Scheduled to donate my kidney December 17th. I'm not worried; I've accepted the risks, etc. I've done my research and know basically what I'll be facing in recovery. I was just wondering if anyone who has donated a kidney could share their experience initially after the surgery (pain and the like). I know there will be quite a bit of pain, but I was wondering if that's kept anyone from performing day-to-day activities after the first week. Also how bedridden were you the first few days? I'm not scared of the pain; the question is more for preparatory purposes.
I donated about 11 years ago by the big "open cut" method, so the experience of that 10-inch incision is different from the more common laporoscopic method (several small incisions) used today.
On the first day or two after the surgery the pain was controlled by self-administered intravenous pain meds ("dope-on-a-rope") where you give yourself the pain meds as needed by pushing a button connected to the I.V. pole. Pain was mostly connected with moving (I was up taking a short walk on the afternoon of the surgery.) After that the pain meds were by pills, and I had one bad time because in a groggy state I misunderstood the nurse's instructions and thought that they were regularly giving me the pain pills, while actually I was supposed to ASK for them as needed. Once that got straigtened out the pain was much better controlled. Whatever pain control method they use with you, be sure to COMMUNICATE just how you feel with the nurses/doctors. There are a variety of pain meds, and they can change yours if one is not working well or is causing nausea, etc. It can be very helpful to have a well-informed relative and friend with you to make sure communication goes well.
On leaving the hospital on the third day I was just using Tylenol for pain, although they also gave me a stronger prescription drug to use if needed (I did not need it). I was fully active on returning home, just needing an earlier bed-time and an afternoon nap. The pain at the incision was sporadic, and connected with movement, coughing, etc. I was never "bed-ridden", and could do stairs, etc. fine. I did not drive for two weeks, to make sure that the after-effects of the pain meds were not slowing down my reflexes. Note: many prescription pain meds may cause post-op constipation to be a problem. The sooner you can get off them, the sooner you get back to normal.
Every donor is different. Some have had more pain problems (or worse complications) and some have had no problem at all. No one can guarantee how YOU will feel or how quickly YOU will recover. The universal experience seems to be that getting active (walking, stretching, etc.) right away will help the recovery a lot. But listen to your body and don't over-do it all at once.
Honestly, when asked about the pain I have to stop and think and try to remember in order to give an accurate answer. I hardly remember the pain (even the bad moments). The joy and satisfaction of having donated have pretty much replaced the pain memories.
So, "Hope for the best, be be prepared for the worst, just in case." Hope these thoughts are of assistance.
Fr. Pat
Pain is very subjective and everyone reacts differently. Talk to your doctors before surgery, both the surgeon and maybe someone from anasthesia to see how they plan on controlling pain. If you have had any adverse effects from any types of medications before it is good to discuss with them. Some patients complain of pain at the incision, others pain from the gas they use to inflate the abdomen, some complain of nausea or vomiting from the anesthesia. They can give appropriate meds for all. Don't be afraid to rate your pain appropriately. The nurses will constantly ask your level of pain on a scale of 0 -10, 10 being the worst. If you are at 0-5 they give you the lower dose pain med and if 6-10 the higher dose. So figure out what works for you. Also, I recommend having an advocate in the hospital with you. Sometimes you are a little loopy from the meds and it is hard to think straight. Having someone to advocate just for you (not the recipient, they need their own advocate) is helpful.
Walking helps, using the stool softeners may help depending on how your bowels react, eating light meals, staying hydrated all will help. After a week you should feel a little better and then as each day passes you will get your strength back. Steps were not a problem for me. Finding a comfortable spot to sleep was hard.I preferred pillows or sleeping in a recliner rather than a bed. I returned home from the hospital after 4 days. Took pain pills at night and nothing during the day. A warm heating pad helped with my incision discomfort. By 2 weeks it was really much better, just tired and by 3 - 4 weeks big improvement. Remember no lifting more than 10 lbs at least 8 weeks after surgery and no driving for at least 2 weeks. If you are on pain meds do not drive or operate machinery.
Remember you will be a patient after surgery so don't hesitate to accept help when offered. Prepare before and have meals, laundry done, extra cleaning help, help with kids if needed etc.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Sherri
My surgeon put it to us this way "Your recipient will feel like a million bucks and you will feel like a buck and a half"
He was correct! Big difference between a million and a buck and a half, HUH?
Truly I had one bad night in the hospital. Gastro stomach gas pain only.
As far as the inflation gas, we found those stick on heating/icy hot pads like the athletes wear and I put them on my shoulders. That was great!
Incision pain never was an issue, however getting some slip on pj's without elastic will be a great additions to your your recovery wardrobe. One month and I still wear them!! Just comfortable ya know
Ice and Popsicles (softened banana)will be your friend for a week. and when your ready some warm coffee will be like manta from heaven.
I walked stooped over for a few days and had help getting out of bed from my wife. I slept with pillows all around me. One thing i would suggest is take home the urine bottle and keep it by your bed during recovery. For me getting in and out of bed was tough!
After 11 days we were home, Stayed a week so as not to travel 5 hours back for the week follow up.
From then on and to date I have been great. I drove my truck after 2 weeks. I could have gone back to work after 3 but with no pressure to I chose 5 weeks. I walk a good bit and drink more water than I did before. Of course everyone is different, but in my case it was and still has been easy greasy
Good Luck!! Please keep us posted, I wrote a journal, maybe that would help for you!
Marc
Thanks everyone for replying! I feel a lot better hearing all of your stories. The reason I'm donating in December is cuz I'm a full-time student and I can't do it while I have classes. I feel confident that I'll be ready to go for the spring semester ( about a month after the surgery.) I won't have anyone with me because the surgery is a few states away (the recipient is paying for my flight and I can't afford to bring any friends) and my family doesn't really support the donation cuz the recipient is muslim. It'll be just me. Also I'd like to return to work as soon as I can.
I especially appreciate the hot/icy pad and water/popsicle advice. Thanks everyone! I'll definitely update post-surgery.
Dear jchishko,
I hope all goes well for you and your recipient.
I was never bed-ridden after surgery, and was taking walks outdoors by the fourth day and jogging by about two weeks. I was mostly able to care for myself, but wouldn't turn away any offers of help. My major problem was fatigue and that lasted for several weeks, so I slept as much as possible. I was back at work (desk job) after 3 1/2 weeks. A longer break would have been better, but I managed.
Love, elephant
Jshishko-I feel absolutely terrible that you will be 'alone'. It is a major operation and even though you are totally mentally and physically prepared, it can be somewhat lonely if you dont have anyone with you. Also-when are you flying back home? That may be uncomfortable. Is your recipients family nearby that they will come visit you in the hospital?
As far as discomfort, after the first week or so you will turn a corner and start to feel better. The first week, well at least for me, was not at all pleasant.
This is to let Jenn Know we are all thinking about her during this week.
Also to let our family of bloggers know she went through the surgery fine and is wheening herself off meds.. Her recipient is doing great, too!!