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.