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Donating a kidney, flying to Mayo for surgery, any packing tips?
Transplants | Last Active: Dec 28, 2021 | Replies (42)Comment receiving replies
Wow, thank you. This was very helpful information. We have a 10 hr drive back to Arkansas after discharge from Rochester. We'll stay in the area for about a week after getting out of the hospital for check ups. I heard I get a mug but didn't know if this was a 'congrats on donating a kidney' thing or what. .. sounds like I'll need to drink water like a camel.
I'm now going to bring all my bed pillows in the car for the drive home. We have many stops planned. I walk about 2 miles per day which sounds like will help me in restoration. I don't take many pills so not sure about the pill boxes. I wish I knew if I'm supposed to watch a special renal diet after donating. I'm thinking my lone remaining kidney might need tender care in dietary but don't know if I'm meeting w a nutritional expert. None scheduled so far.
You have been very helpful and reassuring, thank you. I hope and pray all goes well for your family as you progress forward. 🙏
Replies to "Wow, thank you. This was very helpful information. We have a 10 hr drive back to..."
Congratulations on your upcoming donation!
I met with a nutritionist as part of my testing/evaluation visit. I may have met with someone after surgery but it's all sort of a blur. A couple days after donation, there were 4 or 5 appointments. I donated pre Covid so it could be that they've combined some appointments?
The kidney healthy eating websites seem like they contradict themselves with each paragraph on what you should and shouldn't have but I managed to at least cobble together info on better choices. Websites for eating with diabetes are easier to follow and similar to a healthy kidney diet. I don't remember that there are any real restrictions but it's been a few years so I could be wrong.
I think after staying for a week, your car ride should only be a little less comfortable than a regular 10 hour drive. We flew home -MN to OR, and the seat belts were not much fun but otherwise not bad. Mayo gave me a compression belt or brace and I wore that off and on for close to a month, it helped with seat belts and getting up and down.
The only pills I received were stool softeners, Tylenol & pain meds. After a few days, I was taking Tylenol late morning and pain meds at night, A pill box would be handy to keep it organized but not mandatory.
I can go back and look at my records or posts if you have any more questions but I'm positive that between the Drs, nurses and social worker, they'll get you set up.
Good luck to you and your recipient!
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Good Morning! Just a quick update: as a healthy donor, you will be able to eat close to normally, maybe just smaller portions at first, your recipient Mom may have little interest in food, at first, but encourage her nonetheless. Peel the pears and apples, grilled cheese was popular, eggs and toast. It will improve, daily! For your wonderful Mom, she will so appreciate warm towels when she gets out of a shower, into a steamy bathroom. We were fortunate to have a w/d in our unit, and it was a step across the hall from dryer to bathroom. You GO, Ladies!