The anticipation can be nerve wracking, but on the day of surgery, you get prepped, and then they hit ya with a little something and you're still awake and feeling floaty...then GOODNIGHT! In about 30 seconds you wake up, and it's a done deal. You're on the other side.
There is pain involved, and like Fr Pat said, dope on a rope is the best ever. Get as comfy as you can, eat when you can, and get up and walk as soon as you can. Then it's vacation time: someone will cook for you in the hospital, and you get to go home and rest and be pampered. Your awesome body will heal, your awesome kidney will pee you peeing.
While there are times when it will feel like it's taking forever to heal, truly, before any time has passed, you'll be 3 months out, 6 months out, 9 months out and so on- most likely feeling like nothing at all happened. You'll see the wonder of what you've done, and you'll remember how horribly nervous you were beforehand and know how to offer compassion to someone else before their surgery when they are scared.
We're going to get you through this! Maybe now is a good time to think of something that's just for you, for ...say 6 weeks after surgery? Maybe book a pedi or massage or haircut or something or ....anything at all that you love and would look forward to?
It's a few more days! We're gonna get you through!
I don't have one negative thing to say about my experience. The whole thing was incredible from start to finish. My prep nurse happened to also be a kidney donor (!!!) and she'd also had a hysterectomy before donating a kidney. It was a little bit amazing. You will be well taken care of and looked out for, and we will send lots of love to you to help.
Hang in there!
Nicki