Hi @threrrr
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Everyone I have ever met who has gotten a kidney transplant feels so much better afterwards, me included, so this should be an awesome experience for you. Also congrats on have such an amazing sister. 🙂

I had my transplant at Mayo in Rochester and everything I needed while I was in the hospital was provided, even unattractive non-slip sock slippers. In my opinion you really don't need much as far as clothing while you are there. I kept all of my clothes in the small duffel bag I brought until I was ready to leave which was good because I certainly didn't want them coming home with hospital germs on them. I knew in advance that my incision was going to be on my lower right abdomen so based on that I brought a pair of comfy high waisted sweatpants to wear home (and by "home" I mean the ultra sterile Kidney Transplant House).

My only advice and I give it to everyone is whatever you (and your sister) do DON'T get constipated. Bowels have a tendency to sleep for several days after surgery so be very careful what you eat just before and after surgery. Your incisions will need time to mend without added strain. Walking a few times a day also helps.

My donors advice is that she wished she had gotten her incision side-to-side not up-and-down because it sometimes dents in slightly and she thinks if she had chosen sideways it wouldn't be visible at all.

Good luck. I'm so thrilled for you and your sister!

@threerrr3 I had my kidney transplant 10 mos ago with my daughter as donor. The only thing I used at the hospital from home was my phone and a bag with toiletries. We rented a home for me, my daughter and the family that were caretaking. I brought comfortable pj’s and loose pants. You’ll have a support to wear for your abdomen. It took me about 7 weeks for the abdominal pain to leave when I was on my feet, walking etc. I didn’t wear the support for that long, though. Feel free to call your coordinator anytime with questions. My daughter and I did. Wishing you a good recovery. 🙏🏻

@threerrr3 I found it nice to have a lightweight fleece jacket to wear in bed. I always find hospital rooms cold. I used that instead of a bathrobe also when walking around the halls.
I prefer real slippers to the non-slip socks the hospitals all give to patients, but don't bring expensive ones. I had some taken off my feet and apparently stolen when I was having an endoscopy! They were brand new Uggs too, so fairly expensive.
They do give you soaps and shampoos but generally not conditioner if you use that in your hair. Also, if you do use a body cream and want a better one than they have, bring your own. Some hospitals insist on non-scented. I did not bother with any makeup of course but I do like a facial moisturizer.
The only other thing I can think of right now is some form of lip balm. My lips were incredibly dry in the hospital. They did give me one when I mentioned it and what they gave me was fine, but I don't know if that's something all hospitals have on hand.
It's nice to have some hand wipes too.
JK

Don’t forget your passwords to all your online accounts and a second list to give to your caretaker

You will need some sort of pill organizer for the medications they will put you on

@threerrr3,
As I read through the recommendations by other transplant patients, I can sense that you are going to be the best prepared patient in the transplant department! I like all of these suggestions because they don't add bulk to your suitcase. One small item that I found helpful was a package of ear plugs which were handy for getting a nap or some sleep on a busy hospital floor.

@des46893, Pill organizers are the handiest thing ever! When I received my transplant, my husband purchased one in the patient medical supply shop at the hospital. I would like add that an alarm on phone or watch is a good way to keep up with medication schedule.

@danab, Great reminder about the phone charger!

@contentandwell, I could not have used a fleece jacket because it would not have fit over my IV's. I settled for the ever stylish hospital gown and robe (I'm not sure that all hospitals have robes, though) Sometimes a gown frontwards, and another one backwards does work though.

@cmael, I remember being so embarrassed when this happened to me. I wanted to apologize to my nurses, but they said have none of that. I think that the nurses and aide are unsung heroes.

@jolinda, I didn't know there was an option for direction of the incision.

@threerrr3, Will you share this information with your sister?

@threerrr3, I am happy that you will soon receive your kidney. Your sister is an angel on earth.

I have both a transplanted liver, and kidney. I got them both at the same time from same donor. What you said about medications being hard on our organs is something does concern me. Was your kidney monitored after your liver transplant? When did you (or doctors)first notice that your kidneys were affected? How did they know?