This is my first post so bear with me!
My parents divorced when I was 8, up until that time I had a good relationship with my father, after their divorce, he blamed my mother a lot and lost sight of being a father. We ended up losing contact when I was a teenager but sorted things out when I was about 16. For the last 12 years out relationship has been fine, we don't see each other that often because we live on opposite ends of the country but we talk fairly often and see each other when we can.
Over the last 9 years he has developed kidney disease, initially it didn't affect him hugely, he's very fit (ex professional sports person) however in the last six months he was had cataracts in his eyes and has been struggling with his health. Last month he took early retirement. His kidney is now functioning at 19% and they have decided to put him on the transplant list and he now regularly a transplant coordinator.
So much background but I think it's all relevant.
My dad has a very common blood type but is from mixed parentage, he's white but donors with his parentage are rarer. (Hope that makes sense).
My father has two children, my brother doesn't have the sane blood type. I do.
This is where the whole crux of this matter starts. The hospital have indicated that a living donor would be the best possible scenario for him. He hasn't actually asked me to do it but I know he asked my brother so I have a feeling he will. I don't know what to do. I have an appointment talent with my own gp this week to discuss the implications of me doing it and for their input as to the implications of me not.
To be completely frank, I'm terrified of doing it and I'm terrified of not.
I'd really love some advice from anyone who has been a living donor or has received and organ. If also love any advice in general!