Ely
Hi - I'm Peter - I donated a kidney to my father 7 years ago.
It's great that you are considering donation.
The process for me was pretty straight forward , easy decision to donate, both surgeries went well etc. Still it IS an emotional roller coaster and that is something you need to be prepared for.
The one thing about the screening processed that surprised me was the psychological questions and testing - they want to make sure you are not donating for shady reasons (to a boss and expecting a raise, to a family member you dont get a long with, etc), and also that you are able to handle the ups and down of it all. I really felt hammered by the psychologist with all the questioning and the way they were asked, I felt like she was trying to even provoke a reaction out of me. I also live in NYC (where some people ca nbe a bit more upfront and direct about things) and had a particularly prickly, difficult "counselor" - as confirmed by a friend of mine who was one of her co-workers.
But - that is just a part of the screening process - good luck!
Peter