What kinds of tasks might I need help with after donating?

[Seslee]

I am over 70 and live alone. I am nearing the end of the donor evaluation process. In order to plan for my recovery I would appreciate comments on which household tasks, if any, I might need assistance with briefly after donating a kidney.

[EchoMax1012]

I didn't need much help, although my wife was there for moral support. She did drive me home from the hospital. The biggest challenges were getting up from a chair or bed. I also had constipation, which was relieved by miralax. I started walking immediately after my surgery, and this was helpful. I was tired, and took naps for a bit of time. Otherwise, it was pretty uncomplicated and not that difficult to manage. I would add, however, that every case is different. Good luck!

[vegiedonor]

You're going to need help getting dressed and lacing up your shoes since it will be hard to bend over for a few days. Otherwise not much to report. Regards

[Happydonor]

Seslee, I agree with the other responses that you already received. The recovery from pain is quite quick except I did experience bouts of extreme fatigue from time to time. Just be prepared to take a lot of naps for the first two weeks. Thank you for being willing to donate. You are doing a wonderful thing. Best wishes for a speedy and uneventful recovery.

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

In addition, you will not be able to lift anything over 10-20 lbs -- so pre-arrange assistance with laundry AND with some shopping (milk, OJ, etc...). You should also take a pillow any time you'll be driven around (you will NOT be allowed to drive for a while) to put under the seat-belt for protection!

You're doing a WONDERFUL thing.... whatever pain you may feel will fade away, and you'll be left with amazing feelings of what you did, and the pain will be not even a memory!

BEST OF LUCK!

[thesnook]

I am still in the process of becoming a donor as well. But as a nurse, I am assuming that the restrictions are pretty much the same as after any laparoscopic surgery. In general they are" NO baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs for 48 hours.. You can shower 24 hours after surgery but pat, don't rub site. No lifting greater than 10lbs for the first 2 weeks after surgery of until your doctor tells you it is OK. So in terms of tasks, help with vacuuming, laundry, and grocery shopping. You may not need help with these items if your prepare well ahead of time by stocking up on groceries, making sure all laundry has been done, and just letting the dust settle. Hope this helps. Again, I am not positive, but am making an educated guess here.

[Kdonor]

All good tips! Make sure you also rearrange stuff so you can avoid bending over as much as possible!

[A_Cuozzo]

I lived alone and needed no assistance. I also think that everyone is different in terms of being self-sufficient. Some are needier by nature, therefore, will be needier during recovery. Prep your kitchen by placing all heavy items like milk, pots, etc. on your counter for easy reach so you don't have to lift. I would say that is really the only thing I prepped for. I purchased some cheap soft-waistband pull-on pants in 1 size larger than I wear and lived in those for that first week so there was no irritating waistband. I also had meals prepped in my freezer so all I had to do was microwave my food. Stuck to things like soup, tons of yogurt/cereal, and gobs of vegetables. As others mentioned, be patient with the constipation. Water, walk, sleep and repeat and you will recover very well. Good luck and thank you for donating!