Hi all, my donation is in a few weeks so I am requesting any and all pre/during/post-surgery tips!
For example, one great seemingly small reminder that I once got was to limit my caffeine beforehand so I don’t get headaches while I’m in the hospital 
Anything to bring with me to the hospital? Considerations for transporting to/from hospital (I have a 2.5 hr ride home)? Foods/drinks to have on hand for home? Your willingness for visitors? Things you wish you’d known before?
Hello and CONGRATULATIONS on your becoming someone's HERO!
Here are my few tips:
I did NOT wish to see anyone in the hospital, and not at home for a few days/week or so - this is "normal" for ANY surgery, not just donation!
You should have a thin pillow to put over your abdomen and UNDER the seatbelt in the car - will likely have to change positions on your long ride home at times -- front to back seat, etc...
Most importantly, remember you will NOT be able to lift anything more than 10 pounds for about 6 weeks - please have someone available to help with ALL GROCERIES, LAUNDRY and even the stress of making your bed (not the daily part, but the laundry and remake part - all could lead to straining yourself and could cause unnecessary complications!
You will feel so wonderful for what you are doing that hopefully the physical discomfort won't matter much at all! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU BOTH!
Listen to you body and take it one day at a time. Recovery will be slow so just make sure to have someone help you with things around the house.
Good luck on your upcoming donation.
Exercise your abdominal muscles daily before surgery. This was advice I received from my surgeon at my pre-op appointment. Anything that requires you to use those muscles after surgery will cause the most pain/discomfort (not unbearable though), so any strength you can build up will help greatly. Make sure you have a good heating pad! Mine was my best friend. You'll need this for your neck and shoulders in the beginning because that's where the carbon dioxide used during surgery builds up, and also for tightness you may feel at your incision sites. You've probably already heard this, but walking as soon as you can post-op helps to breakup that carbon dioxide and get it out of you. One thing I wish I would've done, kept a journal of the whole process and experience. That would really help when trying to pass on advice to other potential donors, and maybe even to encourage others to consider donating. I just donated in January of this year and I already feel like I'm forgetting some of the details. That's all I can think of for now. Good luck to you and your recipient!
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