I just wanted to check in with the group and share how happy I am 5 years down the road from donation. My brother, now 70, and myself, now 66, are both doing well. Giving my brother a kidney remains one of the best things I have done in my lifetime. It has extended his life, improved his health, and given me a brother who is no longer grumpy (as living with renal failure can do to the best of us). The donation continues to give me a sense of peace about life. Our surgery was on Dec 14, 2011. Before surgery, he was on a restricted renal diet. On Christmas Eve, we sat down to a meal of prime rib, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and all kinds of food previously restricted or forbidden. It was quite the celebration! One month after surgery, I was on a plane to Paris from the West coast USA to celebrate with friends, including a dear friend who had a kidney removed for cancer a few years prior to my voluntary nephrectomy.
This experience has brought my brother and I closer than I ever imagined.
Wishing all of you the best in the holiday season. Merry Christmas to all!