It is a very difficult decision. I had a transplant about thirteen years ago. It lasted ten years. When i was on dialysis my brother gave me one of his. It was the greatest gift of love. But i will tell you i didn't want to go that route. I didn't want him to make that sacrafice. When i told everyone how i felt they all had thought i was crazy. This is what they would say: "If you love me you would do this." I caved in and well, read some of my posts to see what happened. I now sit on dialysis again and by myself i have no one saying anything. I don't want another kidney, I am getting used to the madness.
Karol, my brother greg donated one of his kidneys to me. He is a advocate on being a donor. He is healthy and just has the big "worm" scar around his side. I am thankful for the 10 years but i can't stand to look at him in the summer when we go swimming. I see that scar and i feel so bad. The things that happened after the transplant should have never been. Sara i was led to beleive that the transplant would last forever. Some of them do. Mine i believe would have lasted longer. I don't know how your relitives feel about your decision. Mine of course beleive i should get help. So i did. I sat with a shrink for a week and told her what was on my mind. She gave me lexapro for depression. I said i'm not depressed i just don't want to go through that again. Sara i could be a very wealthy man if i taught a class on compassion. These health care workers need to take one. Again Sara i am on your side.