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.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Dec 27, 2021

@savvysarahjane, Have you arrived home yet? How is your recovery coming along? I would love to hear from you about what is next in your recovery.
@kristinkay, Did you have your donor surgery? How are you and how was your surgery experience?

I know 2 people who are getting donated kidneys soon (Thursday and possibly January) I sure wish they would join us here!

One of the two of you had loaded the car with pillows for the drive home! How did that work out?

kristinkay | @kristinkay | Dec 28, 2021

In reply to @rosemarya "@savvysarahjane, Have you arrived home yet? How is your recovery coming along? I would love to..." + (show)

Hi! Thank you for asking. We are well. I am healing and just on tylenol. Feel a little sore but bearable. Whoever suggested the heating pad--thank you! What a Godsend. My back was sore from sleeping on my back in the hospital (3 days, 2 nights). Used it sleeping in the recliner at Gift of Life House. Awesome! The compression band is awesome, also.
My recipient is doing great, too. We are all grateful to God and all the people supporting us. We head home tomorrow, a 10 hr drive over 2 days. I feel ready. I'm a little tired but good. Thank you all for great suggestions and advice!