Emotional support?

[1879sandyhook]

Hi I’m a living donor for my mother for a kidney transplant which is scheduled in five weeks. I am really struggling with methods of support and understanding. It has been an extremely isolating experience for me and I would love to also be able to help others who are having emotional struggles throughout the process,

[nharper]

The best thing my sisiter and I did was visit with someone who had just going through process

[alimesoda]

You are giving your mom such a wonderful gift! I donated to my husband one year ago and based in our experiences your mom will feel so much better quickly after the surgery and you will have minimal recovery as well. I was out of the hospital in 2 days and the worst impact was the release of gas from the surgical procedure which most feel in their shoulders. Heat packs which the hospital can provide were a great relief!

I’m not sure who needs support and feels isolated- you or your mom? I found it was easier as a donor to share our plan with only a few friends/family before the operation. Afterwards you will be embraced by everyone you tell because of your generosity!

I and i’m sure many donors and recipients on this site would be very happy to offer you whatever encouragement and support you need as you travel this very worthwhile and life changing path.

Stay strong

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

Hello! I agree with alimesoda's comments. I donated to my Dad 12 1/2 years ago and we both get so much support from anyone and EVERYONE we tell our story to! If it's not something you feel comfortable just talking about with someone who doesn't understand (yet), please let me know and I'm glad to share my contact information with you so we can talk ... and talk.... and I can listen too!

You are doing a wonderful thing - don't forget that part! Yes, surgical pain for you ... but IT IS TEMPORARY! What your Mom should hopefully have will be permanent!!

Stay Strong, follow doctors' instructions and hoping you'll be just GREAT in no time!

-debi

[Crocheting-Cricket]

This is a fantastic site to get support! ANY questions you have, any reassurances you need...this is the place to go! I would highly recommend you watch Lori Palatnik's video on doing an anonymous donation. It's funny and it's good! youtube.com/watch?time_cont... And feel free to chime in ANY time on this site for support or information.

[AdrianFernandez79]

Thank you for what you are about to do. I donated to my co-workers Mom almost 4 years ago. In my opinion it is very helpful for you to be completely at peace with your decision and the reason why you are doing it.

Feel free to reach out to me personally. I would be glad to help in any way possible.

My e-mail is [e-mail]

[Hidden]

Thank you for wanting to be a living kidney donor. Have you looked at the National Kidney Foundation's website kidney.org to check out the living donor peer program? If not, they can match you up with someone who has already donated and has been approved through their program to speak with you openly about their experience. I donated a kidney to my husband three years ago, and I can't say enough about what a wonderful experience it was for us both. I had some very unusual complications post surgery that kept me home bound a little longer than I planned, and I did get feelings of isloation at that point, but because we had so many wonderful people at our church to help us through it all, I would get visitors to keep me company. I hope all of our ideas help you. This is a great place to reach out.

[PeaceToall]

Im strongly considering being a living donor to an outstanding member of our community. I’m concerned about future insurance problems with having a ‘preexisting condition’( one kidney). What about the pain I’ve read about here. Have you any concerns?

I haven’t been to the initial examination but I’m pretty healthy so I assume I’ll pass.

Any words?

Thank you

[BigTerp44]

By reaching out to this community, you are able to talk to all of us that shared your emotions. It was the most rewarding, humbling and amazing experience of my life. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Reach out to your local hospital and talk to a nurse, counselor or psychologist for more help.

I was tired and grumpy the first 3 days. Walking was the best therapy. I was back to playing competitive soccer 300 days post op.

Read about what you can do pre-op. Exercise, stretch, yoga, mediation all helped.

Best wishes.