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Step 1
Make sure your family knows that you are donating a kidney and gather friends and family who will support you during the donation process. Keep in mind that it is natural for some family members to be apprehensive about your becoming a live organ donor.
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Step 2
Make financial arrangements ahead of time. Often those who are donating organs can have medical costs waived in appreciation for their act of charity. Check with your local hospital and insurance provider about kidney transplantation.
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Step 3
Before a live donor can donate a kidney, a doctor must check that you and your kidneys are healthy enough for surgery. Ask your doctor what types of foods you should eat or avoid. You may need to be put on a special diet before you can donate to a kidney patient. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water.
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Step 4
Get a moderate amount of exercise before the operation so that your body will recover more quickly after the organ donation surgery. After you have the surgery you will be advised not to do any abdominal exercises.
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Step 5
Make post-operative preparations for your home so that you can recover more comfortably after donating your kidney. Have a friend or family member rearrange your home so that you don't have to over exert yourself when you reach into cabinets, get into drawers, or bathe.
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Step 6
Make work at home arrangements with your employer. After donating an organ for a kidney transplant, you will need time off from work. See what you can do at home so you don't lose too much pay.
