Most Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients who desire a Kidney Transplant are on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List. While some tirelessly look for kind-hearted and generous individuals who may serve as their lifesaving Altruistic (Selfless, wants nothing in return) Living Kidney Donors, most Chronic Kidney Disease patients do not realize the huge benefits of Living Kidney Donation or where to start to safely share their stories and let others know about their need for Kidney Transplants. Well, now Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients can use the following facts to compare Living Kidney Donation with that of Deceased Kidney Donation (kidney from a dead donor) as well as tips on where to start to improve their chances of connecting with potential Altruistic Living Kidney Donors.

1.) You are still listed: Sharing your story and letting others know about Altruistic Living Kidney Donation does not impact your placement on the list. In fact, you can still get a call for a Deceased Kidney while you are actively looking for a Living Kidney Donor. Yet, if you find an Altruistic Living Kidney Donor who is a match for you while you are on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List then you would have effectively reduced your wait time. Hence, it is a win-win.

2.) Survival of the Kidney Transplant: A kidney from a Living Donor functions on average 12 to 20 years, and a Deceased Donor Kidney lasts for approximately 8 to 12 years on average. 

3.) Waiting for a Deceased Kidney Donor is bad for the health: According to Living Kidney Donor Network, "Waiting for a Deceased Donor can be very stressful and unhealthy," for Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients. 

4.) Avoid the "Sleepy Kidney" Syndrom: Living Donor Kidneys almost always start functioning immediately, whereas Deceased Donor Kidneys can take a few days or even a few weeks to start functioning. This is called the "Sleepy Kidney" Syndrom and may cause patients to have to conduct Dialysis while waiting for the kidney to begin functioning. This can also cause patients to have stress and anxiety, worrying if the kidney will ever begin working which can in turn damage the kidney.

5.) Psychological benefit: Perhaps the most important aspect of accepting a kidney from a matching generous donor is the psychological benefit. The Chronic Kidney Disease recipient can experience very positive feelings knowing that the gift came as a result of the kindness of a loved one or a caring stranger. 

6.) The Living Kidney Donor gains as well!: Many who have donated a kidney have suggested that it is the most rewarding action they have ever taken in their lives - giving them greater purpose and their lives more meaning. One Living Kidney Donor wrote KidneyBuzz.com and said, "I donated a kidney and it was super easy. I wish that I could do it again." Another donor said, "If I had another kidney to donate, I definitely would." A Living Kidney Donor experiences an unmatched satisfaction of knowing that he or she has contributed to the improved health and longevity of the recipient.

Recommended Reading: Study Reveals NEW Longest And Shortest Kidney Transplant Wait Time Areas In The United States

If you are interested in helping to improve your chances of connecting with kind-hearted, generous Altruistic Living Kidney Donors then try out the following tips:

• Sign up for the KidneyBuzz.com, Find A Kidney Donor Campaign (click here). Our Social Media Team would love to help!
• Do not be shy to ask family and friends. 
• Post your need for a Kidney Transplant on your personal Facebook Account. 
• Print a flyer and post your need for an Altruistic Living Kidney Donor on local bulletin boards and at coffee shops in your area. *Note: You may want to post the contact information to your Transplant Coordinator rather than providing your personal contact. 

Recommended Reading: New Noninvasive Kidney Transplant Test Cuts Rejection & Improves Kidney Survival For CKD Patients

5,986 Living Donors saved lives in 2015 according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. With the Kidney Transplant List rapidly surging past 100,000 patients, the average wait time continues to grow - now reaching a national average of five to seven years, and approximately seven to ten years in large cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Hence, sharing your need and trying to connect with Altruistic Living Kidney Donors is becoming necessary for patients to improve their chances at finding success.

Recommended Reading: Reasons Why Many CKD Patients Are Being Prevented From Receiving Kidney Transplant After Eligibility

Are you on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List? Share your need with the over 48,000 friends who have liked KidneyBuzz.com on Facebook (click here). Moreover, consider following the approximately 120,000 monthly visitors to KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (#1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspirational Quotes, and tailored Products and Services which teach Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients how to better manage and improve their lives.

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