Hi all,
I'm new to this forum. My donation is scheduled for Monday, April 29.
I'm a 26 y/o woman, donating to my cousin who is a male in his 40s. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to donate. My experience so far has been really positive. I've become closer with the recipient and his family through the process.
We were contacted by the research center to be evaluated to participate in a new clinical trial. We'll be the second pair to participate. The jist is they're going to take an aspiration of my bone marrow during the kidney removal (i'll be out- thankfully!), then they'll create stem cells to make an infusion for the recipient. This is meant to help reduce rejection and decrease the need for immunosuppressant drugs. It's still very new, so it could have no benefit.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any specific tips for the in-hospital recovery period and the two weeks after surgery - for either kidney donation or bone marrow donation? Any specific items I should bring to the hospital? Any feedback or advice that anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated. I haven't had a chance to speak to any other living donors so I hope someone replies to this
Sincerely,
Robyn