Thanks for your reply! Indeed, no one mentioned the possibility of testicular swelling beforehand - it was one of a couple of things that I feel should have been mentioned (nothing that would have stopped me, though).
I donated to someone I had not known beforehand, although I knew him pretty well by the time that the surgery went through! This is because he drove me to all of my appointments etc. I live in Israel, where many do not own a car, and this saved me from the extra time that it would have taken to take a bus. The hospital is about an hour away from the city in which we both live. I had decided to donate over the period of about a year, and I ended up responding to an ad.
I have an appointment soon, and as it is not bothering me TOO much now, I figured to wait. I have not taken any pain medication since returning home three days after the surgery, since any discomfort is not bad enough to disrupt my schedule and is therefore liveable with.
No burning at all in urination. A bit more urgency than I used to have. I have woken up a couple of times in the middle of the night to urinate - which I don't think I had done in the past 20 years!
As far as emotions - I very happy with my donation and am feeling fine about that. The emotions to which I refer are regular everyday ones; crying when I hear a sad story or at the wedding of a friend (that is due to happiness!). I am still not VERY emotional - the difference is slight - but I am more so than I have been. I cannot figure out what connection this would have to the surgery - but it seems to have started then, and I wonder if anyone else has experienced this.
Thanks again for your time and help!
Welcome to the donor club! I have found that recuperation varies so much among donors so it is hard to compare. The testicular swelling is not uncommon. Some male donors have had complications in this area but unfortunately it is not discussed much prior to surgery as a potential risk. Did your surgeon discuss this with you ? It should be part of the consent. The gonadal vessels are sometimes cut during the nephrectomy (the kidney removal part) when they cut the artery and vein from the kidney so it causes swelling to the testicle. This should be addressed by your team of doctors. Call your follow up coordinator and see if someone can see you. Did you donate in your near home? If not they should refer you to a physician who could address this for you and make sure you do not give your insurance it should be billed to the insurance of the recipient. They are to cover all expenses for both donor and recipient treatment as it is part of the treatment for the recipient.
The loss of appetite and feeling full is very common. A lot has to do with the carbon dioxide used to inflate the stomach. Took me a good three weeks to eat a meal. As long as you don'r have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting a fever or anything that would suggest an infection then it may just take time. Eat small meals and light easily digestible foods.
The "ridge" not sure but maybe it is just nerves that are cut and you don't have the feeling back yet.
Tightness in the stomach, yes. someone took a knife and cut so you will feel discomfort. Are you still taking pain medication? I found a heating pad (not straight on the skin use a towel or something to prevent a burn) and warm showers to be very soothing.
Urination- do you feel urgency or burning? Are you able to void okay and are you producing urine? You should be drinking at least 2 liters of water a day and putting out as much also. If you are drinking like you should you will pee more often and that is good. If you feel any burning or not able to urinate again call your transplant center. That is what they are there for. Ask to be seen.
The emotional part is very normal also. You just went through what could be a traumatic event. I'm not sure of the circumstances in which you donated but this is a very emotional surgery. Crying and feeling sad is not unusual. Some people feel a little let down after the surgery, some are just so overwhelmed with joy or sadness. I saw a social worker for some time after the surgery. Once you are feeling better you may want to talk to a professional to help sort out your feelings. Journaling might be helpful also. Can I ask you to share your story here with us? Did you donate to family? Where was your surgery?
Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery (G-d bless)
Sherri