Steps to Take When You Need a Kidney Donor
Finding out you need a kidney transplant can be overwhelming. The journey to finding a donor involves various steps, from understanding your medical condition to navigating the donor process. Here’s a guide to help you through this challenging time.
1. Understand Your Condition
Educate Yourself: Learn about your specific kidney condition and why a transplant is necessary. Understanding your medical situation can empower you to make informed decisions and effectively communicate with potential donors.
Consult Your Doctor: Have in-depth discussions with your medical team. They can provide detailed information about your condition, the transplant process, and what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery.
2. Choose a Transplant Center
Evaluate Transplant Centers: There are more than 250 transplant centers in the United States, and it’s important to choose the right one for you. For a listing of every transplant center in the country, along with various statistics and details about their programs, visit https://www.kidneytransplantcenters.org.
Consider Receiving Care from a National Kidney Registry Member Center: If you are not already under the care of a transplant center, or you are open to switching to a different center, you may want to consider an NKR Member Center that participates in the microsite program. The microsite program offers free personal websites and donor search coaches to people seeking a living kidney donor. Click here to register with the NKR.
3. Get on the Transplant List
Evaluation: If you’re considering a kidney transplant, you’ll be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation at a transplant center. This typically includes physical exams, blood tests, imaging studies, and psychological assessments to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for a transplant.
Listing: If you’re deemed eligible, you’ll be placed on the national transplant waiting list. This list is managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in the U.S., which matches donors and recipients based on various factors like blood type and tissue compatibility.
4. Explore Living Donor Options
Learn About Living Donors vs Deceased Donors: Living donor kidneys have significant advantages over deceased donor kidneys. They typically last twice as long, cause fewer complications, and have lower patient mortality rates. Learn more.
Set Up Your Microsite: If you have chosen one of the {{numMicrosites}} transplant centers that participate in the microsite program, set up your microsite with the help of your assigned donor search coach. Learn more.
5. Spread the Word About Your Need for a Living Kidney Donor
Reach Out: Inform friends, family, and your community about your need for a kidney donor. Many people are willing to donate but might not know how to go about it. Sharing your story can inspire potential donors to come forward.
Get Online: Utilize social media, personal blogs, email, and any online communities you belong to to share your need for a living donor. These platforms can help you connect with potential donors who might be outside your immediate network.
The journey to finding a kidney donor and undergoing a transplant can be challenging, but with the right actions, support, and resources, you can navigate this path successfully.