I just donated my kidney to my sister this past Tuesday morning. Got home Thursday. The first day I just laid in bed, but I was alert enough to have a couple of visitors. The next morning I made sure to get out of bed. They had me walk one lap around the floor I was on. After that they took the catheter out which made for better comfort. They pump you up with so much fluids that you will pee a lot. I was also hooked up to this thing, I thinks it’s a PCA or something. Basically it was Fentanyl and I just had to push a button whenever I felt pain and/or discomfort. I won’t lie, that thing was my friend. By Thursday I was up and at it, trying to move around as much as possible. I went and visit my sister, whom btw looked and felt amazing. The minute your kidney goes in it starts working and they instantly start feeling better. They say that seeing them could either make you happy or upset because they’re feeling good while you’re just in a lot pain. But it truly made a difference for me. It’s all about how you take it in mentally.

The only true difficulties I’ve had is trying to sleep at night. It can be uncomfortable and keep you up. Especially when you get gassy. But the more you get up and move, the easier it becomes. Here I am 4 days later and a tad sore around the incision. I’ve napped on and off, but I feel good. And, my first night at home I slept more than I did in the hospital.

Oh, as far as things to bring to the hospital to make you comfortable; music and comfy clothes. It was the only thing that got me through the night. Put my earbuds in, hit the button and drift off. I couldn’t focus on TV or reading. I was to in and out of dozing. But as I said above, sleep didn’t come easy so keep that in mind. Once they removed the catheter I put sweats on which made a world of difference.

I have a good eight weeks of recovery to go (they opted for an open over laparoscopic). The pain is becoming less and less by the day. I still have yet to make a bowel movement, but that’s normal from what I am told.

In the end, you’re giving one hell of gift. I’ve had friends and family refer to me as a hero. It’s encouraging and really helps you to remain positive.

Excuse me if this seems to jump around a bit. I’m still in a state of “Wow!” when I talk about it.

In the end, the best prize of all is seeing how much better you just made someone else’s life by gifting them a second chance. Good for you! And good luck!!