Logan's aunt,
I'm glad to hear you made it to the other side so first of all "Welcome to the Club"! Quite shocking isn't it? This is something you have probably been thinking about non stop, planning, testing, worrying, asking questions about for several months if not longer. Well now that it has come to fruition, sounds like your emotional side is trying to catch up. Donors are sometimes so focused during the testing process about the surgery, the risks, the pain, their recipient etc they tend not to focus on themselves or really think about the meaning and actual nitty gritty of what they are doing. Maybe there is some sadness, and feelings of loss after a surgery where a part of you was removed. This part was not just removed but actually given to someone else. A part of you lives in someone else! Maybe the dangers or risks that you tried to push out of your mind are just starting to appear real to you and you finally are thinking, wow I just had surgery and something could have happened to me. I felt very emotional for years after my donation. I couldn't really talk about it and all that led up to the surgery often without tears. It was an emotional and stressful period in my life. It took several years of talking to professionals about my experience to help me through. Don't go it alone. After you are feeling better physically, search out support from a good social worker or psychologist to help you through this. You may want to try the independent donor advocate to see if he/she is able to help you find the support you need or go through your own insurance. I ended up using my own insurance to provide mental health services. I did use Jewish Family Services since it was more affordable than going to a private practitioner.
Keep posting here. You may also want to keep a journal to help sort out your feelings. I hope you feel better soon. In terms of the bowel issue, if you do not see improvement make sure to call the transplant center and push to be seen by a physician. Infections from a hospital environment are not uncommon.
You gave a wonderful gift to your family. Try to be kind to yourself and get the support you need. Would love to hear how things are progressing for you so I hope you keep us posted.
All the best,
Sherri