Hypothetical Question: Getting the call when close to a living donation....

[bette1]

I would go with the cadaver kidney.  I would hate to have anyone go through a operation if they did not have to.  I'd feel bad about taking a kidney away from someone who did not have a living donor, but I'd feel that this was the best decision for myself and my potential donor.

When I was in the hospital getting my transplant, there was a fellow patient who'd gotten a kidney that was not working after several weeks.  I felt bad for both the donor and the recipient.  I'd hate myself If a friend or family member donated a kidney to me that rejected or failed after a short time.  I'd feel they'd gone through a big sacrifice for nothing. 

[Deanne]

It might not be so hypothetical. My sister offered to donate, but was rejected/put on hold because her diabetes values were just a tad off. They said they'd retest her if she lost 20 pounds. I figured that was the end of it/that she wouldn't be able to lose the weight. She's has bipolar disorder and is an "instant gratification" type of person. I was already concerned about whether she'd be accepted as a donor or if it would be a good idea for her. I heard she's lost 10 pounds now - halfway there!

At the same time as I learned my sister has started to lose weight, my neph said she thinks I'll be called for a transplant in about 6 months, given the wait time here, my blood type and PRA. If my sister continues her same rate of weight loss, she'll be ready to donate at about the same time my neph thinks I'll be called for a deceased donor transplant. I just have to figure that what's meant to be, will be. I try not to think about it too much right now.