Hi!
I am admittedly far too laid back regarding surgery and being a living donor. However, some of the things that I did that really lifted me up were to read stories from people who had received a kidney, and how much it changed their lives. It just so happened that my kidney went to a man who was wheelchair bound for 6 months prior, down to 101lbs, and literally he didn't have much time left. He had already lost his older brother to PKD. His sister heard about paired exchange and signed them up. Who knew? He has 2 children, and has been a father figure for his deceased brothers' 4 kids! This man has things to do still here on Earth.
Many recipients regain their pink color (vs the grey many are before surgery) immediately, and begin producing urine again. The kidney starts working before they are even sewed up.
Sometimes things don't go so well though, and you need to be mentally prepared for that too, just in case.
there is very much to consider with donation. Thankfully, you are in the right place, full of people who have all had many, many different experiences. We range from the extremely anxious to the very laid back, with everything in between.
Many of us are mothers and fathers, who work in and out of the home. I encourage you to ask questions, keep on asking.
Have you had surgery before? A major surgery? Sometimes knowing what to expect on that end helps some, if you haven't been through one before.
Keep searching, friend!
Nicki