One week post op

[Oxford888]

Hi I donated a kidney Thursday 16th June.. Was out of hospital on the Saturday 18th..Friday out of bed, shuffling about on my feet, a lot of discomfort. Day of going home a slow walk and feeling very delicate. Felt every bump on being driven home.

Next three days progressively better pain wise, though the wrong move and aghhhhg.

Getting in/out of chairs or bed a nitemare. Use those painkillers lol.

Wednesday pain was much better Thursday I mananaged to walk my dogs about two miles.... No pain but wiped me out, was in bed at 8.30pm for a full twelve hours.

Now it's Friday the keyhole incision spots are healing well and I'm moving around fine. Belly still tender and I'm not planning to work for another two weeks.

Just thought for anyone about to donate a timescale of pain may give you an idea of your mobility for the week.

The week above is done and nearly forgotten already.. I little bit of pain has proved to be a huge gain as my partner (we were in a paired exchange scheme) is looking amazing over the same time period. Going from dyalasis ready to fit and healthy.

C

[SophieSkye]

Congratulations Oxford888! Thank you for giving the gift of life. Like you, my kidney donation (to my son) was successful. I’m almost a year post op and all is good. My son is going from strength to strength which is more important. We need to spread the word that it’s nothing to fear and that we are saving a life by donating. I’m so happy you and your partner are doing well.

[Zahegmom in reply to SophieSkye]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m at the start of investigating becoming a living donor. I’m nervous but also feel called to do it. I think my nerves are more about the practical reality of it while my husband is just nervous about me doing it in general. I’m going to keep investigating and really appreciate being able to start this journey in this community.

[green1981 in reply to Zahegmom]

I am considering donating also. I'm at the beginning of investigating it and this community is a great source. Like you, I feel called to donate as well. Are you donating to someone you know?

[Happydonor]

Super news and thank you Oxford888. Your donation recovery schedule and symptoms mirrors mine (albeit mine was over 12 years ago). Best wishes.

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

CONGRATULATIONS! you said it well... and the short term pain is so worth the long term gain, isn't it?!!?! I'm 15 + years past my donation now, and those thoughts of the first few days of pain are a VERY VERY VERY distant memory! So glad you both are doing very well already!!

[Gefilte63]

First of all, congratulations to you and continue to speedy recovery. I went through this about a year ago, although I’m a little bit older than you, the timeline is about the same. I was able to start doing easy workouts two weeks after surgery, and really felt back to myself about 95% within four weeks. Listen to your body, as it will tell you when you need to slow down for when you need to think about pushing yourself a little harder.

[Oxford888 in reply to Gefilte63]

Thanks Gefilte 👍

[ClaireBear51]

Thank you so much for posting this. I am currently having all the tests to donate a kidney to my partner. He is so poorly on dialysis, so it is good to read the replies here that people are saying the donee is living a full life after transplant. That's what I want more than anything.

I do have one question though - although I am sure my consultant will answer it once all my tests are complete - how big and how many incisions for them to take my kidney?

Thank you in advance

[Oxford888 in reply to ClaireBear51]

Thank you Claire and good luck to you and your partner. Today is 4 weeks to the day and I've been back at work 4 days - against doctors advice- but I'm not good at sitting around. Can tell you 4 weeks (in my case) is very comfortable, can now lay on my left side (operated side) and only feel discomfort putting on my socks!!Incisions wise, I have 3 small 'port holes' a horizontal scar of just over an inch - the camera hole maybe- and a lower horizontal scar maybe two inches in length.... They after 4 weeks look a lot less drastic than before, they are glued and the scabs and glue are gone leaving a pale scar.

My partner has had many operations and they I know fade very impressively. They will make the bigger one bikini line area so really don't fret too much.

In summary, can't assume everyone the same but i won't lie the first three days be damn uncomfortable, much better after each week, but when you've past them just look forward to the 4 week pain free zone.

Hope this helps -

PS.. find somebody to put your socks on for you x

[ClaireBear51]

Thank you so much for your message. All that is so good to know. The hospital do like to give you the "worst case scenario" which I know they need to do to prepare us, but it is good to hear from people who have actually done it and how it was and how you feel. I know the scars are superficial and maybe even a badge of pride - so I am not too worried - but it is still good to know where they are going to be so I can prepare myself mentally. The best part is knowing my partner will be better - but then, will he be? They don't seem to make any promises for that either. Is the person you donated too thriving?

I work from home all the time, so I should be back to work after a week or so even if it's just carefully and part-time. At least I know I don't have to go out until I am ready but it sounds like just four weeks later you're pretty comfortable. I am not the sitting around type either and I will be itching to get back to running but I accept that may be more like the 6-8 week mark.

I will earmark someone for job of the socks! (My poor mum lol)

[Oxford888]

Hi Claire, I matched my partners blood type and tissue type but the antibody level wasn't good enough. So we were entered into a Paired Exchange where a number of people are matched to best possible matches. Everything is very personal to you so you don't know who the recipient is. Hopefully you are a great match for your partner, but don't feel deflated if your not as you can help him equally well on the same route we ended up taking.Good luck

[ClaireBear51]

I see. Yes anything is possible at the moment as I haven't had the green light to say I can do it yet. I am a long way down the road with the tests with just an ultrasound to go and then I am told I will see the consultant, although I only had my GFR test on Wednesday so I am not sure if they have had the results of that back yet. I don't know if my antibody levels match his or not. I thought it was a case of just checking if my kidneys are up to it. Who knows. It feels like the wheels turn very slowly. I have heard of the paired scheme but hadn't considered that for us, but I shall keep it to the forefront of my mind in case they say no on the antibody level. I really appreciate the information you have given me. Good luck to you too on your continued recovery 😀

[Oxford888]

Happy to help feel free to ask anything. Let us know how you get on 👍

[Kcat55]

Morning! Found this thread and couldnt be more grateful. I'm a donee, scheduled in a week from today. I dont know my recipient. I started this process last fall and for someone who passes out giving blood, it's been a wild ride. The worst part is waiting to see if you qualify to donate and then waiting to see if you match. I didnt understand or have a true insight into the workup process but now that I've been through it, I find myself wondering about "after". Thank you Everyone for posting their recovery tips and timelines. REALLY helps me prepare. Wonder if I can teach my cat to put socks on me. 😊

[Oxford888]

Great to hear from you, just don't despair too much of the first few days pain, the discomfort fades to nothing over the next 4 weeks, just be patient and don't push yourself.🤔Maybe slippers - no socks 😁