My Uncle, who is more like a father to me, lost kidney function due to a botched surgery for an aneurism. Nobody else in the family stepped up, even his own children. I offered with no hesitation. I am not scared of surgery and as far as I have ever known, we can get by just fine with one kidney. That was his attitude as well. And then I started doing some research and am starting to have some doubts. It is apparently very common to suffer chronic fatigue due to slight damage to the adrenal gland. The vein to the adrenal gland has to be cut in order to remove the kidney. They also cut 2 abdominal muscles and abdominal hernias are common. Higher b/p is another somewhat common occurence. Also having donated a kidney is considered a pre existing condition to insurance companies. I know one ladie who had to go without insurance for a couple of years until she got hired with a really great company who offered her insurance. Argh! I feel like the translant team advocate and even in some ways my uncle werent fully forthcoming about the risks involved. Add that to the fact that I am only 42 and he is 75. And I have two children under 11 and I would like to see my grandchildren grow up. So you would think my mind would be made up, but no. Even with all of these issues, I still feel incredibly obligated morally to do this. My morals say that if you can save the life of someone you love, you do it! He is very active and healthy at 75. Now he is on dialysis and cant travel. He told me that his Dr told him that dialysis was killing him and I wonder if that is true. I knwo he is terrified to die, I would be scared to die too. Also, he hasn't quit smoking and he just stopped taking his blood pressure medication against medical advice. I hope someone would give me a kidney if I needed it. However, I really dont think I would allow my children to donate to me. I know you all can't tell me what to decide, but I would appreciate any insight on how to consider all of this information. Also should add that I am 8 months sober, and want to continue my sobriety the rest of my life. Not sure if this would be a risk.