Q&A

So I figured that I would tackle a few questions that have come my way since this journey began. A few comments from folks will be sprinkled in as well.


Q: Why would you want to do this?
A: This is one of the more popular questions. Oddly enough I sometimes go blank when asked this. But keeping it simple all I can honestly say that I have an overwhelming built in desire to help others. I'm grateful that during my life, there have been a myriad of people who have helped me to get where I am today. During this time, I have made sure that I have taken every opportunity to pay it forward as well. Added that the only thing that I ever desire of those that I'm able to help is that they help someone else when they are able to do so as well.

Q: Don't you know this will only leave you with one kidney?
A: I really dig the obvious. Yes, yes I do know this will leave me with one kidney. The sudden departure of Lefty will cause the orphaned one to pick up the slack.

Q: (more of a statement) You do know that they can do this when you're dead.
A: This one left me laughing. Oddly enough, I'm not listed as a donor on my drivers license. I tend to be somewhat of a control freak at times. And what happens if nothing in my body is useable by that time? Yeah, I like the idea of tipping the odds in both mine and the recipient's favor.

Q: Can you afford this?
A: Heck no! Ok, sort of. I have enough time saved up at work and I wonderful boss who is willing to work with me on this. Other coworkers are stepping up as well. And all the medical stuff is covered by the recipient's insurance. I do have coverage of my own in case anything happens down the road.

Q: How long will you be out of commission?
A: This time varies from person to person. It could be as long as 6 to 8 weeks or shorter. I'm shooting for shorter. Though I won't be able to do any strenuous activities for at least 8 weeks. Yeah, this is really going to put a damper on my outdoor activities for a while, but that doesn't mean that I can't live vicariously through others ;-)

Q: Are you crazy?
A: Depends on what day you ask me that question.

Q: Are you scared?
A: I have a crazy fear of being sedated. But I hear that Valium is made for that. So I've been watching videos on youtube about laparoscopic kidney removal. Fascinating stuff. So if you are with me when I wake up. None of the crazy stuff I may say is true. No matter how juicy it may sound.

Q: Couldn't you die from this?
A: Yes. But I could also die from crossing the street. Hwy 441 in front of city hall can be sketchy at times.

Q: Can you change your mind?
A: Yes. Up until the very last minute. From what I've been told, this has happened.

Comment: You're a better person than I am.
Reply: No I'm not.

Comment: Wow.
Reply: Yep.

Q: Who is the recipient?
A: I'm clueless. I will remain clueless. The only say I have in the matter since I'm donating to someone I don't know is whether or not that person is a child or an adult. My recipient is an adult. I will not know anything else about this person. I won't even know if their body rejected my kidney. For me this is comforting. I can go through life with this picture in my head of a person roaming through the mountains with a healthy body and able to take advantage of all that I've been blessed with. On the flip side, they will be clueless about me as well.

This doesn't cover all the questions/comments that I've heard, but if anyone has any questions, by all means ask!