I have a date!

[Vickie]

I passed my stress test and received a date for surgery!!! May 21st is surgery!! I am so excited  and also a lot anxious!! I welcome all suggestions about what I need to bring and what to expect!!!!
Thanks!
Vickie

[MissFrizz]

How exciting!!  Good luck to you and your recipiant.

[mintx]

Congratulations!  Although I am a long way from where you are, I am eager to hear what to bring too.  Get all of your big projects done now, that 10ld lifting limit seems like it will be challanging to deal with.

[Fr Pat]

     Congratulations! Best wishes and prayers for the coming surgeries.
     While the list of hospital hints at www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/infotips.cfm is very good I often add the reminder to bring extra-large clothing, underwear and shoes to wear going home, as post-op bloating may make your regular things much too tight.
   best wishes,
      Fr. Pat

[lawphi]

I recommend a massage.

[CK]

Lip balm and ear plugs. The hospital is dry and loud.

[jennybebopper]

Lip balm is a must.  Prunes.  I liked having my own robe & slippers more for comfort during walks, but I don't know that it's necessary if you're tight on suitcase space.  Good luck, be sure to let us know how it goes!

[Vickie]

And I now have a new date! May 14th!
Thank you for all the advice and support. I am so excited and very nervous!
Vickie

[elephant]

Dear Vickie,

How exciting for you and your recipient! 

When I donated, I wasn't given an pre-surgical sedation.  In fact I walked into the operating room and lay down on the table.  I guess that was so I could change my mind up to the last minute! I never felt nervous.  Actually I found everything to be interesting and I'm glad I remember it all right up to the last moment...zzzzzzz...

 I wonder how other surgeons and hospitals handle this?

Love, elephant

[CK]

They gave me sedation and I was out. The last thing I remember was the operating doors opening and seeing some guy in scrubs and I was gone.

My recipient was sedated also and he remembers getting onto the operating room table. I'm kind of glad I don't. I think I would have been more nervous. Apparently I snoozed there for quite a while before they operated because my family was told 2 hours and didn't hear from the surgeon for 4.

[midwestgal]

I was super nervous and requested sedation asap.
They put me out before I left my personal waiting room:)

My husband told me that I woke up panicked after surgery & had to be sedated again.
Fortunately, I don't remember this.

Big & comfy clothes, robe & slippers.......the best items I packed!

Take along pillows to cushion the ride home from the hospital......
I felt every bump in the road & really appreciated the support:)

Good luck to you!!!!

[Aries7]

Congratulations Vickie!

I remember also feeling very nervous and excited. I donated during a time when everyone seemed to be getting sick. I was so worried my Husband or I would catch what was going around and then the surgery would be postponed. (Thankfully, that did not happen.)

I would suggest bringing the following to the hospital:
Lip balm and your favorite hand lotion, (I find hospitals to be very dry)
a very comfortable pair of pants (I bought a pair of sweatpants that tie at the waste so I could keep them as baggy as I need to)
a loose fitting, comfortable tshirt and sweatshirt
a pair of comfotable slippers (something comfortable and safe for walking)
Phone numbers of anyone you may want to call while you are there.

Best of luck to you!
Linda

[CK]

OMG, you just reminded me...my recipient caught a bad cold a week before surgery and we were worried it would have to be postponed. It went right down to the wire, but luckily he kicked it quickly and I didn't catch it from him.