My dad was born with Reflux Nephropathy and has lost his 3rd kidney 5 years ago. He has been on dialysis for 5 years now and it is really taking its tole on him. When I was younger I was very adamant about donating if the issue ever presented itself. However, my dad was rejected initially a few years ago due to a drinking problem. After having to have him forcibly placed in an intensive out patient program for alcohol abuse, he is finally sober and has just been added to the donor list. I have had a change of heart about donating primarily because I am 27, I have a toddler, and I am planning to have more children. I have read that there can be risks associated with pregnancy after donating a kidney (preeclampsia, hypertension, gestational diabetes, low birth rate, premature birth, and still born). The statistics are not alarmingly high, but I am having such a hard time thinking about putting my child at possible risk. My whole life my dad has been sick and I feel that he has always expected me to put him above all else. I feel like he won't be satisfied until I have proven that I will put his needs above even my own children. Since I told my dad my decision he has been very bitter and upset with me. He refuses to believe that there are risks associated with kidney donation. Can anyone offer any advice about my thinking here? I'm having horrible anxiety and this is weighing on my mind constantly.
Does anyone have insight as to having children after donating a kidney?