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Concerns about Relationships and
Living Kidney Donation
The decision to receive or donate a kidney is
permanent and life altering. Take some time in
making your decision. You may feel uncomfortable
about receiving or donating a kidney. Here are some
things to think about as you talk with your friends and
family about your feelings.
How do I say I no longer want to donate?
It is important to say you will donate only if you plan
on doing so. Sometimes, though, people need to
change their minds. It is important that you tell the
transplant team as soon as you have changed your
mind. You can talk with the transplant team about how
to best comunicate this decision to the person who
needs the kidney.
How do I maintain a relationship with someone who no
longer wants to donate?
Make sure that you and the donor are able to talk
openly with one another. Be clear from the start that
if they change their mind, to let you know right away.
Also, stress that keeping the relationship is important,
no matter what their decision about donating is.
How do I keep a relationship with someone who won’t
accept my offer to donate a kidney?
You may feel upset or rejected if someone doesn’t
accept this offer. This is understandable. It is
important to remember that your friend or family
member needs to make decisions that work best for
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