Choosing to become a living kidney donor is a huge life decision. There are also several myths about the long-term side effects that come with giving this gift or reasons why someone cannot be a living donor. The true impact it can have on your life is less than you may expect, and many people are eligible to become one. There are certain long-term side effects that come with any minimally invasive surgery, but studies have shown that living kidney donors have similar survival rates to non-donors along with there being no increased risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Overall, monitoring general health and kidney function is vital to not experiencing negative effects from this type of donation. 
As we shared, there are many misconceptions about living donation which discourages many from moving forward in the process. It is crucial to provide education to our communities to dispel these myths and save more lives through organ donation. Here are the top four:
Myth #1- I am too old to be a living kidney donor.
Truth #1- There is no certain age to be the ideal adult kidney donor. This means that older adults in good health can give the ultimate gift, and transplant centers have specific medical criteria that they use to determine this. The only absolute requirements are they must be at least 18 years old and have no chronic medical conditions. Age simply should not be a barrier to any type of organ donation.
Myth #2- You must be a family member to donate to someone you know.
Truth #2- There is no requirement to be related to a potential recipient or even know them. Many non-related living donors match those in need. There are several tests that are required to go through to confirm compatibility prior to donation occurring. These tests may include blood work, cancer screening, chest x-ray, physical exam, etc.
Myth #3- Recovery time is long and requires a long hospitalization.
Truth #3- In most instances, living kidney donors are only in a hospital for one to two days post-surgery. The most important things that must be monitored are a person’s ability to eat, urinate and walk comfortably on their own before being discharged. Some temporary restrictions when you are home may include limiting strenuous activities and not lifting anything over ten pounds.
Myth #4- Becoming a living kidney donor means long term medical care and a shortened lifespan.
Truth #3- After their brief recovery, people who have given the ultimate gift through kidney donation can resume normal activities without major restrictions or medication. They will be monitored for up to two years to ensure their kidney function is where it should be and that they are in good health. Becoming a living donor does not impact your overall lifespan or quality of life. This is why screening processes are so detailed to ensure positive outcomes for everyone involved.
You can learn more about living donation by visiting our website page here. If you are interested in becoming a living kidney donor, we encourage you to reach out to your nearest transplant center.
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