I don't have personal experience but my masseuse does. He donated his kidney several years ago and it was a life-changing experience. True, his recovery time was longer than that of the recipient. Upon recovery he was no longer interested in going back to construction work. He wanted to get into a "helping" field and decided to study massage therapy. He now has his own business. He also travels with a group of volunteer doctors to South America for several weeks each year helping out as he can.

It's a very unselfish act but you do need to think about it fully. Good luck with your decision.