So, like I mentioned earlier, I had peritoneal dialysis! It was my first treatment (aside from meds, of course), and I had no idea what to expect.They performed surgery for the catheter, and yes, I was put under anaesthesia (thank goodness!). It's been about 5 years since then, so some of the details are a little hazy now, but I’ll do my best to explain what I remember.  There are two main types of peritoneal dialysis: CAPD and APD. For me, I mostly did APD, which is machine-assisted, but by the end of my time with peritoneal dialysis, I switched to a little bit of CAPD too. 

​

So... peritoneal dialysis is having a catheter which is surgically placed in the lower abdomen. The catheter is like a flexible and hollow tube which allows the process of peritoneal dialysis (PD) AKA home dialysis, to be done. I don't know if it's the same for every person so don't quote me on it, but for me it was inserted through the belly button in surgery. It doesn't hurt or feel uncomfortable, but it feels strange, which I guess was to be expected because a foreign object in the body. And sensitive, but most surgeries are. The tube which hangs from your tummy can be a short one or a slightly longer one, which are normally switched out every few months for hygiene and comfort reasons. For me it was always depending on my preference. I don't know if you're squeamish, so if you are, I apologise, but you could feel the tube by your belly button. It's a strange thing to feel something that is inside of you. I had no complications and after they did the first round of dialysis, I was discharged within a couple of days after the surgery. 

 

 The whole PD process was definitely a strange sensation. It wasn’t painful, but it felt a bit like you need to pee (even though, obviously, you don’t!). It was kind of weird to get used to, but not uncomfortable. Essentially, the process of peritoneal dialysis involves the catheter allowing sterile fluid to be introduced into the peritoneum—the lining of the abdominal cavity. This fluid helps to clean the blood of waste products inside the body. This process is called diffusion. The catheter is connected to a long tube, which then connects to a machine that heats the dialysis fluid. This fluid is pumped into your peritoneum, where it acts like a filter to remove the waste. Then the waste empties into the waste bag, the waste kind of looks like pee, which in a way, I suppose except it is mostly the fluid.. 

​

 Dialysis is different for everyone, and it really depends on how much your kidneys are struggling. For me, I had it every night for up to 10 hours. But some people might only need dialysis every other night, for just a few hours. It varies a lot! There is also different strengths of the solution which is like a glucose mixture, which pulls the toxins from the blood. Some people, like myself, have to have a mixture of the two types of peritoneal dialysis because their kidneys simply just cannot do their job anymore, so the patient relies fully on the dialysis to support them. 

​

I didn't really have much experience with CAPD as I was only on it for a couple of months at most, but to the best of my knowledge, I believe it is very similar to APD except it is without a machine and instead done manually. Patients can do this up to 4 times a day.  You have two bags, one with fluid, one empty which are connected to your catheter. To set it up is simple, you hang the back of fluid slightly higher than your sitting height and connect the bag to you - and voila, it's done. First you empty the fluid out from the day before and then fill up with more. It takes between 20-30 minutes. I had to do one bag of CAPD a day, as well as using the machine in the night. I don't know the circumstances of why you would need a specific type of PD though, you would have to ask a medical professional.  

​

The way that doctors determine your prescription is very clever. They take your average weight and they will set up your machine to instil the amount of fluid according to your weight. So for example, I was around 53kg, so my doctor used this to decide the amount of fluid he should use for my prescription. Then when my dialysis does the final drain, I should weigh the same amount I did beforehand. If I weigh dramatically more or less, it means that the machine might be taking either too much or not enough fluid from my body. Another way of telling if there is too much fluid in the body is edema, which is the swelling of your body because of the excess of fluid. Edema will usually occur in the ankles, because gravity pills it down. You can tell if you have edema by pressing into your skin with pressure and a dimple remains. Waste removal is also where the strength of the glucose mixture comes into play, if blood or urine tests show too much creatinine and other waste product, it may need to changed to a stronger glucose solution. 

​​

Overall it's pretty alright. For me, I was on PD longer than the recommended amount of time which is normally around 1-2 years. I was

on it for almost 4 years. Towards the end, it became painful, with intense cramping, which kept me up at night and made me nauseas but that is only because I was on it longer than I should have been, so you shouldn't need to worry about experiencing pain. The only time your would probably experience pain is from peritonitis, which is like an infection,  which you can get if you accidently touch your exit site. The best way to prevent this is simply being sanitary at all times, cleaning your would regularly and always having completely sanitary hands while setting up your dialysis machine. I had switched from PD to haemodialysis. If you don't know what that is, in simple terms it is basically blood dialysis (dialysis done using your blood).  

​​

Haemodialysis also involves a surgery to have a fistula or catheter, except you're awake for it (you don't see anything don't worry). Honestly it's not bad at all, unless you get queasy easily. In simple terms, a fistula is when two blood vessels are connected together to create a stronger flow of blood and a long lasting access point for dialysis. They use anaesthetic so you can't feel a thing, except maybe a slight twinge sensation. But to be honest the worst thing about it is the nerves and the sound of the clamps that they use to hold your blood vessels in place - and perhaps the smell of your flesh being cauterised, yeah that wasn't pleasant at all. But other than that you could basically just lay back and relax.  The procedure will normally be done months before you start haemodialysis, for example I had the procedure in April 2023 and didn't start haemodialysis until October 2023. During this time, you will be told to strengthen your fistula. Now you might think this means heavy lifting to make your arm stronger, right? Nope. The nurses gave me a stress ball to squeeze which I thought was great. It is also important to note that you shouldn't do blood pressure on that arm or a blood test unless it is a specially trained nurse.  Now, a haemodialysis catheter is different. It is normally threaded into a blood vessel in your neck or upper chest, to your heart. I don't know much about dialysis catheters or the way they do dialysis because I never had one, so​ if you want to know more, it is probably better to ask a medical professional. 

​

 Haemodialysis works similarly to peritoneal dialysis in that both clean waste from your blood, but it’s a bit more hands-on. For haemodialysis, they use a big machine and some needles, whereas peritoneal dialysis is more about having the fluid in your belly do the work. The machine used for haemodialysis is much bigger, and it’s done in a medical setting, not at home. The way this type of dialysis is performed is very different.  There are two needles that are inserted into your fistula, maybe an inch apart . One of these needles take the blood from your arm, puts it through the machine, through a dialyzer (which is like a big filter and an artificial kidney) and then back up through the other needle line and  back into your body. This process can last 3-5 hours and can be 3 or more times a week. Something I noticed was that the blood coming back into my body always looked a bit brighter than the blood leaving. It was kinda cool to see how the process worked!

​

I suppose this form of dialysis sometimes can be painful, it just depends how well you deal with needles. I admit, the needles are much thicker and it can feel uncomfortable, but as time goes on it does get easier. I found the most annoying part about it was not being able to move your fistula arm the entire time. To keep myself company I listened to music or read. Or sometimes I'd even just lay my head back and relax.  ​​​

​

When you reach the point where dialysis becomes necessary, you’re usually given a choice between treatment options (at least, I was). I opted for peritoneal dialysis to start with. The reason? I was in college at the time and still wanted to maintain some normalcy in my social life. As a teenager, I didn't want to miss out on things like hanging out with friends or attending college because I had to spend hours on haemodialysis. But, like anything, it came with its own set of challenges. Peritoneal dialysis did affect my social life in ways I hadn’t expected. I ended up missing some nights out, parties, and sleepovers at friends’ houses.

​​

That being said, my doctors and nurses were really understanding. They would give me the occasional “night off” if I had plans or just needed a break to feel like a normal teenager. It meant a lot to me, and I’m really grateful they were flexible. So, here’s an important takeaway: If you’re on dialysis and you’ve got plans that run late or you just need a little time for yourself, don’t be afraid to ask your medical team. More often than not, they’ll be willing to work with you so you can still enjoy life, although it is different for every doctor so don't take my word for it. 

​​

Now, back to my point. Both peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis have their pros and cons. The key is finding what works best for you—what fits your lifestyle, your priorities, and what you’re comfortable with. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so it’s all about making the right choice for your life. When it comes to choosing between peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis, there are a few things to consider. Both have their upsides and challenges, so it really comes down to what works best for you and your lifestyle.

​​

Peritoneal Dialysis

Pros:

• Home Comfort: One of the biggest advantages is that you can do it at home, so it offers more flexibility and comfort. You don't have to spend hours at a clinic, which can be a huge relief.

• Continuous Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis works continuously, which can be gentler on the body. It’s less disruptive for your day-to-day routine

• You can tailor when you do dialysis for you. If you prefer to do stuff during the day you can do your PD at night and vice versa.

Cons:

• Surgery Required: You’ll need a catheter inserted, which involves surgery. While the procedure is common, it’s still something to be aware of.

• Risk of Infection: There’s a risk of peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity. It's important to be careful with hygiene, but thankfully, it can be managed if caught early.

​​

Haemodialysis

Pros:

• Effective for Severe Cases: Haemodialysis is typically more effective for people with severely reduced kidney function, as it’s a more intense form of dialysis.

• Fewer Sessions: You generally need fewer sessions a week compared to peritoneal dialysis, which can be a plus if you’re looking for something that requires less frequent treatment.

Cons:

• Clinic Visits: Haemodialysis usually requires you to visit a hospital or dialysis centre for each session, which can feel like a bit of a time commitment.

• Possible Complications: Some people experience complications like low blood pressure or infections, especially from the needles or the process itself.

• It can affect your personal life and what you do during the day. You have to plan around it. 

​​​

So, now that we’ve talked about dialysis options, let’s dive into something else that many people with kidney failure consider—kidney transplants. While dialysis can be a lifesaver and a way to keep things going, a transplant offers the chance to get back to a more “normal” life. It’s definitely not the only option, but for many, it can be the long-term solution they’re hoping for. Let’s take a look at what a kidney transplant involves and why it’s often seen as the next step after dialysis.​ In the end, choosing between the two depends on your lifestyle, the severity of your kidney function, and how you feel about the treatment options. It’s always helpful to talk with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons and find the best fit for you.

​

My Surgery​

The surgery went really well, and I remember the feeling of sheer relief when I found out that my kidney function had improved so much. I went from having almost no kidney function at all to actually having 117% function in the transplanted kidney. It was honestly a huge surprise—not just for me, but for the nurses too. They were amazed at how quickly I recovered. Apparently, most patients are thrilled if their kidney function reaches 50% after a transplant, so the fact that mine was doing so well—and even handling the work of both kidneys—was pretty remarkable!

​

It wasn’t just the kidney that was recovering so well, either. Once the anaesthesia wore off completely, I felt this sudden surge of energy that I hadn’t had in years. It was strange, in the best possible way, to feel so... alive again. And something else I noticed was a shift in my mood. I felt this deep, lasting sense of happiness. It was like I had finally found a reason to be hopeful and positive again. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed that feeling until it came rushing back.

​

The hospital staff made sure I had a “pain pump,” which allowed me to control my own pain relief after the surgery. But here’s the thing—I didn’t really need it. I wasn’t in pain from the surgery at all, which was a huge relief. The only discomfort I experienced was from my urinary catheter, which was necessary for draining my bladder at first. Sometimes, it wasn’t draining quite right, and that caused a bit of discomfort. But the nurses were so helpful—they showed me how to adjust the drain line so it wasn't so uncomfortable, which definitely made a big difference.

​

There was also the drain bag, which was another source of mild discomfort. The drain was inserted into the side of my abdomen, into the transplanted kidney, to collect any fluids or "icky" bits while my body adjusted. It was a bit awkward at times, especially when I accidentally leaned on the drain bag, but honestly, I didn’t mind it too much. The discomfort was nothing compared to the huge relief I felt knowing that everything was healing well.

​

There was one small, but significant, complication during the surgery. I didn’t know this at the time, but I still had a lot of PD (peritoneal dialysis) fluid in my body from previous treatments. My surgeon discovered it and had to drain it before continuing with the transplant. When I say a lot, I mean it—my weight dropped drastically from 53kg to 34.7kg in just a few hours. I was borderline anorexic, and I couldn’t believe the difference in such a short space of time. Thankfully, once that was taken care of, everything went smoothly.

​

The best part? Even with those little discomforts, I was told that everything looked fantastic, and it made my discharge from the hospital happen much quicker. The doctors were so pleased because they could see the amount of urine I was producing, and there was no unusual drainage in the drain bag. That was great news! It felt like all the hard work and patience leading up to the transplant had paid off, and my new kidney was doing exactly what it was meant to do.

​

In the end, my recovery went much smoother than I expected. I didn’t experience the pain that some people do after surgery, but I know that everyone’s experience is different, and it’s totally normal for others to feel more discomfort. What really mattered was that I felt better in so many ways—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And for me, that made every moment of the process worth it.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

When your kidneys aren’t working as they should, a kidney transplant can offer a chance at a new lease on life. It’s a treatment that can restore kidney function and improve your overall health, giving you more freedom and the potential to feel better in the long run. Of course, the process of getting a transplant involves a few important steps, and it's not always a quick or simple fix. But for many, it’s the opportunity to live a fuller, healthier life. I'll explain what kidney transplants are, how they work, and what you need to know about this life-changing procedure.

​

What is a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into the body of someone whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. The new kidney takes over the job of filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, a task that the kidneys would normally do. This procedure is often recommended for people with end-stage kidney disease, where other treatments like dialysis are no longer enough to keep the kidneys working.

​​​​​​

Transplant List​​

I’ve touched on the kidney transplant process before, but now I want to dive into what the actual transplant involves. When it comes to receiving a kidney, there are two main ways you can get one: through a living donor, which can either be someone you know or an anonymous donor. When you’re on the waiting list, there are two main ways you can receive a kidney transplant: through a living donor or a deceased donor.

​​

When it comes to getting a kidney transplant in the UK, the first thing you’ll need to do is get on the organ donor list. This is managed by the NHS Organ Donation and Transplantation Service. They’re the ones who work behind the scenes to match available kidneys from donors with people who need a transplant. It’s all part of making sure the process runs smoothly!

​

​So, if you're wondering how to get on the kidney donor list, here's the process: not everyone who needs a kidney will be eligible for a transplant right away. First, healthcare professionals will check things like your overall health, the stage of your kidney disease, and whether you're healthy enough to handle a transplant. They’ll usually do things like blood tests, imaging, and a few other checks to make sure you're in the best condition possible for the surgery. Once you pass the assessment, you’ll be added to the kidney transplant list! But it’s important to keep in mind that getting on the list doesn’t mean you’ll get a kidney right away. There are a few factors that can affect how long it takes, so it can take some time before you're matched with a donor. Patience is key during this part of the process.​

​​

What affects your wait time?​

When it comes to how long you'll have to wait for a kidney, there are a few factors that come into play:

• Blood Type: Just like with any organ donation, your blood type needs to match the donor’s. If you have a rarer blood type, it might take a bit longer to find a match. The NHS works hard to make sure the matching process is fair and efficient.

• Tissue Typing: The NHS also looks at your tissue type and specific markers in your immune system called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). The better the match, the more likely your body is to accept the kidney.

• Age and Health: Your age and overall health are considered, too. If you're younger and in better health, you might be prioritised because your body may handle the transplant better. If you’re older or have other health concerns, this could affect your position on the list.

• Location: In the UK, kidneys are usually offered to people in the same general area to reduce the time spent transporting the organ. So, if you’re closer to the donor, you might have a quicker chance at a transplant.

• Time on the List: The longer you’ve been on the list, the more likely you are to be prioritised. If your kidney function has declined significantly, your name might be moved higher on the list to reflect the urgency of your need.

• Priority Status: Your medical condition plays a role too. If your kidney function is critically low or you're on dialysis, you could be moved up the list, depending on how urgent your situation is. Your healthcare team will help make sure you’re prioritised based on your specific needs.

So, a lot of different things influence your wait time, but the NHS works to make sure everyone gets the best chance for a transplant.

​​

What happens once you're on the list?​​

Once you're on the transplant list, it’s really a waiting game. When a kidney becomes available, NHS staff will look at how well it matches with people on the list. They’ll consider things like your blood type, tissue typing, your medical condition, and the donor’s age and kidney function. It’s all about finding the best match for you.

If they find a match, the transplant centre will contact you as soon as possible to let you know. You’ll need to head in quickly for the transplant, so it’s super important to keep your contact details up to date with your transplant centre.

Now, while most kidney transplants come from deceased donors, there are also living kidney donations in the UK. This means someone like a family member, friend, or even a stranger could donate a kidney to you. If you have a living donor who’s a good match, your transplant could happen much sooner.

And if a loved one wants to donate but isn’t a match for you, there’s a program called paired kidney donation. In this case, donor-recipient pairs can swap kidneys, so your friend could donate to someone else, and you could receive a kidney from a different donor. It helps create more chances for everyone involved!

​​

What happens if you've been waiting a long time?​​

Waiting for a kidney can be really tough—it can take months, or even years, to find the right match. During that time, your medical team will keep a close eye on your kidney function and overall health to make sure you're in the best shape possible for the transplant when it finally comes. If your health starts to decline, your doctors might adjust your treatment plan to keep you as well as possible while you wait.

It’s definitely a long and sometimes draining wait, but remember, you’re not alone. Many people have been through the same thing and have come out the other side with a fresh start. Having the support of your family, friends and your medical team can make all the difference while you wait. You’ve got a community behind you!

​​

The kidney transplant waiting list can definitely feel like a bit of a lottery, but rest assured, it’s all based on careful planning and matching systems that are designed to give you the best possible outcome. It can take time, but there are people working hard behind the scenes to make sure you get the right match when the time comes. It’s a long wait, but you’re not in it alone!

​​

Live-Donor donation​​​

Living kidney donation is when a healthy person, known as the donor, decides to give one of their kidneys to someone who needs it, the recipient. The amazing thing is that people can live perfectly healthy lives with just one kidney! After the donation, the donor will be closely followed up by the hospital or their GP to make sure they stay healthy and recover well. It's a huge act of kindness that can truly change someone's life.

​​

Most people who choose to donate a kidney do so to help a family member or close friend. For example, a parent might want to give a kidney to their child, and this is called a directed donation. But it’s also possible to donate to a complete stranger, which is known as altruistic (or non-directed) donation. Before donating, there are a lot of tests to make sure the donor's kidney is the right blood and tissue match for the recipient. The medical team will also check that they're healthy enough to handle the surgery and that they have enough kidney function to live with just one kidney going forward. It's a big decision, but it can make a life-changing difference for someone in need.

​​​

What is a paired or pooled donation?​​​

If someone wants to donate their kidney to you, but their kidney isn't a good match for you, they can still help through something called paired or pooled donation. This is part of the National Living Donor Sharing Scheme. In this scheme, their kidney is given to someone who is a good match, and in return, their donor will give their kidney to you . It's a great way to make sure both people get a kidney, even if the match isn’t right at first!​ It’s an incredible way to create more opportunities for people in need of a kidney. It’s all about building connections and giving everyone the best possible chance at a fresh start.

​​​

Donating a kidney​​​

If you’re reading this because someone is donating a kidney to you and you want to learn more about the process, or maybe you’re considering donating a kidney to someone you know, or even just curious about it—this is the place to find some helpful info. It’s a huge decision and act of kindness, and whether you’re involved directly or just want to understand the journey, there’s a lot to know. So let’s dive into the details!

​​

If you're over 18 and in good health, you could be considered as a living kidney donor. There are a few tests to make sure you're healthy enough for the donation and that your kidney is a good match for the person receiving it. However, you won’t be eligible if you've had cancer, or if you have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or issues with your kidneys. Donating a kidney is a huge decision, so it’s important to talk things over with your family, friends, and doctor. And remember, you can change your mind at any time, all the way up until the surgery.

​​

How to find out if you can donate​​​

If you decide to donate, there’s a thorough testing process to make sure that both you and the recipient are healthy enough for the surgery. The process can take a few months, but it’s designed to ensure that everyone is in the best possible condition for the donation.

​​

The first step is to reach out to your local kidney transplant centre or perhaps ask a medical professional and let them know you're interested. You can find the contact details on the NHS Organ Donation website. Once you contact them, you'll be connected with a Living Donor Transplant Coordinator. They’ll have a chat with you about your reasons for wanting to donate and explain the whole assessment process.

​​

What tests will you go through to donate a kidney?​​

The tests can vary from hospital to hospital, and some might be done in one go, while others may require separate visits. The testing process is split into two parts:

​​

• A questionnaire to check your general health and medical history.

• Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements.

• Blood tests to check your health and screen for illnesses or infections.

• Blood group tests to see if you match the recipient.

• Urine tests to check for kidney issues or infections.

• An ECG (electrocardiogram) to ensure your heart is healthy.

​​

You’ll get the results from each test, and if anything abnormal comes up, the team will talk you through it.

​​

 If all tests from Phase One come back fine, you'll move on to Part Two. This part includes more specialized tests like:

• A chest X-ray.

• A CT or MRI scan of your kidneys.

• A test to measure how well your kidneys are functioning.

• Blood and tissue tests to check compatibility with the recipient, especially if you're donating through the National Living Donor Sharing Scheme.

​​

You'll also meet with a kidney doctor and possibly a psychologist to make sure you're fully prepared for the donation, and you'll go over the surgery details with a transplant surgeon.

​​

If everything checks out and your doctor and surgeon give the green light, you’ll meet with an independent assessor (trained by the Human Tissue Authority). This is to confirm:

• You are who you say you are (you’ll need ID for proof).

• You are choosing to donate freely, without any pressure.

• You understand the process and what the surgery will involve.

​​

How long does testing take?​​

It usually takes between 3 and 6 months to complete all the tests, but it could take longer if some need to be repeated or if extra tests are required or if any abnormalities come up. While this may seem like a long time, it’s all part of ensuring that both you and the recipient are as safe and prepared as possible for the donation.

​​​

Will I get paid for donating a kidney?​​

No. it’s illegal to pay for kidney donations in the UK. 

​​​

What happens if my request to donate is approved?​​

Once you’re approved, a date will be set for the operation. The timing will aim to work around both your and the recipient's needs.

During the surgery, you'll be given a general anaesthetic, and your kidney will be removed and transplanted into the recipient. If you're donating to a family member or friend, it will usually happen in the same hospital, but if it’s a non-directed donation or through the Living Donor Sharing Scheme, your kidney may go to someone else in the country.

​​​

Are there any risks to donating?​​

Like any surgery, kidney donation has some risks, but it’s a common procedure carried out by experienced teams. They'll talk you through the risks during your assessment, and you can ask any questions. If you have concerns at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out to your transplant team.

​​​

What happens after the operation?​

You’ll stay in the hospital for a few days post-surgery, and they'll give you pain relief. You’ll be encouraged to get moving once you feel ready. When you leave the hospital, you'll need to rest at home for a few weeks—usually around 4 to 6 weeks before returning to work, depending on your job. After donating a kidney, you'll have annual check-ups with your GP or the hospital. People with one kidney have a slightly higher risk of developing high blood pressure or kidney issues, but your kidney team will monitor you closely to catch any problems early. Donating a kidney doesn’t affect your ability to have children, though you’ll need more regular health checks if you become pregnant. It's also important to stay healthy and avoid smoking, as that can speed up kidney function decline over time.

​​

What happens if you're not suitable to donate?​

If the doctors decide that donating a kidney might put your health at risk, they won’t approve you for the donation. They’ll explain their reasons clearly, but even if you're not a donor, you’ve still made a generous decision to go through the process.

​​

If you can’t donate a kidney, there are still other ways to make a difference! You could consider donating blood, bone marrow, or platelets, which can save many lives. You could also sign up for the Organ Donor Register to show that you're open to donating your organs after you pass.

​

Another option is to fundraise for Kidney Care UK, which helps support kidney patients across the UK so that no one has to face kidney disease alone.

​​

Donating a kidney is a life-changing gift, and even if you're not able to donate, there are so many other ways you can help people in need!

​​​

The surgery​​

When the time comes for your kidney transplant, it can feel like a huge moment in your journey—almost like a new beginning. The surgery itself usually takes a few hours and is done under general anaesthesia, meaning you'll be asleep throughout the procedure, so you won’t feel any pain. The surgeon will start by making a small incision in your lower abdomen, where the new kidney will be placed. If you still have your old kidneys, they usually won’t be removed unless there’s a specific medical reason. The new kidney is positioned in a spot that makes it easy to connect to your blood vessels and bladder.

​​

Once in place, the surgeon will carefully connect the kidney to your blood vessels to start the flow of blood. Then, they'll attach the kidney to your bladder so it can begin producing urine, which is an important sign that the kidney is working. In the best-case scenario, the new kidney starts to work almost immediately, which is such a positive moment!

​​

After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where your medical team will monitor you closely as you wake up from anaesthesia. It’s normal to feel a bit groggy, and you might experience some pain at the incision site, but the team will manage that with pain relief. 

​​

The first few days after the transplant will be spent in the hospital so your doctors and nurses can make sure everything is going well with your new kidney. They’ll be watching for signs that your kidney is functioning and making sure your body is adjusting to the transplant. Your doctors may run blood tests to see how well the kidney is working, and you might be on medications to help your body accept the new kidney and prevent rejection.

​​​

Once you're feeling stronger and everything is stable, you'll be able to go home. The recovery process will take some time—probably around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how you're feeling—but you’ll gradually get back to your normal routine. During this time, your medical team will continue to keep a close eye on your health, helping you with any adjustments to your medications or lifestyle to make sure you’re feeling your best.​ The early recovery period is really important. Even though you might feel better right away, your new kidney will need time to settle in and function at its best. So, you’ll need to take it easy at first and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

While it can be a lot to process, just know that the transplant is a huge step forward. For many people, it’s a life-changing moment that brings back energy, freedom, and a sense of hope. It’s the start of a new chapter, and while recovery might take some time, you're not alone in this. Your medical team, family, and friends are all there to help you through it.

​​​

The Kidney Donation Procedure: What to Expect from a Donor’s Perspective

Deciding to donate a kidney is a big decision, one that comes with a lot of thought, but also a sense of incredible purpose. If you’ve decided to donate, whether to a loved one or a stranger, you’re about to take part in something truly life-changing. Here’s what you can expect during the process, from the surgery itself to your recovery.

​​

The surgery is done under general anaesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure. Once you're under, the surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen, typically on the side where your kidney is located. The goal is to carefully remove one of your kidneys—while leaving the other one behind to continue doing its job.

​

Once the kidney is removed, it’s carefully prepared to be transplanted into the recipient. The transplant surgery happens separately on their end, and while you're resting, your kidney will be on its way to give someone else the chance at a new life.

​

After the surgery, you'll wake up in a recovery area where your team will be keeping a close eye on you as you come out of anesthesia.

​

You’ll likely feel some soreness around your abdomen, especially where the incision was made, but don’t worry—your medical team will be there to make sure you're comfortable with pain relief.

​

In the days following your surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital so doctors and nurses can monitor how you’re recovering. They'll check on your kidney function and make sure you’re healing well. You might feel tired and groggy at first, but that’s normal as your body adjusts to the surgery. You'll also start walking around and moving more as soon as you're ready, which helps with the recovery process. The good news is, even though you're donating one kidney, you can live a perfectly healthy life with just one. Your remaining kidney will adapt and do the work of both. It’s truly remarkable how resilient the body is.

​

The first few weeks after surgery will be all about rest and recovery. You’ll want to take it easy, but within a few weeks, you’ll begin to feel stronger again. Most people are back to their usual activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, though it might take a bit longer depending on your job and lifestyle.

​

While it’s normal to feel a little nervous about the surgery at first, keep in mind that kidney donation is a very safe procedure, and it’s something that’s done every day by experienced medical teams. You’re in good hands, and the risks are low. Still, your medical team will go over everything with you beforehand, and you'll have plenty of time to ask any questions you have.

​

It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions before and after the surgery. Donating a kidney is a huge act of kindness, and it’s normal to feel proud of what you’re doing. But it’s also okay to feel nervous, scared, or even overwhelmed. What you’re doing is incredible, and it’s okay to acknowledge the emotional side of it, too.

​

During your recovery, it’s important to stay connected with your support network—family, friends, and your medical team. They’ll be there to help you through the ups and downs and to celebrate the beautiful impact you’re making on someone else's life. As you heal and adjust to life with one kidney, just know that you’ve given someone the chance at a better life. Whether it's a loved one or a stranger, you’ve made a profound difference, and that's something truly special. It’s a gift of hope, and the gratitude from the recipient will be something you’ll carry with you for a long time.