Kidney X

[YollyD_NKF]

The newest competition from Kidney_X, #PatientInnovatorChallenge, is a collaboration between the US. Department of Health and Human Services, American Society of Nephrology and the National Kidney Foundation and will reward kidney patients, care partners, and businesses for their ideas and innovations on how to improve the quality of life for kidney disease patients. kidney.org/news/kidney-pati...

[EchoMax1012]

Hi there. I donated a kidney in 2016 (non-directed). I wish there was more emphasis placed on self-care: adopting the best nutrition plan (heavily weighted to point-based, according to research); engaging in exercise; developing stress-management skills; and gaining a sense of community/connection. These are the thrusts of Lifestyle Medicine, and I see kidney disease patients all of the time who, while waiting for a kidney (through live or deceased donation), are not giving themselves the best chance at a healthier day-to-day life.

[KarenHope in reply to EchoMax1012]

I am giving a directed kidney donation. I can see there will be little follow-up for me, too. There appears to me no research after 2 or is it 5 years. How long ago did you donate? I am active physically. How long before you resumed normal physical activity. What kind of scars have you? Have any medications you took or take been modified for one kidney? What about drinking water? What exercise, besides walking, did you do or do you recommend for recovery? Thank you.

[EchoMax1012 in reply to KarenHope]

Hi! Yes, it was true to me that I was followed very sparsely for two years post-donation. As I recall, I had a follow-up visit, and then at the end of one year and two years I was sent a questionnaire about my health in the intervening time. I donated on 2/8/2016, so things may have changed.

I was able to resume my normal work schedule in three weeks, though I did have a sedentary job as an alcohol and drug counselor. I have a small scar on the left side of my body, barely visible now. I have not altered my water-drinking--everyone says I should drink more, but I only drink when I'm thirsty. I have become aware that self-care is even more important to me since I have only one kidney, so I have upped my exercise regimen--daily treadmill transitioning to running 5xs per week in order to get ready for 5K races; strength training, upper and lower body, on alternate days; some balance and flexibility. I have been plant-based for the last 20 years.

I hope this helps! Take care!!!

[KarenHope in reply to EchoMax1012]

Yes! Helps tremendously. Great news. The follow-up hasn't changed since you gave two years ago. I will have a two week in-person check-up then a year after in-person , (only I live across the continent from where I donate so a nephrologist here will have to do) then a two year check-in: probably a paper to fill out, as you have done. I intend to stay alerted to this site for life. I hope you do and others who give. I've only been here a day and have only found you, one other donor. All else are receivers. It's only anecdotal and its better than what's out there for many year follow-up research which is nil. Thank you!

[KarenHope in reply to KarenHope]

I'm plant and fish based.

[KarenHope in reply to EchoMax1012]

I'm plant and fish based.