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Kidney transplant - The Journey from the Donor's Side

Transplants | Last Active: Apr 29, 2020 | Replies (357)

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@mauraacro

Congratulations! Donation is amazing enough but paired donation takes it to a whole new level.
Those tests are really something, aren't they? I almost think they were harder for me than donation.
I practically used this site as a journal, I was very wordy but received great info & hope I helped someone with their journey.
The short version of surgery day is, it went well (for both of us!). I woke up & said I was hungry which made the nurse laugh. I was taking short walks a few hours later & walked a lot more that night. It was surprisingly not painful but felt tight or like I did too many crunches. It was difficult to get out of bed so make sure they teach you how. I highly recommend high waisted or maternity leggings, they were very comfortable.
I left the hospital the day after surgery but stayed in town for almost 2 weeks, mostly because I didn't want to sit through a 5 hour flight, also because I knew I would take it easier away from home.
I was back to work at a somewhat physically active job within a month, with a 10# lifting restriction for 6 weeks.
Ask me anything! If I don't know it, someone here does or we can find the answer.
I wish you & your mom the very best!

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Replies to "Congratulations! Donation is amazing enough but paired donation takes it to a whole new level. Those..."

Thank you very much. I am most nervous about there being complications for me or my mother or my Mom's body rejecting the new kidney. I am also very worried being intubated, I have never had surgery or been hospitalized before. I am also worried about post-op pain control…People on here saying they went home the day after surgery is amazing! I am having surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY and they anticipate my being in the hospital 4-7 days and more incs incisions then people on here have said.. makes me nervous 🙁