Benefits and risks of living organ donation
Emotional and social considerations
How do most donors feel about their decision to donate?
Research shows that most liver donors (97%) do not regret their decision to donate, especially those who were well supported.
Most living liver donors have very little change in their emotional health throughout the transplant process.
In the first year after donation, some people report physical health problems, but these typically improve within 6 months after donating, such as:
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Feeling bloated
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Loss of muscle tone
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Changes in their body image
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Fatigue, or feeling very tired
A small number of donors have short-term emotional changes after donating
When donors go through donor evaluation and surgery, they get a lot of healthcare in a short time. But over time, they get less care after their donation surgery is over.
For a small number of donors, this can cause changes in their mood and life satisfaction after donating, such as:
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Depression and anxiety
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Fair or poor physical health, such as fatigue and pain
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Being worried about their current or future health because of donating
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Changes in their body image, such as feeling less attractive due to a scar from surgery
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Changes in their relationships, such as with other family members or a spouse
These short-term feelings can happen to anyone.
What can donors do to protect their emotional health?
To protect their emotional health, donors can:
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Learn all they can about organ donation and possible emotional changes, so they are prepared if this does happen
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Build a strong support system ahead of surgery
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Take the time they need to make their decision about donating, so they feel fully confident in their decision. Donors have a better recovery when they feel confident about their decision.
