I had a nephrectomy in 2019 and I feel this surgery prepared me for some of the changes I would experience. This surgery was less pain and the recovery was quicker. The kidney woke up immediately. Woke up thinking about toy soldiers. I made so many life style changes and remain compliant with meds. The clinic visits were increased after transplant that was something I wish I knew before transplant. I travel to Ohio and have standing orders when I can't make the drive for labs. The med adjustments was also new. The Tac levels are so important. Social distancing has been so important. The new taste buds enjoy many childhood treats that I never really ate before. I feel such a sense of sweetness and peace I have never experienced before. I know a few people who have taken on some of the traits of the donor. I have been a teacher for 24 years. It was recommended to work with less people as possible after transplant. I cried and struggled with this. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was three years old. I plan to return in the fall and use PPE and caution when the children are sick. The meds and changes to levels was a new experience. I wish I had worked out more before the surgery. The shape of my stomach is very odd shaped now. I did lose 30 pounds prior to transplant and lower some of my levels. I was not on dialysis. I did the courses to decided if home or center treatment would be an option. I prayed that a new kidney would become available. I Michigan my wait time was up to 5 years and in Ohio it was up to 18 months. I evaluated in both states. My wait time was changed when legislation passed and my wait time was taken to August 2021 due to my low GRF. That was one of the things that was something I wish I knew. I have since became an Ambassador with UNOS. Advocacy has always been one of the things I enjoyed. I'm so grateful and share my experiences on social media often. I plan to attend events to support transplant and kidney awareness. I recently wrote my state reps and they responded by joining committees in Michigan. I saved their emails. Thank you for responding.