I donated about a year ago. Great experience.... I wanted to say that I had to take tramadol though for chronic pain that I have had for about 10 years....so I was prescribed this for the post donation and it helped with this issue...so I stayed on it longer. I will say that although the donation was smooth, it did inadvertantly help with the potential of depression. I was honest with all of my life issues and was clear and happy to donate, although it did come at a bit of a tough time in my life for sure.... I am just saying although it can only be given for pain, it is an opiode (opiate, or something) and it does seem to really help in that department. Tramadol is also known as Ultram. It may help transition. This of course can ONLY be given by a legit MD for pain, which I had, just noting again, since I couldn't take the normal pain pills as I had an allergic reaction this was a nice fit and if you or any donor is more vulnurable to depression I'd say this is a nice hidden temporary help.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: A pet theory of mine, from one kidney donor to the rest of you all: I would say the bulk of donors have a connectedness to most of those you come in contact with, and possibly a deeper capacity to empathy than the outside world, although this appears to you as completely normal - I would venture to say that our Myers Briggs topolgy's are somewhat similar as a whole. I am saying that because of depression. It may be the case that after a potential outpouring of the community or those close to you pre donation, that there is a drop in that a month afterwards. Not that the donor is looking for attention, but if they are an extrovert then the energy loss certainly can occur in the insuing months with interactions lessening, thus this may be the trogan horse conducive to post kidney donors depression that I have heard about. He or she may just find motivation in connections to others....and that may in some instances lessen post donation. So, make sure you are making the extra effort to stay connected! Or you may indeed wrestle with temporary depression (situational if you will)....but this is what it is all about... "No greater love than to lay down your life for your neighbor" - Jesus ...Sometimes laying down your life is physical, but sometimes it is a quiet inner sorrow and when we pass from this life each second of that will have been more than worth it. So grateful I was able to donate...I hope something here was remotely helpful
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Remember, you are deeply connected, maybe now just on a new not so fun level - but there is deep growth occuring whether you realize it or not..