During this time whether it is a week or a year before donation, unsolicited stress should be kept at bay.
I suggest telling only the closest people to you before surgery that may need to care for you right after surgery.
People usually respond negatively due to concern, fear or lack of knowledge. Let everyone else find out on their own (and they will), and the best part about that is that people are most positive, understanding and compassionate "after" the surgery.
I've learned that my means and understanding of helping to save/extend another's life may seem like just plain common sense, where others can't even comprehend it..and that's "their" journey.
Some friends comments set my ears on fire, my family became distant and my sister (for her reasons) didn't bring the subject up and wouldn't get tested to see if she was a possible match. I donated to a complete stranger, which I understand is doing quite well now, and it made a way possible for my Mom who was no longer thriving on dialysis, to receive a matching kidney.
For me personally, all that chatter created stress, false doubt and fear. I realize now that the roads less traveled are done by the feet of some pretty humble but amazing people in the world.
Living Donors are some pretty Amazing People. ;)
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