Bit of moral dilemma.

[rays650cafe]

Here's my problem, I'm sittin in a motel room in the U district (Seattle), because a young man who's mom I went to school with needs a kidney. And I'm o positive. I may be concerned about nothing. I've done all the tests, and will have to wait a couple weeks to see if the compatibility tests come back okay. The one thing that really got my attention was if I did donate a kidney, I would want to give up riding. I know that if I am a compatible donor and I can swing it financially. I would do this. There's a lot of other factors involved in this decision. I have to consider staying 3 1/2 hours away from my family for two weeks after the surgery. I would do it, not sure if I would give up riding though. Would you? Pretty dangerous riding with one kidney. This is a tough one for me, as I said before there's a lot more going one than just riding. I'd like to hear some thoughts from my esteemed colleagues from DTT at least on the riding part.
Thanks guys,
Ray

 

[CresentSon]

Personally, I'd wonder how many accident's survive-ability hinged on the number of kidneys the rider had. I'm ignorant to the full scope of the issue, though. Is the only concern a direct hit to the kidney, and not having a back up?

If so you have to weigh the odds of an accident, with the odds of the kidney being injured to establish a probability. In truth you may be looking at a 'blue on black' issue here. Is having a single kidney making riding that much more dangerous.

I really don't put much stock in probability though. When all is said and done fate is a switch, not a continuum. There are only two possible outcomes 0%, and 100%. If I may be so bold, I think the moral quandary here is really whether of not you are ok with the risks in general, and who can blame you. When the rubber hits the road it all comes down to what you can live with, and what you can live without.

Might be best to save the long hard look in the mirror til the test come back. Otherwise your basically analyzing a philosophical question rather than a practical choice. For what it is worth, even showing up for the tests, and being willing is very impressive. My hat's off to you Ray.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Cresent said exactly what I was thinking...

 

[pacomotorstuff]

Hi Mate,
Kudos to you.
Don't sweat the single kidney scenario - I lost one in a car accident at 13 and am pushing 61.
Rode MX, road race, dirt track, the street for many years and will again as soon as my money, my bike(s) and my job coincide. Have even looked at vintage short track this year but don't know yet
Having said that, there are reasonable steps that you can take. Body armour is one of them. Before almost anyone, I wore a protector across my lower back but it was a far cry from the excellent stuff today. Always wear it when you ride. Notice I said always; even down to the store to pick up a few things - 70% of all accidents happen within 3 miles of your residence. You sound like you have a noddle (brain) on your shoulders so use it. Never take a breather from assessing every riding situation, look for the out, the emergency exit, the what if this happens what will I do next scenarios. Train yourself to get out of the tight situation.
Some of the other things aren't bike related but ponder thought as well. Your remaining kidney will enlarge to take up the function of the other kidney, but don't abuse it. Look at a low sodium diet - I use salt substitute for everything but certain types of cooking. Also, your diet; research what foods stress the kidney and minimize or eliminate them. A little overweight - maybe this is the year to lose those extra pounds. A dietician or some diligent research on the web should provide some answers.
You've got a lot of guts - more than me. I couldn't even give blood (my excuse years ago was that I was an active pilot and forbidden to give blood, my feeble excuse now is I'm a sissy).
Good luck.
Pat

 

[teazer]

I lost a kidney a few years ago to a tumor and the risk of damaging the other one racing with no back up was a real wake up call. Eventually I realized the obvious and that I have only one heart and one brain and so on. I try to minimize the risks but that didn't stop me from winding the throttle yesterday in the sunshine.

Being alive and healthy feels so good. Nothing lasts forever.

The other aspect of the dilemma is that the kid isn't family and you will not be the only match. The question is what caused the kids own kidneys to deteriorate and what will stop that from recurring with yours. A friend of mine had 10% function in one side and less in the other and his son donated a kidney and everytime the father sneaked out to smoke, his son lost the plot. He knows he can't control his father's behavior but he treated the kidney and his son with little respect for the risk he was taking and that's not right either.

Lots of issues to balance there and we know none of the facts. If you do go ahead, you are a very brave and generous man. Whatever your decision, I affirm you seriously considering it.

 

[raf-1200]

If something happens, would it be wrong to ask for it back?

 

[rays650cafe]

Not even sure I'm gonna be able to financially do it. There's a 12 day stay in Seattle after 4 days in the hospital. Then, 4 to 6 weeks off of work. I have a good job, but it's sill an hourly gig, no overtime not good. I pay for the supplemental insurance, but I'm not too sure they'd pay short term disability for something like this. And then there's the wife. Since she found out I'm a universal donor, she's none thrilled about giving up potential spare parts for the kids. Oh yeah, during the stay in Seattle, I'd need to stay with someone in town. I know no one well enough to impose that kind of time or responsibility on. I'm thinking at this point, if there's no other hope for this kid I'll find a way to make it work. There's 6 other potential donors besides me. And I guess he's pretty high on the cadaver donor list. That is where I'm at today, thanks for the too kind words guy's. I feel most of us on this forum and elsewhere put in the same situation would do the same.
Again thanks for the kind words and advise.
Ray.

 

[4eyes]

I have posted the odds elsewhere on the forum, but you would be at a much higher risk in the hospital than on the bike.
I would ride.

 

[Clutch48]

Ray I don't know what your religious beliefs are but I wanted to tell you I think wjat your doing is amazing. I myself believe in the power of prayer and my family's prayers and thoughts will be with you, your family and the boys family that all will work out how it needs too. If there is anything I can do just hit me up with a PM. God bless you man!

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