A friend of mine is in need of a kidney. I am considering donating one of mine if I am a match. Anybody have any information on how this may or may not affect me with having a j-pouch. Been doing some research online, but having found much info and would like to be prepared to discuss things with the doctors. Thanks!
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I don't believe that a J-pouch is a specific reason you couldn't donate a kidney, if you're in good health. If the pouch was for colon cancer they might not want you to donate. This is a significant surgery (on top of whatever prior surgeries you've had). You need to be prepared for about four weeks off of work. Newer approaches enable your donation to help your intended recipient even without a match. Your donation can be used as part of a Multi-way transplant, or serve to substantially raise your friend's priority on the waiting list for a cadaver donation. Good luck!
Your specific health is the primary issue as long as you don't have any of the contraindications listed here:
http://www.livingdonorsonline....ontraindications.htm
You can get by fine with one kidney, as the body has a LOT of redundancy in that area.
It would not affect your j-pouch in any particular way and the kidney retrieval surgery is not in any area close to the pouch.
Having a history of UC is a contraindication for bone marrow donation, but not blood or kidney donation.
Jan
http://www.livingdonorsonline....ontraindications.htm
You can get by fine with one kidney, as the body has a LOT of redundancy in that area.
It would not affect your j-pouch in any particular way and the kidney retrieval surgery is not in any area close to the pouch.
Having a history of UC is a contraindication for bone marrow donation, but not blood or kidney donation.
Jan
Thank you so much for your input. It turned out I am not a match for him, but we are doing the multi-way donation. So they are looking for the right matches now. Wish me luck!
This is a tremendous gift, Domenic. You make the world a better place.