My Second Kidneyversary passed quietly this year, with a loving and thoughtful exchange between my…read morerecipient, Jeff, who is doing beautifully and is taking maintenance anti-rejection meds, which is standard protocol.
I wanted to write an update about my experience after the living donation because I do get a number of PM's asking me how I'm doing in general and other inquiries from people who are considering donating or who have friends/family in need of a kidney.
My lap sites and faux C-section scars (that latter of course was the extraction site) healed beautifully and were I the type to tan at all, they'd be imperceptible.
I have had to buy some new clothes, because I dropped about 15 pounds (it was a very gradual process) and it's primarily because of the changes in my metabolism. Whereas I used to eat 3/4 lb of triple creme brie as a snack a few times a week and ingest LOTS of sodium-rich foods, I've found that I can't do that anymore.
The natural result is losing some weight and a much healthier cholesterol number - which was high: 220 - during my screening phase and shocked my Coordinator. I recall feeling rather sheepish at the time. Pun intended.
These days, I still enjoy rich foods and salty treats, but in moderation. I know when I've eaten too much because it makes me really sleepy and I literally need to hydrate and then take a Sodium Nap.
No, I don't pee more, because I donated a kidney, not my bladder. What? I've been asked, and I do take pictures of lavatories; my collection for the Loouvre Album, I suppose. I do not need to wear incontinence products although I've never been opposed to the concept (even with 2 kidneys) sitting through those Harry Potter movies and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy tempted me mightily.
My left side is slightly more concave - it's hardly worth mentioning; my waist is subtly more "nipped in". The only people who've noticed other than me are: the tailor and my physician, when I pointed it out. I'm pretty lean so I don't think it would be apparent for most other living donors.
I've kept in touch with my Transplant Coordinator, Sarah and received a handful of followup calls from my patient-advocate, Wendy, who looked up some information on organizations that bring awareness about living donation to those who make inquiries. My phone number is on file with UCSF as a resource, (and several other places as well) and no, I don't charge $1.99 a minute.
Oh! I can't take NSAIDS, just Tylenol... and other than the fact that my kidney is in somebody else's body, my life is pretty normal. I'm actually surprised at how people react and ask if it was painful, and why did I have such a major elective surgery... I laugh. Women who have C-Sections endure a much more invasive surgery, need a longer recovery time and experience side effects that last 21+ years. ; D
I think the most difficult thing for some to consider giving up is alcohol, which you're supposed to abstain from pre-op and discontinue post-op. Then again, when a loved ones life is involved, I think most would rather have their friend/sister/brother/father/mother/child/cousin/husband/wife sitting with them at the dinner table than that glass of Pinot.
I am allergic to alcohol and so for me, personally, it wasn't an issue. But, if at dinner and I'm nibbling on a few bites of cheese, I have been known to grab a fellow diner's wine glass, swirl and inhale deeply.
I always intended to be an organ donor; it is even more special because I am a living donor, and continue to have a beautiful connection with my recipient.
Thank you again, everybody at UCSF! The experience was compassionate, caring and will forever be my magnum opus. To those who are waiting for your gift of life, have faith and believe in the kindness of others. I wish you well and please do reach out to me; it will be my pleasure to answer any questions and encourage you until your gift of life arrives.
With love,
Kim "Kidney Donor" D.