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Kidney Transplantation is the best solution for any serious complications of the kidneys. Yet, in our country, there is a gross mismatch between the demand and availability of healthy kidneys. This is partly due to several misconceptions and a general lack of awareness regarding this life-saving treatment. Let’s clear some of the most common misconceptions and replace them with proven facts:
Myth 1: A kidney donor will have to rely on medications for the rest of their life due to long-standing health problems.
Fact: A donor will have to take medication only for a certain period of time post-surgery to help with the recovery. All donors are subjected to a thorough medical assessment and careful follow-ups.
Myth 2: After kidney donation, a male loses the ability to support a family.
Fact: Donating a kidney does not affect the productivity of a person.
Myth 3: A donor will be on bed rest post-surgery.
Fact: A donor will be able to walk independently before getting discharged from the hospital.
Myth 4: A donor’s sex life will be adversely affected after the surgery.
Fact: There is no correlation between kidney donation and the sex life of an individual.
Myth 5: A female donor cannot get pregnant after donating.
Fact: Provided the person waits for 3-6 months after donating to give time to the body for recovery, she can get pregnant.
Myth 6: A donor will be subjected to dietary restrictions.
Fact: There are no special restrictions and the common principle of a healthy, balanced diet is applicable to the donor too.
Myth 7: A kidney donor cannot participate in outdoor activities.
Fact: The donor can resume his normal sporting and exercise activities about 4-6 weeks following the surgery.
Myth 8: Aged people cannot donate kidneys.
Fact: Any adult over the age of 18 can be a donor and there are no age restrictions provided they are in good health and satisfy the medical requirements.
Myth 9: Kidney donors are more likely to get kidney diseases.
Fact: This is only partially true. While they are more susceptible to diseases compared to healthy non-donors, they are less likely than the general population to get such diseases.
Myth 10: People who have tattoos cannot donate kidneys.
Fact: People can donate even if they are tattoos. But, potential donors should avoid getting tattoos to prevent the spread of infection.
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