“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”
– Dr. Seuss
Living Organ Donation
Living organ donation is a true act of selflessness making it a unique and extraordinary gift. Regarding regular organ donations, organs are taken after a person has passed on. Whereas, living donors can give a kidney or even part of their liver to someone in need. This post will unpack the how’s, the why’s and the wow’s of living organ donations.
Why Living Organ Donations Are a Big Deal
Living organ donations are a game-changer. Thousands of patients are currently on transplant waiting lists worldwide. Living organ donations not only increase the chances of survival but also improve the recipient’s quality of life. It can be a faster route to recovery compared to waiting for an organ from a deceased donor.
How Does Living Organ Donation Work?
Checking Out the Donor:
The donor goes through a battery of medical and psychological tests. This is to ensure they’re a good match and in tip-top shape. It is important that the living donor does not have comorbidities. For example diabetes may impact the retained single kidney over time.
The Operation
The surgery is done using techniques that are as minimally invasive as possible. Thus, ensuring the donor’s safety and a speedy recovery. The donated organ is then transplanted into the recipient.
The Surgery
Both the donor and recipient receive the best post-operative care. They are closely monitored to optimise their recovery and prevent any complications. This care will include anti rejection medication for the recipient to prevent organ rejection.
The Benefits
No More Waiting
Recipients get their transplants sooner, which cuts down on the time and complications of pre-transplant treatments like dialysis. If the donor is a family member the donor’s medical history is available.
Better Results
Organs from living donors often work better and last longer than organs from deceased donors.
Feeling Good
Donors get a warm, fuzzy feeling, knowing they’ve saved a life.
Living Organ Donations Down Under
Australia has an excellent living organ donation program. The focus is mainly on kidney and liver transplants. The Australian Government’s Organ and Tissue Authority reports that living donations made up nearly 20% of kidney transplants recently. The process is backed by solid medical protocols. Public awareness campaigns ensure the safety and support of donors and recipients.
Living Organ Donations in the USA
The US has one of the most extensive living donor programs in the world. As per the National Kidney Foundation, around 30% of all kidney transplants each year are from living donations. They’ve got great infrastructure and support systems for donors, including financial help for medical expenses and long-term health monitoring.
Living Organ Donations in the UK
The UK also has a successful living donation program. NHS Blood and Transplant reports that living kidney donations make up about 25% of kidney transplants each year. They offer substantial support to donors. This ensures donors make informed decisions. Additionally, donors receive the care they need after the donation.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Living organ donation is a testament to human kindness and scientific progress. By donating a kidney or part of a liver, living donors give recipients a second chance at life. This act improves recipients health, productivity, and future. Awareness and support systems continue to grow worldwide. As they expand, living donations will have an even bigger impact. They will save more lives and encourage more people to consider this selfless act.
Living Organ Donor Heroes
Living organ donation represents an extraordinary act of human kindness and medical advancement. Recipients gain a second chance at life. Organs donated by living donors may include a kidney or part of a liver. This act transforms the recipient’s health and future prospects. As awareness and support systems continue to grow globally, the impact of living donations will increase further. This will save more lives. It will inspire countless others to consider this altruistic act.
I know a number of living organ donors and recipients. They have usually been related to each other. Donating an organ is a confronting topic. Actually donating an organ while you are living may not be for you personally. That is OK! Perhaps consider registering as an organ donor if you pass away. You might consider donating blood regularly. If you have a living organ donor story please reach out. Our community would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Related posts you can check out include:
Tips For Better Sleep In Hospital,
What You Need To Know About Hospital Meals And Food Choices,
The Transplant Call: What Happens and Why
Non Anti Rejection Medications After a Heart/Lung Transplant
Love and light
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Wednesday
References
Becoming a living donor. (n.d.). National Kidney Foundation. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/becoming-living-donor
Milestone: 1,000 people in UK have donated a kidney to a stranger. (n.d.). NHS Organ Donation. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/get-involved/news/milestone-1-000-people-in-uk-have-donated-a-kidney-to-a-stranger/
Understanding living donation. (n.d.). DonateLife. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation/understanding-living-donation
Wang, J. H., & Hart, A. (2021). Global perspective on kidney transplantation: United states. Kidney360, 2(11), 1836–1839. https://doi.org/10.34067/KID.0002472021
