Constant Pain on left hand side post donation (14 weeks ago). Can only sleep on my back. Left rib feels not right. Is this normal?

[SophieSkye]

14 weeks since I donated my left kidney to my son & I can’t sleep on that side. 24/7 there’s nagging pain, sometimes stabbing pain. Is this normal? Feel as though something’s not right… I’m 64 & prior to op I was extremely fit. However left hand side of body is uncomfortable. Regardless, I’d do it all over again. Just like to hear from others how they felt physically at this stage. Thanks

[EmmaPeel61]

I had quite a bit of pain in the first month or two after donating, particularly in my left ovary, but now that I’m over three months out from my surgery it is all mostly resolved. I think a certain amount of pain is to be expected as our bodies adapt to our new normal. Certainly check in with the transplant team if it’s not resolving.Take care!

Jan

[SophieSkye in reply to EmmaPeel61]

Jan thank you for replying. Yes, if it doesn’t ease, I’ll give them a call. It’s still early days as you say. Take care too.

[Dlphnlvr78]

Good morning,It takes time to fully recover as it is a major surgery. They put you in a very odd position to extract the kidney too. I didn’t have much pain on the donation side but have a ton of GI issues post surgery. My scars are still a tad sore if I lean on them just right and I’m a year out. I would reach out to your transplant team, they helped me through the GI issues.

[SophieSkye in reply to Dlphnlvr78]

Thanks for replying. That could explain the pain actually. Yes my scar area is tender, which I’d expect. Hope your GI issues get sorted. Take care

[Happydonor]

My donation was 11 years ago and I do not recall experiencing any of the pain that you are describing. Definitely check with your doctor. I hope you feel better real soon.

[SophieSkye in reply to Happydonor]

Thanks so much for replying. I suppose it’s still early days. Could be nerve endings… Hope you’re keeping well too. Take care.

[deeliciousd]

I received nerve damage during my surgery. I was in severe pain over a year, it has eased off now 6 years later but every now and then I have pain on the left side and still have GI Issues