I am in the process of being vetted to become a non directed Kidney Donor. I made the decision after listening to a Freakonomics podcast in which they interviewed Al Roth who won a Nobel Prize in Economics in part for his work in unconventional markets- such as organ donation. I am a 20+ gallon blood/ pheresis donor, husband of 32 years, father of 6, and brand new grandfather of 1. While no model of health, I have passed all the tests so far. I just want to thank everyone who has posted on this site. For all the good, bad and ugly about live kidney donation. Once I make a decision, I then need to immerse myself in facts. Finding this site has been like hitting the jackpot. Your posts, both experiential, factual and the opinions have helped me formulate the questions I need to ask to make sure I know what I am getting myself into. My wife is somewhat supportive, she knows me well enough to know if I qualify I am following this through. Two or three of my children know, I'll tell the others once I pass the next round of testing.
I have my glofil test and CAT scan Monday and then I have half a day of meetings on Friday with everyone from the pharmacists, the surgeon, a nephrologist the advocate and my coordinator. I will be sending her a list of questions I have jotted down from all your posts.
I wonder how many people started taking better care of their kidney's once they made the decision to do this. My wife has been after me to drink more water for the past 32 years. Now that I have made the decision, I am finally following her advice. I am eating better, trying to exercise and have cut out ibuprofen and alcohol from my life. I'll keep you posted on how this goes along.