A list, sort of in order, of the things I've been able to do since donating a kidney four weeks ago today. I'll preface this by saying there are three factors in my recovery: first, I was in really good shape before donating and used to exercising nearly every day. Second, I've been sleeping probably …
“The most tender place in my heart is for strangers…” Neko Case
So many people I've talked to during and after this process say something along the lines of: "I know I'd give a kidney to my own child/spouse/sibling but I don't know if I could do it for a stranger." I never really thought of it this way, maybe because I hadn't considered being a living …
Continue reading "“The most tender place in my heart is for strangers…” Neko Case"
Post-Surgery Checklist
I will admit to being very focused on the lead-up to surgery, anesthesia and the operation itself, and didn't spend much time thinking about recovery. I even watched a few procedures on youtube, as though I would need to help out during the procedure. I normally love watching surgeries, but I then had to spend …
“It’s like your kidneys, and only your kidneys, are Canadian.” – John Oliver
Richard Nixon resigned 11 days before I was born, and believe it or not, the recipient and I have him to thank for the fact that all of our care was 100% paid for through Medicare. During this entire process, over 27 appointments across a variety of medical professionals and different testing labs, I only …
Continue reading "“It’s like your kidneys, and only your kidneys, are Canadian.” – John Oliver"
Post-Op
I wound up being the surgeon's third procedure of the day. We bought him a Kit Kat bar to keep his blood sugar up after one of his nurses told us he loves chocolate and candy. A few quick kisses and I was wheeled into the OR. I was calm (thanks to something they throw …
Pre-Op/Anesthesia
On the eve of my surgery I shared a lovely early evening run with my husband, we did an easy five miles and because it was hot and humid, took the opportunity to jump into Lake Michigan at the half-way point. I love running and the lake and wanted to savor one last bit because …
Day 6 Post Op
I am feeling more and more like myself each day. I am only taking Tylenol XS three times a day (3000 mg) and a Benadryl at night to help me fall asleep. I had an allergic reaction (hives) to Tramadol and didn't want to take the Hydrocodone that was prescribed (side effects are constipation and …
Why Blog about it?
When I started my evaluation I hesitated to tell many people because I didn't want the fact that I had be a factor in such a big decision. Post on Facebook that I'm signing up for a marathon? Hold my feet to the fire! Post that I want to give a stranger one of my …
My path to becoming a living kidney donor
I'm going to be a little lazy and just copy/paste the email I sent to a handful of friends and relatives a couple of weeks prior to my surgery below: After a very long period of contemplation and evaluation, I have decided to become a kidney donor. This donation will be what is referred …
Continue reading "My path to becoming a living kidney donor"
sharedmyspare.blog 