@earlenes
You are AWESOME! I know firsthand what a big deal this is because my life was forever transformed by receiving a living kidney donation! What you are about to do will profoundly change the lives of people involved spiritually, emotionally and of course physically. God Bless you for be such an incredible and selfless person. I am alive, happy and healthy today because my donor stepped up. I am so grateful and I am sure everyone in your kidney chain will be as well.

My advice to you is:

#1. Be very careful what you in the days leading up to surgery and the days following. The surgery meds can cause severe constipation and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure on this one. Don't go crazy but softer, high fiber, easy to digest foods are best as you prepare and recover from surgery. You are a hero and deserve to recover pain free.

#2. Tell EVERYONE what you are doing and WHY you did it. You will forever be an ambassador for the greatest gift anyone can give. You will absolutely inspire others by sharing your journey.

#3. My donor said the second day following surgery was her toughest day and after that she got better each day. Expect to feel a bit worse for a few days and then better and better over the following weeks.

Finally... THANK YOU! As a recipient I can only tell you what you are doing is nothing short of a miracle for the patients and families involved. God Bless you and please keep us all posted.

Jolinda