Hi, new to site, my story

[Dcowboysfan]

I donated a kidney to my sister 5 1/2 years ago. I’m so glad I did. It restored her quality of life, and I am fine. In the last couple of years I’ve ran a couple of 10 mile races and a small triathlon. If I could turn the clock back I would do it again.

[EYatNKFSvdMYLIF]

Thank you sooooooo much for your precious love to your sister. One Donor is a deeply special gift of a population that keeps lives going. One is a great inspiration and example to others. You not just make a difference you literally change history and the world.

[Cheeseanimal]

Hi there,I am donating a kidney to my sibling soon, so it was good to hear about your experience. I was wondering, did you come across any family issues/family dynamics problems during your donation and/or recovery? Seems to me that the family part of it is causing more anxiety than the actual donation process.

[cathyserene in reply to Cheeseanimal]

When I told my brothers that I was having my final "pre-donation testing" that week, one of them quietly said, "I hope you don't pass." They were simply showing their love and concern for me. We're spread out across the country so they couldn't be with me or feel certain that my desire to donate wasn't pressured by my dear friend to whom I donated my kidney. If you've gotten this close to donating you know that your donor coordinator makes every effort to be sure that the decision is yours alone and there is no pressure. Although my friend lived only a couple years post transplant I have never regretted giving her the gift of my kidney. She had a precious chance at new life. And now, 9 years post-donation, my brothers appreciate my willingness to help my friend.

[Cheeseanimal in reply to cathyserene]

Thank you for your reply, it is helpful to hear of other people's experience. And you are right, they are merely voicing their concerns. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. It is also good to hear that even though your donation story did not have the picture-perfect outcome, that you have no regrets.

[Dcowboysfan in reply to Cheeseanimal]

Hello, I do not recall any family issues. My wife and kids were supportive of my decision to donate. Between all of us we really didn’t overthink or overanalyze it, we just figured I would be fine.

[FixitJosh]

Hello Dcowboysfan, great news to hear that you were doing so well after your donation. I am looking forward to that as well. Today is my third week after surgery and I am doing great. I've been doing a lot of walking, but no exercising yet. I have three more weeks to go before I'm allowed to exercise and lift over 10 lb. I agree 100% that I would do it over again in a minute. I have no regret. And my recipient is doing great. It's such a blessing that we have the methods to do this today.

[Dcowboysfan in reply to FixitJosh]

Josh that’s great. Keep following doctors orders, don’t rush the exercise and lifting. I remember one day almost a year after donation and I just felt that I was back to my old self. I signed up for a half marathon in the fall, looking forward to it.Again, don’t rush the recovery, it will happen.