Living Donation Discussion and News > Living Donation Forum
So many questions...
ergarcia99:
Hi. I donated a kidney June 13th. I feel great. I haven't lifted much but I'm aching to exercise? When did you all begin exercising? Also, I want some pizza...I know it's greasy but I want it!
Thanks you all.
Erika
Scott337:
Erika,
Welcome to the club and thank you for such a generous gift of life to your recipient - I hope you are both doing well. Although you're supposed to take it easy and rest, you also need to move and exercise. Walking is perhaps one of the best exercises and many of us took to using a treadmill as soon as we felt able. We increased our programs as we were able, based on how we felt and what we felt like we could handle. I was starting to work out again (interval training on treadmill) by about the third or fourth week post-op but I fatigued easily in the beginning. I gradually came back to not only normal work outs but even harder and long (sometimes twice daily depending on my time and energy), but that wasn't until nearly 8 or 9 weeks out. Your Transplant Coordinator and surgical team should have provided you guidelines for lifting prior to leaving the hospital - make certain you follow them as they are provided to give the best opportunity for a complication-free recovery. Once you can lift - moderation is the key, at least for a time.
Regarding the pizza - have some. There are some healthy alternatives out there such as ones with whole wheat crust, veggie only and reduced cheese. Again, moderation is the key. Indulge by having just a little bit - you deserve it for what you been through the gift you've provided. Heal soon (and completely).
Sending you good thoughts!
Scott 8)
Fr Pat:
Congratulations! I suggest you also add gentle bending and stretching exercises to your walking. Build up your exercise gradually. Be especially careful during the first weeks not to do lifting or exercises that might cause incisional hernia at the incision site(s) that are still healing.
I wouldn't worry about the pizza. While you're recovering I suggest you eat whatever appeals to you (and that you can digest well). Once you're well recovered you can get back to a more notmal and healthful diet. As I have mentioned before, anchovy pizza was about the only food that appealed to me for a while after donation, although I have had no craving for it since then! Take good care of yourself.
best wishes,
Fr. Pat
Orchidlady:
Welcome Erika and congratulations!
When you say "exercise" what do you mean? It could range from simple walking to powerlifting and zumba.
Call and talk with the coordinator or surgeon. You need to be very clear with them what you want to do so they know how to respond. Walking is fine and encouraged.
My husband and I are both avid weightlifters, so at the two week check back I talked with the surgeon specifically about getting back to the gym. As we talked, it was pretty apparent that he had no idea about the type of "exercise" I was asking about, so I started giving very specific examples and weights I was using. That was the right thing to do.
He was able to construct a schedule for return along with increasing weight limits.
He had told me treadmill was fine at 6 weeks, but it felt "jostly" even at low speeds, so I waited 8. Ab work was about 3 -4 months down the road. Anything that felt weird or "pulled" I just lowered the weight or put off for another week.
It was frustrating to wait, but I took the long view and followed his instructions to the letter. His comment was that I could do what I wanted, but the main result would be a hernia and more surgery - not a pleasant thought! I must tell you, he was pretty much spot on with his schedule and I am glad I took my time. Today I can do anything - and more - than I was able to do before.
I wouldn't worry about the pizza unless it bothers your stomach - enjoy!
ergarcia99:
Thank you so much for the responses ;D I would like to begin yoga again, which takes heaps of core strength.
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