Possible Kidney Transplant, need advice.?

My father was reacently diagnosed with a mass on his left kidney, he is a 51 y/o Diabetic with HTN. The Dr's don't know if he will be able to function properly with only 1, I am an exact match to him so my question is this I am a releativly healthy 27/m slight HTN that is well controled by my medication. I smoke approx. 1 pack a day but am in process of trying to quit, my Dr tells me I am approx 25 lbs over wieght. Aside from losing the 25lbs and quitting smoking is there anything else I need to do, I want to be healthy and ready in case my father does end up needing my kidney. I rarely drink, I am a full time EMT and a Volunteer Firefighter so I lead a pretty active lifestyle. Any Doctors or surg nurses out that have any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

It is definitely awesome that you are considering doing this for your father. I had a lung transplant a year and a half ago and it was thought that I would possibly have to have a kidney transplant at the same time. The best advice I can give you is to definitely quit smoking, lose the weight, don't drink anything harmful to your body and try to keep your other organs in good health. They will probably check your other organs to make sure that they are suitable as well. Other than that low sodium to keep the HTN under control and lots of prayers for your Dad!

It is a very noble thing that you want to do. Have the doctors actually approached you about giving him a kidney? It seems a little bit premature for that. However, losing weight and quitting smoking are definitely good ideas! Do it for yourself! And if it ever comes to a transplant, then you can discuss the risks with your own doctor and decide whether you want to do it. I hope all goes well for your dad.