How is recovery after donation

[siblingdonor]

I am still waiting for the donor board to reach out to me as I had just filled in my donor application for my brother who is now on dialysis. Im hoping to be a match since I've already decided to donate if I am. Im very healthy, I exercise at least 5 days a week, and am mostly plant forward. I do like wine tho... like 2 glasses with dinner when I"m out but not so much at home. Am I going to have to curb social drinking? Not that its that important, but my husband is a sommelier and we do attend social events for his job. How was your journey back to recovery?

[scotlap]

My journey to recovery following donation followed my journey previous to donation. Not much has changed, although I continue to exercise (cycling, weight lifting, hiking) and have chosen to eat healthy. You do not have to quit drinking, though I have chosen not to drink alcohol -- maybe one or two beers annually. Being determined to be a match takes much testing, as blood type is only one marker of success. Your doctors will determine whether you can be a match, so just follow their instructions. But honestly, if you're supposed to be a donor for your brother, it will happen! Best of luck! To read more of my journey, click here: uchealth.org/today/duo-boun...

[Hidden]

My wife was a living donor for me. Actually, we were part of a kidney swap at university of Illinois hospitals. Sounds like you will be a good donor. My wife wasn’t a match so our coordinator — almost immediately— found us a corresponding family. The four of us all had surgery 9 months later.

Technically, I shouldn’t have a new kidney. As none of us fit the profile of perfect donors/recipients. U of I transplant, however, do tons of robotic transplants which decrease risks normally associated with higher risk patients. For example, I was about 6 feet tall and 260 lbs on the day of transplant — definitely not ideal. The nice thing is I have only a 4 inch main incision. Faster healing and no complications.

My wife, on the other hand, ended up with an incisional hernia. It was repaired, also robotically, by the father of robotic surgery. I actually believe she returned to yoga too soon after donating. Nonetheless, she is doing quite well.

My donor is doing quite well, too. Just messaged her to find out how her recovery went. As I suspected the first 2-3 weeks can be difficult. Our transplant center is opioid free hospital — you get Tylenol on your way home. Happy to report, one year follow ups were very good for both donors.

[EmmaPeel61]

I am now almost three months post-op and felt pretty much fully recovered at 8 weeks. I walk most days and eat a pretty healthy vegetarian diet, and have not given up wine! All in all, donation was a great experience for me and I was so happy to have been able to help my recipient live a fuller and healthier life. Good luck to you and yours!

Jan

[Dlphnlvr78]

Please let me know if you are still wanting info on recovery after donation. I donated to my brother one year ago.