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 an additional hour each night and taking a 1-2 hour nap on a lot of days. Finally I’m a pretty healthy eater and have tried to be consistent with eating clean and staying hydrated.
- Going pee (I get asked this by almost everyone I talk to about it). They removed the catheter the morning after surgery and I started peeing without any issues immediately afterward
- Lots and lots of short walks around the neighborhood
- Pedicure with my sister-in-law
- Climbed out on a roof (through a window) to supervise construction
- Started driving and shuttling my kids around again, 12 days post-op
- Kayaked (on a smooth, flat lake)
- Celebrated my 9 and 13 year old’s birthdays with small parties
- Met with a new client and developed design ideas for a remodel
- Grocery shopped and cooked (my kids carry the bags)
- Played wiffle ball in the yard (my girls took turns being my designated runner)
- Took my 15 year old to the DMV for her learner’s permit – and she checked the organ donation box 🙂
- Volunteered at a local triathlon
- Started walking my dog again (he’s 78 lbs, a “gentle-leader” is great for keeping him under control)
- Date night (saw The Big Sick) with my husband
- Resumed running 3-4 miles, 2-3 times a week (with walk breaks)
- Resumed, uh, marital relations (sorry family, you can go scrub your brains with bleach)
- Attended a wedding
- Biked 6 miles to a restaurant with my daughter and her friends
- 1000m lap swim
- Light yardwork
- Road biked 15 miles with a friend
- Went to a Brewer’s Game
- Volunteered at school registration
- Took my kids to State Fair (they don’t say “the” in Wisconsin)
- Attended my bi-monthly board meeting
- 1200m open water swim
- Tried out my neighbor’s solo sculling boat
- Climbed a ladder to supervise more construction
Next on my list are wearing a pair of jeans and resuming yoga! In the grand scheme of things this surgery hasn’t really set me back too much physically. I have been pretty diligent about resting and still need to watch for signs that I’m maybe doing too much and need to lie down for a bit. When compared with the benefits to the recipient, it has been an incredibly small price to pay.
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