Kidney Needed for One of Our Own
By David Chess
I am a kidney Donor. My name is David Chess. I am also a physician.
My brother developed Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis when he was 5 years old. He was confined to bed for 1 year, put on steroids and was literally not allowed out of bed. I am 4 years older than him and was assigned the duty of providing entertainment to him for that year. (there were no PS5 or video games then). His kidney disease was slowly progressive and at the age of 47 he needed to go on dialysis or have a kidney transplant. Looking for a donor I of course signed up. As it turns out I was a perfect donor for him matching all of his alleles.
So, 21 years ago I donated my kidney to my brother. I am so glad I did.
The operation was easy, I slept. The next day was hard – your abdomen is distended from the gases used to expand your abdomen. But it all returned to normal within several days. I was back at work in a week. My brother looked and felt great. Over the last 21 years, I have been well and my kidney function is normal. You only need one kidney. My brother continues to do well though at some point he may need another kidney (I can’t help him – I’m all out of extras).
Abraham Lincoln said “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to make another’s life livable. Donating has been a gift.
There are no documented long term side effects for the donor and the reward of knowing that you have helped save a life and make a life more livable far outweighs a few days of discomfort.
Donating – I strongly recommend it !!
