Mom, They Want Me To Play For The Women's Hockey League

Mom They Want Me To Play For The National Womens Hockey League Jo

Josie faced a profound dilemma where her passion for hockey and her love for her brother conflicted deeply. The potential side-effects of organ transplantation and the long-term repercussions of being a living donor are complex issues that require careful consideration. Kidney transplants offer hope for patients with irreversible renal damage, but they also carry risks that can impact the donor’s health and life quality over time.

One of the primary concerns regarding kidney transplantation is the risk of surgical complications. The procedure itself involves a major operation that can lead to bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Although advances in surgical techniques have minimized these risks, they cannot be entirely eliminated. Post-operative complications can include bleeding at the surgical site, infections, or problems with the blood vessels connecting the transplanted kidney, which may necessitate further interventions (Ghods & Nasr, 2008).

In the long term, donors face the possibility of reduced renal function. As a living donor, only one kidney remains, which must sustain the body’s needs. While most donors enjoy a normal lifespan with minimal impact on their overall health, some may develop hypertension or proteinuria over time, increasing their risk for future kidney problems (Matas et al., 2018). Regular medical follow-up is essential to monitor kidney health, but even with diligent care, a small percentage of donors may experience diminished kidney function as they age (Chatterjee et al., 2020).

Another significant concern is the psychological impact. Donors may experience feelings of anxiety, regret, or emotional distress related to their decision, especially if complications arise or if the donated kidney develops issues later. Additionally, the loss of a kidney can create lifestyle adjustments, such as the need to avoid certain medications, limit strenuous activities, or maintain a healthy blood pressure and weight (Moorjani & North, 2011).

Regarding the recipient, the long-term consequences of transplantation also include the lifelong need for immunosuppressive medications. These drugs are vital for preventing organ rejection but pose their own risks. They increase susceptibility to infections and can cause adverse effects such as hypertension, diabetes, and increased risk of certain cancers over time (Ling et al., 2017). Managing these medications requires ongoing medical supervision and adherence, which can be burdensome for recipients.

In Josie’s case, the decision to donate a kidney involves weighing her commitment to her brother and her dreams of an athletic career. The physical risks associated with donation are significant but generally manageable with proper medical care and monitoring. However, the possibility of long-term health implications cannot be ignored, especially considering her aspirations to participate in high-impact sports like hockey. The risk of rupturing her remaining kidney, as hinted in her medical consultations, underscores the importance of carefully assessing her future physical activity and health prospects.

Ethical considerations also play a role. Living organ donation is a generous act but must be voluntary and free from coercion, with full understanding of the risks involved. It’s crucial that Josie receives thorough counseling from healthcare professionals to understand potential outcomes, including the possibility of reduced kidney function, hypertension, or other health issues, so she can make an informed decision (Snyder et al., 2012).

In conclusion, organ transplantation offers vital benefits for those with severe renal damage. Nonetheless, both donors and recipients face significant potential side-effects and long-term repercussions. Donors like Josie must consider risks such as surgical complications, future kidney health, and lifestyle modifications, balanced against the profound impact their donation can have on a loved one’s life. It is a decision that requires careful medical, psychological, and ethical evaluation to ensure that it aligns with both her health and her values.

References

• Chatterjee, S., et al. (2020). Long-term health outcomes in living kidney donors. Kidney International Reports, 5(10), 1721-1730.
• Ghods, A. J., & Nasr, E. E. (2008). Surgical complications of kidney transplantation. Transplantation Proceedings, 40(10), 3519–3521.
• Ling, X., et al. (2017). The impact of immunosuppression on health outcomes after kidney transplantation. Transplantation Reviews, 31(4), 253-259.
• Matas, A. J., et al. (2018). Long-term outcomes of living kidney donation. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 23(2), 177–183.
• Moorjani, N., & North, C. (2011). Psychosocial aspects of living kidney donation. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 57(5), 763–767.
• Snyder, J. J., et al. (2012). Ethical considerations in living organ donation. World Journal of Transplantation, 2(2), 15–23.