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Confirmed Surgery Date!

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PhilHoover:
I gave my left kidney to a former college professor friend of mine, a little more than 18 months ago.   

I will be praying for you.    A few things I would suggest:

1) Drink plenty of water, between now and then

2) Get some good exercise...

3) Develop a plan for your "post-operation" days.    Get an idea how long you will be in the hospital, who will be helping you once you are released from the hospital.   You'll have some "lifting restrictions" for at least 6-8 weeks.   

4) Follow all of the post-operation instructions TO THE LETTER.....

lawphi:
I am glad I am not the only person that asked for pictures of the kidney! 

upnover:
What would you suggest for exercises? I am trying to do some walking, sit ups etc.
The biggest problem I forsee is trying to keep my house construction ongoing without adding to my misery. I have a contractor doing most of the work but I do have some thing to do to keep the project on going. But I will have to keep it in check!

Fr Pat:
Dear "Upnover",
     The day AFTER my donation surgery (open cut) the surgeon recommended that I do bending and stretching exercises, but halt when I felt pressure/pain at the incision, hold that position for a few seconds & then relax. The bending and stretching seemed to help a lot in the recovery. So it might be helpful to get into a bending/stretching routine ahead of time, so you will know your starting point as you gradually and gently get back to that afterwards.
     Some donors have used a licenses massage therapist after the surgery (one who is knowledgable about what type of massage is safe and helpful post-surgery). If that interests you, you might want to look for one ahead of time. But insurance probably would not pay for it.
   Fr. Pat

Orchidlady:
Best of luck to you upnover! One thing you may want to do pre-surgery is ask to work with a physical therapist. I was fortunate in that, at the time of surgery, I was working with a phenomenal personal trainer who was well versed in pt and what was needed pre-surgery. Remember that your mid section will be toast - it will be your arms and legs that will be lifting you up and down from the bed, chair, toilet, etc. Your abdominals will not be of use, and that can also put stress on your back. We worked on some exercises that strengthened the other muscles that would need to be used, as well as some functional type movements that would be important in recovery.
When he called to check on me about a week after surgery, I told him I could not thank him enough for working with me the way he did with an eye towards the surgery. It became very evident the first time I tried to sit up how important those other body parts were that had to take up the slack!

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