Living Donors Online Message Board
Living Donation Discussion and News => Living Donation Forum => Topic started by: Oldnslow on December 08, 2013, 12:33:10 PM
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It's been five years since I donated a kidney to my brother at Clarion in Indianapolis. Both of us are doing well. He takes almost the absolute minimum of anti-rejection drugs and his health really is quite amazing. I feel great, don't take any meds, and over the last 1 1/2 years have been able to shed almost 40 lbs. Have added gym workouts (elliptical and strength training) to the dojo over the last 6 months - have finally seen that assymetric muscle condition where the incision was disappear. May be superficial to health, but it feels like an accomplishment.
It's funny. On the eve of the anniversary our family's spent the evening watching our two teams, MSU and OSU, battle it out for the Big 10 championship. Well, his team won. But in the end we both won - I know he has no choice but to have that Scarlet and Gray kidney keep him going!
If you're reading this and getting ready to donate, or have recently donated, I can tell you that I have no regrets in giving my kidney to my brother. By doing this, his life has continued with much better health, and my life was blessed knowing that I could help. He takes great care of his health, and for that I'm thankful. Once you give the gift, it is out of your hands. It doesn't always go the way you anticipate. I've been fortunate, that for us and our families, it has gone as well I think as it could.
Sure appreciate the LDO community. It's always provided excellent support and information to me both before the donation and after.
Cheers
Oldnslow
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Congratulations oldnslow! So glad that you and your brother are doing great!
kdub
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So great to hear things are well with you and your family. The success stories are always encouraging. So wonderful that your brother appreciates and treasures your gift by taking care of his own health and that you have been motivated to make healthy changes as well.
Wishing you continued good health.
Sherri
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Thanks All! It's cold up here just like it was 5 years ago too.
Oldnslow
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Thanks for the follow-up -- & good to learn the great news!
You mentioned "asymmetry." What was thst? What kind of nephrectomy did you have? (Whatever it was, glad your exercise has largely solved it. :) )
I wonder if I should change my moniker to "oldernslower" -- not in comparison to you, just on comparison to myself! ;)
Bill
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Congratulations to you both on your 5th Anniversary! Sounds like you had a great time celebrating!
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Happy 5th!
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Congratulations!
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Thanks all!
Bill - the kidney was removed from the side (front). I had about a 4 inch incision on the left side. Also about four circular incisions where I guess they put optics. The incision cuts muscle in the side (my assumption). When I healed, the area where the incision was located always extended. So yeah, a flanking bulge. I call it an asymmetry when considered to my right side. The exercise that I think is helping is on a life fitness machine that is a lateral twist. The machine keeps your upper body stable but your lower body twists anywhere from 30 to 60 degrees for the left and then right. I've worked up from a 20 lb weight resistance in June to a 100 lb resistance. I'm doing others as well and they all help but this one seems to focus on that area.
Oldernslower.....ha! But you have to take up karate too!
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Dear oldnslow,
I am excited to hear your story and am glad you are working out and eating right. Hooray!
Many years of health and happiness to you and your brother.
Love, elephant
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Elephant - Christmas party this weekend...so, a break from diet. But a break for steak I will gladly accommodate. Then tomorrow it is back on the machines.
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Dear "Oldnslow",
Before the "Year of the Snake" ends and the "Year of the Horse" begins I wanted to catch up on long-delayed "Happy Kidney-versary!" wishes. !5 years! Great!
Fr. Pat