On Friday, it will be 3 weeks since I've donated. Because of emotions, travel and adjusting back home, it seems like the surgery was months ago.
I went back to work yesterday on a limited schedule and it went well. The advocate told me that my body will say when I have done too much, that worried me because I thought I may miss my body's cue or that I would all of a sudden be in a lot of pain. For me, when I've overdone it a bit, I get tired and my abdomen gets a little tight, not enough to hurt, enough to remind me that it's there and I need to slow down and rest. The hardest part for me is the 10# lifting restriction, everything in my life seems to weigh more that 10#.
After typing that, I realize that the lifting restriction isn't really the hardest part, asking for help is. I don't look any different than I did a few weeks ago so asking for help bringing a bag of groceries to my car is embarrassing and enlightening. How many people have I dismissed as lazy or entitled because they won't carry their own 15# bag of produce and milk to their car? That is so embarrassing to admit, I'm glad I have the opportunity to change my thinking.
The recipient is doing great except for getting the flu! Somewhere between going in for pre surgery appointments and back for tests she contracted the flu. Luckily, Mayo caught it quickly and she received great care. She went home Friday and is adjusting to life without dialysis. She's disappointed that the flu slowed down her progress but her kidney numbers are good and she is feeling stronger every day.