The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study last year, in which they examined the long term mortality of over 80,000 live kidney donors from 1994 through 2009. It is the first study of its kind-evaluating live kidney donors-post transplant, on a national level. The study found that 15 years post transplant, the death rate among the kidney donors was no higher than that of those who had not donated a kidney.
"Whatever happens when people donate kidneys, on average, it doesn't affect the rest of their lives, and that has never been shown before in a study of this size and scope" said study author Dr. Dorry L. Segev, a transplant surgeon at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
While there are risks in the transplant surgery itself, as with any surgery, the risk of death for the donor is actually lower than other more common surgeries! Live kidney donors face a death rate of 3.1 per 10,000 surgeries, compared with 18 deaths per 10,000 gall bladder removal surgeries! Less risk combined with such good results in the long term, must be reassuring to any one contemplating being a live donor.
The fact that there are so many people on the kidney transplant waiting list (more than 90,000 in the US) demonstrates that there are not enough cadaver (deceased) donor kidneys available to meet the need. Often, patients wait 3 to five years, their health declining as time progresses. This is why over 4000 people on the US Kidney Transplant Waiting list die each year, without ever receiving the transplant. For that reason, live kidney donation becomes critically important.
"Whatever happens when people donate kidneys, on average, it doesn't affect the rest of their lives, and that has never been shown before in a study of this size and scope" said study author Dr. Dorry L. Segev, a transplant surgeon at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
While there are risks in the transplant surgery itself, as with any surgery, the risk of death for the donor is actually lower than other more common surgeries! Live kidney donors face a death rate of 3.1 per 10,000 surgeries, compared with 18 deaths per 10,000 gall bladder removal surgeries! Less risk combined with such good results in the long term, must be reassuring to any one contemplating being a live donor.
The fact that there are so many people on the kidney transplant waiting list (more than 90,000 in the US) demonstrates that there are not enough cadaver (deceased) donor kidneys available to meet the need. Often, patients wait 3 to five years, their health declining as time progresses. This is why over 4000 people on the US Kidney Transplant Waiting list die each year, without ever receiving the transplant. For that reason, live kidney donation becomes critically important.
My brother Kevin has been on the transplant waiting list through Penn Transplant Institute, in Philadelphia, for 3 years. His condition is worsening every day. As I am not a live donor candidate, I'm using social media in hopes of finding a live kidney donor for him. At this stage, that is the best option to prolong his life.
As of this moment, Kevin is well enough to undergo a transplant. But as his health declines, so does his chances of being a transplant recipient. Time is of the essence!
If you're interested in becoming a living donor for Kevin, please complete the Live Kidney Donor Referral form and then fax it to Penn Transplant Institute to begin the evaluation process.
I wanted to come here and tell you for myself how much I commend your pursuit in all of this, it takes so much strength to keep going. As you know I write (I also paint & draw etc.) ~ I'd like to set up a sale of one I had taken down, but willing to put back up with a purpose to help others in some way. It's only being sold on Etsy for $695 (with your permissions), but I would like to have 50% of it's sale go to you for your brother.
ReplyDeleteMy father passed away Jan. 27th this year and among long endured ailments were kidney troubles. I am 36 and well I've been lately experiencing some difficulties. I find you and your cause very touching. Please let me know how you feel about this...if you'd like more private send me a DM on twitter and I'll supply you with my email. ~April =)
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ReplyDelete=) Just sent you email dear, & much gratitude. What YOU are doing is amazing!
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