.

Risk of kidney donation

Although it brings benefits, both donors and recipients, it is not impossible that this procedure has its own risks.

After successfully qualifying for a kidney donor and having a kidney transplant, you may have scars from the surgery. Each person has the size and location of the scar depending on the type of surgery being performed.

In some cases, donors report some disturbing symptoms, such as pain, nerve damage, hernias, and intestinal obstruction. This risk is actually quite rare. However, there is no data that really shows how often this condition occurs.

In addition, people living with one kidney are also at risk for the following diseases, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension),
• Proteinuria (albuminuria), as well
• Decreased kidney function, if not properly maintained.

Have there been any emotional changes after the kidney donation?

Apart from being more susceptible to disease, most kidney donors who have undergone surgery also experience various kinds of emotions. Some of them feel happy and relieved, but not a few who experience anxiety to depression.

This condition can occur considering that the process from meeting the requirements for a kidney donor to the transplant is taking a long time. As a result, many of them do not have time to process the emotions they feel.

Therefore, the emotions that arise after the donor is done are very normal things to happen.

For example, living donors generally rated this as a positive activity. Numerous studies have shown that 80-97% of kidney donors say they will still decide to donate an organ.

Meanwhile, there were also donors who felt anxious and disappointed after the operation was carried out. Feelings of depression among donors are still prevalent. In fact, when the donor and recipient of the kidney are in good health.

If you or other family members who have been kidney donors experience any of the above, you should do the following.

• Tell the care team how you are physically and emotionally.
• Talk to the social worker from the transplant hospital for support.
• Talk to other live donors who may be experiencing the same feelings.
• Seek a counselor or other help to manage your emotions.

Living after donating a kidney

Basically, life after donating a kidney is similar to people living with one kidney. The reason is, before donating a kidney, your doctor has thoroughly evaluated your health.

However, keep in mind that when the kidney is removed, the remaining normal kidney size will increase to replace the donated organ.

Here are some things to consider after you donate a kidney.

• Avoid vigorous sports, such as soccer, boxing, hockey and wrestling.
• Wearing protective gear while exercising to reduce the risk of injury.
• Perform routine kidney function checks, such as urine and blood pressure tests.

Can you still get pregnant after donating a kidney?

For women who have donated kidneys, but still want to have children, there is no need to worry. Pregnancy after a kidney donation is very likely. However, it is not recommended for at least 6 months after kidney transplant.

In addition, you also need to consult with your obstetrician and kidney transplant surgery team before becoming pregnant. This is to determine if they have certain suggestions regarding your condition.

Normally, you can still get pregnant in a healthy manner even if a kidney has been donated. Even so, several studies have shown there is a small risk of diseases related to pregnancy, such as:

• gestational diabetes,
• hypertension due to pregnancy,
• protein in urine, and
• preeclampsia.

Therefore, you should tell your obstetrician about kidney donations so that you can monitor the risk of complications mentioned.

The requirements to become a kidney donor may seem complicated, but many people need healthy kidneys so they can survive. If you have further questions, contact your doctor for the right solution.