An organ recipient makes a commitment

In general terms, I agree with your editorial about support for organ transplants going to younger people who have the potential to use them longer ["Donated kidneys and difficult decisions," March 1].

However, I received a kidney transplant at the age of 45, and I'm now 68, and the organ is still supporting my life. In addition to age, it's important to screen for the ability to understand the responsibility of the gift. You can't just want an organ transplant - you have to really, really want it. Receiving it is only the beginning. You have to be a truly good steward of a most precious gift.

Transplant recipients must take anti-rejection medications for the rest of their lives. With a suppressed immune system, there are side effects that require additional medications. In the case of a kidney transplant, you have to control your weight and blood pressure through diet, exercise and medication. You have to be monitored by your transplant doctor, nephrologist and hypertension specialist.

If people think they can abuse their bodies after an organ transplant, then they don't deserve this precious gift, regardless of their age.

Robert H. Pahl Sr.

Mount Sinai