Living Donor Kidney surgery next Tuesday: Any advice?

@earlenes, I am so very happy for you and for your recipient. Congratulations on your new title! Later on, after you are rested and have recovered, I hope that you will tell us more about your experience.

@earlenes Wow! Congratulations to both you and the lucky recipient! Life-changing for you both, and another fine example of giving a second chance to someone. We look forward to more progress reports!
Ginger

I am to be an anonymous donor on Feb 11 at Mayo Florida. Any surprises and words of advice??

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @rickhartleyjax. I commend you for your decision to be a living donor, and I am happy that you have joined this discussion where you will hear from other living donors.
I am a recipient with no living donor experience of my own to share with you. However, here are some more discussions about living donation and I have included the links for you.
Kidney transplant - The Journey from the Donor's Side
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-transplant-from-the-donor-side/
From a Living Donor: One year later, what is your life like now?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/a-post-donation-check-in-one-year-later/

No surprises for me. The team was great! I had quite a bit of pain immediately after surgery but they were able to get that under control quickly. I’m at home and able to control the pain with Tylenol. Best of luck to you!

Congratulations @rickhartleyjax!
Mayo is pretty great at not having "surprises". They do so much ahead of time to plan for everything and the nurses are amazing. Although my husband was surprised that I only spent 1 night at the hospital.
Do you live near Mayo Florida or are you traveling? As excited as I was to get home, the hotel made it a lot easier not to overdo it.
Do you have questions or concerns? It's sometimes hard to voice things in real life. Its also difficult to find other donors to talk to.

I live in Jacksonville. I am 68 and a widower. My sister is coming to stay with me for a week. I'm looking forward to seeing her.

@rickhartleyjax Thank you for stepping up to be a kidney donor! You rock the world of people in need of a donated organ! You've had some great tips and I'll add my support here, too. We look forward to your recount to us of the experience. I bet you find it life-changing for your recipient and you both!
Ginger

Will you have any help after the 1st week?
I was able to take care of myself and do most things around the house but had a 10# lifting restriction for 6 weeks and that was the most difficult part. A gallon of milk weighs over 8#. Vacuuming or mowing is over the limit. Driving was not easy for a bit because of the seatbelt (the kidney brace helped with that) and turning to look but was manageable.
You won't need full time help after your sister leaves but if you have someone come in once a week or so, it will make your life easier and you deserve that!

Good idea. I had not thought about that. I have a daughter who lives locally who I can ask to come help.