One possible long-term risk may be high blood pressure . Research shows that many people who donate a kidney have slightly higher blood pressure after several years. African-Americans and Hispanics are known to have an increased risk for high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes.
What is the downside of donating a kidney?
Possible long-term risks to donating a kidney include hyper-tension (high blood pressure) , hernia, organ impairment and the need for organ transplant, kidney failure, and death.
Does kidney donation shorten your life?
Does living donation affect life expectancy? Living donation does not change life expectancy , and does not appear to increase the risk of kidney failure.
What is the life expectancy of a kidney donor?
A living donor kidney functions, on average, 12 to 20 years , and a deceased donor kidney from 8 to 12 years. Patients who get a kidney transplant before dialysis live an average of 10 to 15 years longer than if they stayed on dialysis.
Can you live a long life if you donate a kidney?
How does living donation affect the donor? People can live normal lives with only one kidney . As long as the donor is evaluated thoroughly and cleared for donation, he or she can lead a normal life after the surgery.
What can't you do with 1 kidney?
Most people with a single kidney live a normal life without developing any long- or short-term problems. However, the risk of developing mild high blood pressure, fluid retention, and proteinuria is slightly higher if you have one kidney instead of two.
Who pays if you donate a kidney?
Who pays for living donation? Generally, the recipient's Medicare or private health insurance will pay for the following for the donor (if the donation is to a family member or friend).
Can you still drink alcohol with one kidney?
Although drinking one to two drinks a day typically won't be an issue, if you have one kidney, it will. When you drink, you will generally urinate more. But, your kidney is not filtering any blood. So, alcohol is still in your blood .
Is it wise to donate a kidney?
Giving a kidney to someone who needs a transplant is a very generous thing to do. ... Doctors reported that living kidney donors can expect to live full, healthy lives . Donors had very few long-term health problems, in most cases. The study looked at almost 4,000 people who donate one of their two kidneys since 1963.
Does kidney grow back after donation?
You should not incur any expenses for your medical care in the course of being a kidney donor, either, including the testing before the transplant, the surgery itself and the aftercare. However, you may experience financial loss due to missing work after the transplant or medical care. ... Your kidney will not grow back.
What is the longest a kidney transplant has lasted?
According to Guinness World Records, the longest surviving kidney transplant patient is Johanna Rempel of Canada, whose donor was identical twin sister Lana Blatz on Dec. 28, 1960.
Do kidneys grow back?
It was thought that kidney cells didn't reproduce much once the organ was fully formed, but new research shows that the kidneys are regenerating and repairing themselves throughout life .
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
Kidneys make urine, so when the kidneys are failing, the urine may change. How? You may urinate less often, or in smaller amounts than usual, with dark-colored urine. Your urine may contain blood.
Can you live without kidneys?
Can you live without kidneys? Because your kidneys are so important, you cannot live without them . But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.
What foods damage your kidneys?
- Dark-colored soda. In addition to the calories and sugar that sodas provide, they harbor additives that contain phosphorus, especially dark-colored sodas. ...
- Avocados. ...
- Canned foods. ...
- Whole wheat bread. ...
- Brown rice. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Dairy. ...
- Oranges and orange juice.
