5 questions every kidney donor should ask

[Clark]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-talk-craig-kidney-caution-20111125,0,3296432.story

5 questions every kidney donor should ask


Though many people donate kidneys without having serious problems, some donors have struggled with kidney disease, diabetes, nerve damage, hernias, chronic pain and high blood pressure. Prospective donors should consider asking a number of questions, including:

•Do I have written information about living donation, including the hospital's policies?

•What health problems would rule me out?

•Which surgeon will remove my kidney? When will I meet with him or her?

•What is the complication rate? How many donors, if any, have died?

•How will the center handle any complications that I might have? And who pays for it?

For more information, go to the National Kidney Foundation's website at kidney.org.