Hi, Happy.
Good luck with the process. I can definitely empathize with the problems communicating with the coordinator. Mine kept informing my "partner" (recipient candidate--I was non-directed) of dates for appointments, but not bothering to inform me directly. I never really knew whom to call to know where I stood.
In my case, since I know and like the coordinator, I think the issue was underfunding/understaffing. Still, it added to my frustration. I was particularly unhappy about not being able to meet my surgeon before the surgery. Literally, we met as they were placing me on the operating table.
Also, I know what you mean about the "happy talk" from the transplant establishment that sometimes seems to soft-peddle the risks to donors. For an antidote to that type of message, you might try, (
http://livingdonorsarepeopletoo.com/ or
http://www.sirencristy.blogspot.co.il/). She herself had a very unhappy result, and is sort of a watch dog for failings, particularly towards donors, of the transplant industry. Note: her tone often seems quite cynical and bitter, most unlike that here on LDO. But she very kindly sent me a lot of interesting information after we corresponded briefly, and she raises a lot of good questions about things like gaps and other inadequacies in the follow-up and data collection on post-donation experiences. I found that being exposed to her side of the story helped me feel I was considering the donation from all angles, without merely jumping on the bandwagon of "isn't it great to donate".
That said, I donated about 10 months ago, and have been fine. I never regretted it for a split second. I definitely agree you must be careful about lifting, and never let yourself get dehydrated. (I live on the edge of a desert, and so I'm a little obsessed with this point, so I tend to carry water bottles around with me).
LDO is a wonderful tool for getting information and support.
Good luck! Snoopy