When we hear about kidney failure, the word “transplant” comes up quickly. For a successful transplant, a healthy person—often a family member—may donate one of their kidneys. Donating a kidney is on of the most generous gift a person can give – it can transform or even save a life.
But the most common worry is:
“If I give one kidney, will I be able to live normally?”
Let’s clear the doubts and reassure you with facts.
Case Story: Sunita’s Gift
Sunita, a 40-year-old mother, donated one kidney to her son who had kidney failure. Before surgery, she was very anxious: “Will I be weak? Will I need dialysis in future? Will I live a short life?”
Her doctors explained that a healthy person can live a perfectly normal life with one kidney. The surgery went smoothly. Today, three years later, Sunita is healthy, active, and proudly says: “I don’t even feel I have donated a kidney, except for the joy of seeing my son live normally again.”
Common Apprehensions About Kidney Donation
1.
Will I fall sick if I donate my kidney?
No. One healthy kidney is enough for normal life. Many people are born with a single kidney and live long, healthy lives. Before surgery, potential donors undergo rigorous health checks to ensure their bodies can function perfectly well with as single kidney.
2.
Will I get kidney failure later?
The risk of kidney failure in donors is not higher than the general population, provided the donor is carefully selected after thorough medical evaluation.
3.
Will I be weak or unable to work?
After recovery from surgery (about 4–6 weeks), donors return to their normal lifestyle, work, and daily activities. Women can have normal pregnancies after kidney donation.
4.
Is the surgery risky?
Modern surgical techniques (laparoscopic donor nephrectomy) are very safe. The risk of death is extremely low (less than 0.03%, which is safer than many routine surgeries). Advances in surgical methods and improved donor screening have made the procedure even safer over the last decade.
5.
Do I need to take medicines lifelong after donation?
No. Donors do not need any lifelong medicines. Only routine health check-ups once a year are recommended.
How Donor Safety is Ensured
Before anyone donates a kidney, doctors perform:
- Detailed medical evaluation (blood tests, urine tests, kidney scans)
- Screening for blood pressure, diabetes, heart health
- Ensuring both kidneys are healthy and the donor can safely live with one kidney
Only after these tests confirm good health, donation is approved.
Life After Donation – Lifestyle won’t be restricted
- Donors live normal lives—working, exercising, eating regular diets.
- Donating a kidney does not limit your ability to live an active, fulfilling life.
- Long-term survival is the same as people with two kidneys.
- Donors often report better emotional well-being because of the satisfaction of saving a loved one’s life.
Take-Home Message
- Kidney donation is safe when proper medical evaluation is done.
- Donors live normal, healthy lives with one kidney.
- The gift of a kidney is not just an organ—it is the gift of life.
If you are considering donation, remember: you are not “losing” a kidney—you are gaining the joy of giving life to someone you love.