Donating a kidney, flying to Mayo for surgery, any packing tips?

Posted by savvysarahjane @savvysarahjane, Nov 25, 2021

Hi!

After 90 weeks of COVID related waiting following my clear to donate, my (donation on behalf of) recipient and I are scheduled for surgery in just a few weeks. I'm looking for tips from folks on things they had wished they had packed, or were very grateful to have thought of to have with them. After so much waiting, it feels like we're now going at warp speed and my brain is mush. I'm a Mom of three, so I've at least got packing lots of clean underwear covered. 😛

Thanks in advance!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

savvysarahjane | @savvysarahjane | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @rosemarya "@savvysarahjane, I am taking a break from some holiday preparations, and I am wondering about you...." + (show)

Hi Rosemary! My surgery was Wednesday and I was just discharged to my hotel today. I can't even begin to speak highly enough of everyone on the transplant team and their attention and care. They are amazing.
I am doing well, though I am discovering the gas pains everyone had mentioned. Not really any way to explain those until you have them first hand, is there? We are staying in Rochester until Tuesday then up to Minneapolis to fly home Wednesday.

savvysarahjane | @savvysarahjane | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @kristinkay "What is the all important pillow? I'm getting ready to donate next week." + (show)

Hi Kristin, I had my surgery Wednesday. Feel free to ask me anything. My biggest suggestion to you- they offered me a spinal block in anesthesia as a choice. I am SO GRATEFUL I got the block. It made the first two days so much easier. I am having the most discomfort I have had this whole time today and it's due to the gas pains in my shoulder as you've seen other people post. My block has worn off and I have pain around the incision, but to me it's probably only a 3-4/10 on a pain scale. If you have more questions you want from someone fresh off the table, I will make sure to try to check and respond over the next few days. You're amazing to donate, and I have full confidence you got this!! <3

kristinkay | @kristinkay | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @savvysarahjane "Hi Kristin, I had my surgery Wednesday. Feel free to ask me anything. My biggest suggestion..." + (show)

Thank you. And blessings to you, also! This is the first I've heard of a block option. How long did you feel bloating? Thanks again!

kristinkay | @kristinkay | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @tasher3433 "Hi Rosemary! I always enjoy your posts, As a caregiver I wish I had known more..." + (show)

Your journey sounds arduous. Peace and blessings to you and your family.

tasher3433 | @tasher3433 | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @kristinkay "Your journey sounds arduous. Peace and blessings to you and your family." + (show)

Thank you. Everyone has their own journey. I can do hard things. So can you. Best wishes.

savvysarahjane | @savvysarahjane | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @kristinkay "Thank you. And blessings to you, also! This is the first I've heard of a block..." + (show)

The block was put in by the anesthesiologist. My (not a doctor) understanding is that it is similar to an epidural, but they can target your surgical area. This allows them to use less local in the operation itself, and then it will mitigate your pain well past your actual procedure. When you have your pre-op surgical appointment, you could probably ask them/tell them you want to ask the anesthesiologist about getting one.

I am only 2 days post op, and still very bloated, swollen and bruised, though I am finally starting to pass some significant gas (sorry for the TMI). From what I understand I can hope to have a significant improvement from that in the next two days. For my bruising and swelling around my incision the surgeon said it would be a week.

Did anyone tell you to pack a heating pad? Heat has given me relief from the gas pain better than the drugs even. I am SO glad I have mine-and it's due to someone replying to my original post here.

The other thing I had seen in this thread that I planned for and am glad to have is because water is tasting really weird to me, which someone else said they experienced and suggested taking some of those water mix in things (like crystal light or vitamin water) and I am happy to have them.

kristinkay | @kristinkay | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @tasher3433 "Thank you. Everyone has their own journey. I can do hard things. So can you. Best..." + (show)

Thank you.

kristinkay | @kristinkay | Dec 17, 2021

In reply to @kristinkay "What is the all important pillow? I'm getting ready to donate next week." + (show)

This has been a helpful response. Thank you for insight.

tasher3433 | @tasher3433 | Dec 18, 2021

In reply to @savvysarahjane "The block was put in by the anesthesiologist. My (not a doctor) understanding is that it..." + (show)

Congratulations to you! Your days will improve by the hour. Happy Holidays!

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Dec 20, 2021

In reply to @savvysarahjane "Hi Rosemary! My surgery was Wednesday and I was just discharged to my hotel today. I..." + (show)

@savvysarahjane, Congratulations! You are amazing and I am happy for you and for your recipient. Christmas will be a real celebration for sure.
Walking and recovery will relieve the gas pains. They are something that you have to experience to understand. I think that is why we, transplant patients and donors, can honestly say, "I understand what you are going thru." We are among friends here!
I agree that the transplant teams at Mayo are amazing. What is one thing stands out that you would share with someone who is going to undergo donor surgery that gave you confidence or comfort during your surgery and recovery?
Safe travels home.