Living Donors Online Message Board

Living Donation Discussion and News => Living Donation Forum => Topic started by: upnover on June 03, 2011, 09:42:57 PM

Title: 3 days countdown
Post by: upnover on June 03, 2011, 09:42:57 PM
Well, today was my last day at work, It felt like I was retiring. Packed up my desk, took some work home and did the voice mail, out of office assistant thing. I have 3 days to go till Tuesday morning when the surgery takes place. Now they want me to do a last minute west nile virus test. Oh well whatever it takes. It still hasnt really set in yet. I'll go in healthy and come out 1/2 a pound lighter:). People ask me what to expect. I cant answer, I havent done this before.

I'll try and get back on here when I get out of the hospital and let you all know how it went.
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: APV on June 03, 2011, 10:20:36 PM
Best wishes to you!
 I will be donating a kidney to my husband a week from today and I can no longer sleep with excitement, anxiety, anticipation, nervousness, joy.... every emotion one can experience.  All emotions except doubt!   We had our pre-op appointment today too.   Let us know how you keep yourself occupied and relaxed in the next couple of days before your surgery.   

Angelica
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Scott337 on June 03, 2011, 10:23:22 PM
Just know we will all be thinking about you while you're going through the process.  Thanks for being so courageous and giving such a selfless gift.  I haven't heard your story yet, but know what you're doing is precious and life changing...for your recipient and for YOU.  Good luck and please let us know how you're doing!

Scott 8)
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: twinkie on June 03, 2011, 11:52:27 PM
Upandover and Angelica, I too, will be donating to my best friend's father next week, Thursday June 9th.  I am so excited with every emotion except doubt too...  I will be praying for you both and I can't wait to be able to share our stories when we are on the road to recovery.    God bless you both and lot's of healing hugs coming your way to you and our recipients.
Hugs, Lisa/Twinkie
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Orchidlady on June 04, 2011, 08:39:32 AM
Next week sounds like a big one for everybody!
Best of luck to all!
May your dreams be sweet and your recovery quick!
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: shelley on June 04, 2011, 10:32:57 AM
Gosh!  Lisa, Angelica, Upnover....you'll be on my heart next week.  I do want to know what you all do to wile away the time trying to keep your blood pressure down!
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: twinkie on June 04, 2011, 11:18:47 AM
Hey Shelly, I have to tell you that I am constantly listening to praise and worship music.  I love to run, so that is my time to just be still and Listen to the Lord.  Well, not be still physically since I am running but in my spirit.  I have the best runs and times alone with the Lord, especially these days.  He knows my heart and what I am thinking at all times, so I try not to be anxious about anything but in prayer for all things.. Phil 4:6...   

To be honest if I didn't have Christ in my life, my rock, I know that I would be a basket case.  I know that he is the mighty physician and no matter what happens, that he is in control of ALL things..

You asked how I am handling the waiting, so I hope I have helped shed some light for you in anyway.

God Bless you all, Lisa/Twinkie
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Aries7 on June 04, 2011, 12:21:38 PM
Wow! Next week sure will be a busy week for everyone! Best of luck to you Upnover, as well as to you Angelica and you Lisa! Please know that all of us here will be keeping all three of you, and your recipients, in our thoughts and prayers. You are each about to embark on such a life changing experience.

Upnover, I remember my last day at work before the surgery. I remember thinking, "Well, this is it. I am leaving here with 2 kidneys, and God willing, when I return in a few weeks, I will only have one!" (I am not sure how many people usually leave with thinking THAT on a daily basis.....lo)  ;)

Please do update us as soon as you are able to. God Bless!

Linda
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: shelley on June 04, 2011, 04:56:28 PM
Lisa, I hear you about Philippians 4:6.  And one that really calms me believe it or not is Romans 14:8.  check it and see if you can relate...
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Fr Pat on June 04, 2011, 06:08:38 PM
     Might be a great time to start a little written/recorded journal of your donation experience. The before-during-after narration  might be very helpful to share in the future with potential donors.
       best wishes,
     Fr. Pat
Title: Praying for you here..
Post by: PhilHoover on June 05, 2011, 07:28:59 AM
My surgery was 19 months ago now, and I still remember how the LORD brought me TO and THROUGH this wonderful experience...

Phil Hoover
Chicago
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: upnover on June 05, 2011, 07:50:19 PM
Its very comforting to know that there is a body of fellow believers who know how to pray. At church this morning this was certainly reinforced to me as others said they would keep in their prayers. Everyone keeps asking for how long I will be down......I dont know. I never did this before is all I can say. Some try to compare it to a hernia operation or a C-section. Maybe a donor who has had either could chime in here!
In any case I feel so good and positive about this. I know it's the right thing to do. :)

Cant wait to check in here in a couple of days!
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: PhilHoover on June 05, 2011, 08:44:07 PM
The HOLY SPIRIT spoke to me very clearly through Romans 14:8....

and HE will bring you through it all.
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: twinkie on June 06, 2011, 10:46:01 PM
Thank you for all your prayers.  Thank you Shelly for the verses and as you can see it was confirmed from the post above... Thank you Jesus!  I am praying for upnover as tomorrow is the big day for her.  I will be thinking of you Angelica on Friday as you give the ultimate gift to your husband.  What an exciting week for all of us and Shelly your day is approaching very soon too... Hugs to you all!  Lisa/Twinkie
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: shelley on June 07, 2011, 12:43:31 PM
a BIG hug to you Lisa, and another one to you, upnover!  The attitude of excitement you both have as you approach your transplants is obvious, and very inspiring to me.

May you feel yourselves held in the arms and presence of God throughout the entire time.
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Prelude_Sarah on June 07, 2011, 01:39:41 PM
Lots of prayers and love for you and your recipient on your big day, upnover.  See you on the other side :)

Sarah
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Jewels on June 07, 2011, 03:32:22 PM
Wow - a busy time for living donors!  Upnover, Angelica and Lisa...wishing you all the best, will be thinking of you and your recipients.  I so look forward to hearing of your successful surgeries soon.  My surgery date is July 15th...the butterflies are setting in big time.  The days are flying by, and moving SO slow...all at the same time!

All the best -
Julie
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Prelude_Sarah on June 07, 2011, 03:44:54 PM
And Lisa and Angelica, you are in my thoughts and prayers as well!  I remember the last few days before surgery like it was yesterday!  I ended up feeling very peaceful.  More peaceful about it than I had for many months leading up to the operation.  I hope this same sort of calm happens for you guys too :)
Jewels, I know exactly what you mean by the time moving fast and slow at the same time.  When I look back at the point where I has a little over a month out from surgery, it was hard to not obsess about it.  But, today is exactly 4 weeks out from surgery for me.  And since the surgery, it feels like time has just flown by!  It's nice to have the pre-surgery stress finally gone.  You'll be there sooner than you know it!

Hope everyone keeps us updated!

Sincerely,

Sarah
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: APV on June 07, 2011, 07:28:28 PM
Thank you ALL for the well wishes.  I am down to the last couple of days and I am feeling very calm and ready to go.   I will be honest and say that I am having a hard time sleeping.  I have continued my workout routine, but I cannot sleep much despite being off work already.  I keep going in circles trying to leave everything ready around the house since both my husband and I will be unable to take care of day-to-day things.   We have great support so I think it's just the excitement that keeps me awake.

UPNOVER:  I woke up thinking of you today.  I hope everything went well for you and your recipient.  I can't wait to hear from you.   :) 
Title: Re: 3 days countdown
Post by: Fr Pat on June 08, 2011, 01:18:47 AM
Dear "APV",
     I have read that some donors requested and were prescribed something to help them sleep/relax in the days before surgery, but don't take anything without the hospital's O.K.
        Fr. Pat
Title: the 4.5 hours of my surgery
Post by: PhilHoover on June 08, 2011, 04:50:51 AM
was probably the VERY BEST SLEEP I've had in years....

and up early his morning praying for all of you.....God will walk with you through this GREAT experience...An old hymn says it best, "He hideth my soul in the Cleft of the Rock that shadows a dry, thirsty land.  He hideth my life in the depth of His love, and He covers me there with His hand...He covers me there with His hand."

And I'm praying now, "Father, in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord, please cover these precious people with Your mighty hand.  Make these surgeries successful, and event-free.   Bring healing quickly to these very unselfish people...Amen."