One Kidney!

[DX Rick]

Just wondering. My dad could possibly be looking for a kidney transplant in about a yr. All of his boys are Pilots. If one of us were to donate a kidney to him, would we keep our 1st class?

 

[banned username 2]

Can you keep your first class medical if you were to donate a kidney?
I'm being completely serious here.
Thanks for the help.

Not sure but I know we have a pilot who was only born with one kidney and he holds a First Class Medical.. Hope this helps...

 

[340drvr]

If you're an AOPA member, they have a great medical question help line, check the magazine or online (I don't have any numbers or links right here.

 

[SpeedMetal]

hope everything works out for all of you!

good luck.

 

[NJAowner]

Laproscopic donation

I had a family member need a kidney a few years ago and another family member donated it. There is a new procedure (not done at all hospitals) where the donated kidney is harvested (bad word - bhut what the docs use) laproscopically -- it is like arthroscopic knee surgery. 3 very smaill incisions, they put the kidney in a small bag and pull it out. It is much, much, much better for the donor than having their body fully opened. You are back with in weeks, not months. Make sure your hospital can do it.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

 

[FlierDude]

I was a kidney donor 3 years ago for my brother, at the University of Michigan. The laproscopic procedure is the ONLY way to go. Our younger brother was his first donor 20 years ago (lasted 17 years!), and had the full surgical removal. Cut from 6 inches just left of his spine, leftwards almost to his belly button. Brutal! His recovery was over 6 months, and much longer than our brother/recipient. My recovery was 3 weeks, but the feds required 3 months to be safe so no flying for that time.

Good luck with it, it's a win-win going laproscopic.

Ed

 

[FN FAL]

Just wondering. My dad could possibly be looking for a kidney transplant in about a yr. All of his boys are Pilots. If one of us were to donate a kidney to him, would we keep our 1st class?

Wow...sorry to hear about that DX, hope that all goes well!

 

[Rally]

Not a problem. Knew someone that had kidney cancer got one removed and he gets a medical every year with supporting documentation. The documentation and the period is more for the cancer not for the missing kidney. You would NEVER know he only has one kidney, nor does he, your body only needs one. Would'nt think it'd be a problem at all.

 

[vetteracer]

Getting an organ from a family member (immediate family) is the best and most successful way.

I have seen many that receive organs only to have them rejected. The level of anti-rejection meds you have to take is considerably lower, therefore your immune system is not hindered to the point of constant fatigue.

Hope all is well and all turns out well.

Mark