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It's getting real... found a living donor

Transplants | Last Active: Jun 2, 2022 | Replies (18)
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@2gallonhabit

Thank you so much @rosemarya ! I'm trying to not let things overwhelm me (I have quite the list I "think" I need to get done to be "ready") but today's it's just getting the better of me.

I actually moved to Rochester last fall, thinking I'd have couple of years to settle in before transplant. Regardless, having a home base here will make recovery and follow-up appointments so much easier. My living donor/friend lives in one of the western Minneapolis suburbs. We haven't discussed where she'll be recovering yet, but I'm guessing she'll be staying with her niece's family just outside of Rochester.

And while the approval process took a while, she's still my Xmas miracle (attached is what I posted on Facebook, asking for a living donor).

How long ago were you transplanted? Was there anything you wish you knew/had prepared for prior to surgery?

Thanks again and have a great weekend.

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Replies to "Thank you so much @rosemarya ! I'm trying to not let things overwhelm me (I have..."
dbirkel21 | @dbirkel21 | May 21, 2022

My husband had a kidney transplant just over a year ago at Mayo Jacksonville and everyone we dealt with was wonderful so you in great hands.

I think there are two things that have really stuck with me, the first by his APRN - think of the surgery like a college graduation it's the start of a new journey as there will always be a lot of med's and follow-up - but it's totally worth it. The 2nd I got from sitting around the waiting rooms with other transplant folk, don't panic if you end up back in the hospital, it's just a blip.

I donated my kidney to my husband and his egfr is currently running in the mid to upper 60's which is wonderful and every time I see his numbers I am so proud that my kidney is absolutely rocking it. Seeing him everyday looking happy and healthy makes me so thankful, and for me the surgery was a breeze.

The only tips I have are stock up on healthy snacks, stock the freezer before surgery so you don't have to do too much post. Sleep when you can as for 3-4 weeks post surgery your going to have lots of appointments and some of them early before you take your morning meds so be kind to yourself. I also have one notebook that I use for his meds (I have a 2nd that I take to all appointments with his vitals, list of meds and notes of anything we are told to do or change). I number each bottle and then in the book I list the meds and how many of each pills he takes e.g. #2 cellcept 250 mg - 750 mg 3 pills AM PM and then each time I refill I write #2 on that bottle, it's a double check for when I am refilling his weekly pill box as there are a lot of pills. A year in it's easy but those first couple of months it can be a little overwhelming. Mayo pharmacy is absolutely the best.

Good luck with your surgery.

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