4 ms·

Discharged after just one day? That's brave. I was much more of a chicken and stayed for almost a week (even though the surgeon thought I could have left earl

Discharged after just one day? That's brave. I was much more of a chicken and stayed for almost a week (even though the surgeon thought I could have left earlier, but on Friday (two days post-op) I didn't quite feel like it and there was no doc to sign me out over the weekend), payed in Germany by the health insurance of the recipient. Spread the word, I say! I found the courage to donate one of mine to a buddy since a few years earlier a co-worker (thanks, Daryll!) mentioned that his wife donated (before committing, I checked with him on the long-term outlook and with my doc, who just shrugged). It's seven years now and I can't tell the difference.

pentamassiv 2y ago
It's very frustrating that in Germany you are only allowed to donate a kidney if you can prove that you have a deep relationship with the recipient (family members, close friends...). Maybe these rules made sense when the operation came with great risks, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. It's okay to check that the person is doing it willingly and not because they got pressured but why am I not allowed to donate it to a stranger? Is adding years to their lifespan not enough of a motivation?
- guenthert 2y ago
  I believe (I wasn't in the country then and missed the public discourse) that those rules were put in place after some allegation regarding financial conflict of interest were made. I had to speak to such a committee. I was not fond of that idea, willing to explain myself, but not to defend my decision. It turned out however, that this was rather a formality, the committee being three very friendly, well meaning and encouraging citizen. But yes, the system in the US (donate to a pool, recipient receives from pool) seems preferable as in my case the recipient is not a perfect match for my organ and consequently (afaiu, but I know next to nothing about medicine and biology) has to henceforth take (fairly expensive) autoimmune suppressors.
- StefanBatory 2y ago
  So that you won't be coerced or forced to give up your kidney under duress.
  - pentamassiv 2y ago
    I just think there are much better solutions to that. You could say that the donor can only control who gets the organ if they can proof a close relationship. Otherwise they cannot chose the recipient. I think that would allow donations to strangers while preventing coercion.
shepherdjerred 2y ago
I was told that most donors at the hospital spend one night, and some spend two. Was your surgery laparoscopic? Mine was, which was part of why the recovery is so much faster compared to traditional donations. > payed in Germany by the health insurance of the recipient My surgery was also free, though I'm not sure who exactly paid the bill. The NKR will also cover any expense from future complications related to the donation. > It's seven years now and I can't tell the difference. Hoping that I have the same luck!

pentamassiv 2y ago

It's very frustrating that in Germany you are only allowed to donate a kidney if you can prove that you have a deep relationship with the recipient (family members, close friends...). Maybe these rules made sense when the operation came with great risks, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. It's okay to check that the person is doing it willingly and not because they got pressured but why am I not allowed to donate it to a stranger? Is adding years to their lifespan not enough of a motivation?

guenthert 2y ago
I believe (I wasn't in the country then and missed the public discourse) that those rules were put in place after some allegation regarding financial conflict of interest were made. I had to speak to such a committee. I was not fond of that idea, willing to explain myself, but not to defend my decision. It turned out however, that this was rather a formality, the committee being three very friendly, well meaning and encouraging citizen. But yes, the system in the US (donate to a pool, recipient receives from pool) seems preferable as in my case the recipient is not a perfect match for my organ and consequently (afaiu, but I know next to nothing about medicine and biology) has to henceforth take (fairly expensive) autoimmune suppressors.
StefanBatory 2y ago
So that you won't be coerced or forced to give up your kidney under duress.
- pentamassiv 2y ago
  I just think there are much better solutions to that. You could say that the donor can only control who gets the organ if they can proof a close relationship. Otherwise they cannot chose the recipient. I think that would allow donations to strangers while preventing coercion.

shepherdjerred 2y ago

I was told that most donors at the hospital spend one night, and some spend two. Was your surgery laparoscopic? Mine was, which was part of why the recovery is so much faster compared to traditional donations. > payed in Germany by the health insurance of the recipient My surgery was also free, though I'm not sure who exactly paid the bill. The NKR will also cover any expense from future complications related to the donation. > It's seven years now and I can't tell the difference. Hoping that I have the same luck!