This is a set of the most common questions asked to Miguel. This section should not be considered medical advise. You should always consult with your doctor and the Living Donor Program to get in-depth professional answers.
General
Living Donation
Miguel has Poly-cystic Kidneys (PKD). This is a genetic disease that slowly damages kidney function as cysts appear in the kidney's circulating channels. The kidneys not only clean the blood of toxins and waste but also have several other functions that affect mineral absorption and red cell production. Apart from slow damage from toxins and waste in the blood, there is also a mineral unbalance and anemia.
Miguel battles these problems in his body with prescription pills, diet, exercise and a positive state of mind with kidneys that barely function. Soon they will stop and then the only way to clean the blood will be with dialysis.
The success rate for a kidney transplant from a living donor is 90–95% after one year and the transplanted kidney lasts 15 to 20 years on average.
Yes, live kidney donations have been performed since the 50's and there is plenty of evidence to back-up that donors live a healthy life after donation. Both kidneys are not the same size, the donor will give away the smaller one. In response the larger one will become more productive and maintain ample kidney function during the life of the donor.
No. The key word is “donate”. Organ donation is a gift. There is no monetary compensation. It is illegal to buy or sell organs in Canada.