The kidney started producing urine before it was secured completely in place. My friend, the recipient, has become stronger and stronger in her health from the get-go. It is common for the recipient's body to try to reject a kidney at least once, and possibly a few times, before the first year post-op is complete. This never happened with her. As a matter of fact, she was given the go to get pregnant, and one year and 3-4 months post-op, she did, having never experienced a single rejection! Three months later, her body recognized the intruder we know as the transplanted kidney, and it tried to reject it for the first time. (First time at a year and six months post-op! Incredible!) The hospital got the situation under control, and the baby and mother are both doing fine.
My friend is now four months pregnant. I think I have picked up that she is closely monitored by her doctors and has been admitted into the hospital a couple of times, for a couple days each, because the body is trying to reject the kidney. Again, this is normal even when not pregnant. It was a miracle the body took as long as it did to reject the kidney the first time. A miracle, because if it had tried to reject it before she got pregnant, she wouldn't have been allowed to get pregnant as soon as she was, and maybe not at all. P.S. It is a baby girl!
(My restaurant friend who is the recipient of her brother's kidney had desires to become pregnant sometime after the transplant, and her doctors told her that she cannot do that because she will die.)
My own recipient friend's husband got a new job in a town six hours away. They move next week, after only three weeks to pack, put their house up for sale, and make new living arrangements in their new location. Amongst all her hospital visits and packing, she has had to let people walk through to look at her house.
On Facebook, yesterday morning, she had had filled out one of those "getting to know me" list of questions. One of the questions was, "What's your favorite dessert." She said, "Right now, huckleberry ice cream," then mentioned where she gets it, which happens to be where I work. I knew right then that I really wanted to get her a quart of it.
When I got to work I realized that I had no time to get the huckleberry ice cream to her before it would melt in my car, so I said a prayer asking God to send someone who could deliver the ice cream to her for me. I laughed at myself for such a silly request, because we have very few common friends, and I have never seen one of them during the hours I worked. I figured if it were important, someone would show up. I was surprised and delighted when two such "someones" showed up a couple hours later!! Coincidence? I don't think so! I knew as soon as I saw them that they were on an errand for the Lord!
This morning I got a text from my friend that said, "You were an answer to my prayer," then it went on to explain that yesterday she was really feeling down. She prayed and mentioned to God that she could really use some help and huckleberry ice cream. Later that day her mom showed up as a surprise (from another state) and then a little later the huckleberry ice cream was delivered!
This reminded me of her mom's and my roles in her life, in general. This friend of mine has had medical problems her whole life. Her mom was there by her side laboring with her, raising her, teaching her, all the dedication moms do. I had something my friend needed. My role was insignificant in comparison and was only for a short time period in both cases. First, I was keeping her kidney safe in my body until she needed it, and when she did, I gave it to her. Yesterday I had her ice cream. In both cases the item came from me, but someone else delivered the item from me to her, and in both cases her mom was with her when it was received and enjoyed. These similarities are what hit me hardest with warm fuzzy amazement!
I am also deeply touched with how important each of us is to God. He (and in my opinion, angels) arrange and coordinate several of us to let one of his daughters feel His love. I don't know how I got lucky enough to be part of this, but I feel so blessed that I was somehow invited! I love watching his gifts of love unfold in our lives!
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
One Year Post-Op
Here it is ... one year post-op.
Since April, I decreased another pants size, down to a 3/4. While that is happy, I had promised not to lose weight for a year, so at my 6-month check up I asked the doctor about it. He asked what my pre-op weight was and what my current weight was and said that I was fine. It is normal for the donor to lose some weight for the first year. "But don't worry," he said, "you'll probably gain some of it back at the year mark."
My pooch below my bellybutton is hard for me to explain how it feels. It doesn't hurt. It's more of a sensation. If I press hard and firm it could feel a bit like pushing firmly on a bruise, but with no searing pain, just a pressure discomfort. If I press or rub with my fingers over the skin, I feel like I can feel it both on the surface and underneath, maybe because I am feeling the skin moving around it or maybe because the "numb" part is between. Most of the time I don't feel anything and it doesn't feel "numb" or "tingly", just nothing, unless I am trying to move it around and describe it. The best I can come up with is that it feels like a numb lip after a shot at the dentist. It's that "nothing" sensation, like it's not even there, just a mass. I could do sit ups, no problem, and I'm sure it would tighten it right up, but I don't, so the pooch just sits there like a bag in front of me, probably looser than if it wasn't numb, but who knows, since I'm not doing sit ups, but I do walk!
In the past few months I have been without a vehicle quite a bit. I live in a town where the farthest point is 3 miles. It's amazing how much you can fit into just 3 miles! There is a fantastic bus system that I use often, but I also walk around town a lot, because the farthest I walk (to work) is only 1 1/2 miles, so why not? I have plenty of energy for all the walking. What is always surprising to me is that when I get home and sit for a minute, I almost immediately fall asleep! My adult son asked if it was possible that I was still recovering on the inside. Oh - yep. The exercise is important. So is rest. I love that my body is so willing to do both, as needed.
My scarring. The incision which my kidney was brought through is located at the bikini line. It is so tiny, you can only see it if you know it is there and are on purpose looking for it. It is as fine as a cat's scratch scar. The only exception is less than a half inch in length and located on the right corner. I've never seen it there. It looks tender, but isn't. I am wondering if I have a tiny infection. I am watching it. I just saw it this morning. (Update: It was only swollen and pink that day. Now that part of the scar looks the same as the rest of the scar. No difference.)
My scar at the top of my bellybutton is, again, fine as a cat's scratch and located within my stretch wrinkles, so in order to see it I have to stretch my belly button skin tight, and then have to look really, really closely to find it.
The scar highest, by my diaphragm, is easy to see, but looks more like a discoloration, like a chicken pox scar that is disappearing.
The scar I call my "button" is located about 3 inches above my belly button. It was the most irritating and the thickest from front to back. A blind person would probably feel it and guess it was a mosquito bite. The reddish scar is actually about a half an inch long and runs up and down. I am amazed that even my "button" is melting away! It just looks like sometime in my life I got scratched pretty good and left a scar. Nobody would, on their own, guess that I have had surgery!
For my one year post-op check up, all I had to do was go to my local hospital lab with the orders, pee in a cup, get a couple vials of blood, and have the results sent to the kidney donation coordinators. I called the coordinator to ask a couple questions, but there was no actual doctor appointment. Apparently all of my test scores are within normal range for 1 year post-op.
I just talked with my recipient. She had great news for me. Next month the doctors are changing her medication, and she will be able to try to get pregnant!!! This is extremely good news! I am so excited for her! Not every recipient gets this opportunity. It just depends on how they are recovering. Apparently she is doing very well!!!
And, this ends one wonderful adventure of a lifetime!
Since April, I decreased another pants size, down to a 3/4. While that is happy, I had promised not to lose weight for a year, so at my 6-month check up I asked the doctor about it. He asked what my pre-op weight was and what my current weight was and said that I was fine. It is normal for the donor to lose some weight for the first year. "But don't worry," he said, "you'll probably gain some of it back at the year mark."
My pooch below my bellybutton is hard for me to explain how it feels. It doesn't hurt. It's more of a sensation. If I press hard and firm it could feel a bit like pushing firmly on a bruise, but with no searing pain, just a pressure discomfort. If I press or rub with my fingers over the skin, I feel like I can feel it both on the surface and underneath, maybe because I am feeling the skin moving around it or maybe because the "numb" part is between. Most of the time I don't feel anything and it doesn't feel "numb" or "tingly", just nothing, unless I am trying to move it around and describe it. The best I can come up with is that it feels like a numb lip after a shot at the dentist. It's that "nothing" sensation, like it's not even there, just a mass. I could do sit ups, no problem, and I'm sure it would tighten it right up, but I don't, so the pooch just sits there like a bag in front of me, probably looser than if it wasn't numb, but who knows, since I'm not doing sit ups, but I do walk!
In the past few months I have been without a vehicle quite a bit. I live in a town where the farthest point is 3 miles. It's amazing how much you can fit into just 3 miles! There is a fantastic bus system that I use often, but I also walk around town a lot, because the farthest I walk (to work) is only 1 1/2 miles, so why not? I have plenty of energy for all the walking. What is always surprising to me is that when I get home and sit for a minute, I almost immediately fall asleep! My adult son asked if it was possible that I was still recovering on the inside. Oh - yep. The exercise is important. So is rest. I love that my body is so willing to do both, as needed.
My scarring. The incision which my kidney was brought through is located at the bikini line. It is so tiny, you can only see it if you know it is there and are on purpose looking for it. It is as fine as a cat's scratch scar. The only exception is less than a half inch in length and located on the right corner. I've never seen it there. It looks tender, but isn't. I am wondering if I have a tiny infection. I am watching it. I just saw it this morning. (Update: It was only swollen and pink that day. Now that part of the scar looks the same as the rest of the scar. No difference.)
My scar at the top of my bellybutton is, again, fine as a cat's scratch and located within my stretch wrinkles, so in order to see it I have to stretch my belly button skin tight, and then have to look really, really closely to find it.
The scar highest, by my diaphragm, is easy to see, but looks more like a discoloration, like a chicken pox scar that is disappearing.
The scar I call my "button" is located about 3 inches above my belly button. It was the most irritating and the thickest from front to back. A blind person would probably feel it and guess it was a mosquito bite. The reddish scar is actually about a half an inch long and runs up and down. I am amazed that even my "button" is melting away! It just looks like sometime in my life I got scratched pretty good and left a scar. Nobody would, on their own, guess that I have had surgery!
For my one year post-op check up, all I had to do was go to my local hospital lab with the orders, pee in a cup, get a couple vials of blood, and have the results sent to the kidney donation coordinators. I called the coordinator to ask a couple questions, but there was no actual doctor appointment. Apparently all of my test scores are within normal range for 1 year post-op.
I just talked with my recipient. She had great news for me. Next month the doctors are changing her medication, and she will be able to try to get pregnant!!! This is extremely good news! I am so excited for her! Not every recipient gets this opportunity. It just depends on how they are recovering. Apparently she is doing very well!!!
And, this ends one wonderful adventure of a lifetime!
Saturday, April 25, 2015
A Better Me
For me, donating my kidney did not feel like a sacrifice from me. I acknowledge the sacrifices of many friends and family that it took to pull this off, but so far I feel that I have gained more than I lost.
First thing everyone wants to know is if I lost weight as a result. I am pretty sure the kidney only weighs a half pound. Considering how our weight fluctuates a couple pounds one way or another, depending on all sorts of factors each day, I do not consider losing a kidney to be the reason for my weight loss. Yes, I have lost weight, and I do believe it is because of this experience, but not because I am missing the weight of a body part.
In December I found out the only test I did not pass with flying colors was my cholesterol test. I actually laughed out loud when the doctor told me that I had borderline high cholesterol. My whole life I have stayed away as much as I could from fried foods, high fat content meat, and even milk, simply because I have never liked it. I must admit, however, that my husband makes some pretty amazing fried potatoes/hash browns. I also have always loved peanut butter with and in many things. I did research and, although I do not agree with the medical reasoning for cholesterol coming from outside sources, I decided to use it as an excuse (to others and to myself) for changing my diet by cutting out foods I already knew were not in my best interest: Fried potatoes, peanut butter, cream cheese, deli meats, packaged/processed foods, and donuts. Three months later, at my month post-op check up, I found out that I had not lost any weight. That was kinda disappointing, but I was okay with what I looked like, wearing a 10 at 5'7"..
Two months after that weigh-in, my adult son (who hadn't seen me since the operation) commented that I looked like I'd lost some weight. I thanked him, but assured him I hadn't. The following week a friend of mine made the same comment. I don't have a scale to weight myself, because I find that I get kind of obsessed by it, so I couldn't confirm either way. The following week I had an occasion that I needed to buy some professional pants. I have dropped two pants sizes! I now fit easily into a size 6! Yay, me!
I think there is more, however, that contributed to my weight loss than eating healthier, although eating healthier is no doubt a huge factor. One factor is that my car was totaled and, rather than buy a new car, I have been walking my child to school and back and forth to the grocery store (almost every day, since I can only carry a few bags for a half mile). Also, my taste buds have changed. I can taste the preservatives in all the food that I should not be eating, and I can only eat a few bites of anything before my stomach is completely done with that particular food in that sitting.
I think another factor is that I have a different sense of self. Whether I lost weight or not, this new sense of self is so incredibly worth the price of a kidney! Please remember, I did not donate my kidney so that I could feel like a good person or for kudos or more love or attention. I had hoped I could somehow do it in secret and not let anybody know ... take the secret to my grave. At first, I would have even loved if my receiver-friend had not known. As it turned out, I'm glad that my wish wasn't granted.
Somehow, I have more self-appreciation. I have appreciation for my body, my looks, my personality, and my worth in general. As a result, I love even more deeply, am happier, and find it even easier to give of myself to others. I feel like a people-magnet. I can feel people's love and appreciation for me more freely, and I realize that the only thing that has changed was my ability to let it in. I believe that my new sense of self has created the space for physical change.
First thing everyone wants to know is if I lost weight as a result. I am pretty sure the kidney only weighs a half pound. Considering how our weight fluctuates a couple pounds one way or another, depending on all sorts of factors each day, I do not consider losing a kidney to be the reason for my weight loss. Yes, I have lost weight, and I do believe it is because of this experience, but not because I am missing the weight of a body part.
In December I found out the only test I did not pass with flying colors was my cholesterol test. I actually laughed out loud when the doctor told me that I had borderline high cholesterol. My whole life I have stayed away as much as I could from fried foods, high fat content meat, and even milk, simply because I have never liked it. I must admit, however, that my husband makes some pretty amazing fried potatoes/hash browns. I also have always loved peanut butter with and in many things. I did research and, although I do not agree with the medical reasoning for cholesterol coming from outside sources, I decided to use it as an excuse (to others and to myself) for changing my diet by cutting out foods I already knew were not in my best interest: Fried potatoes, peanut butter, cream cheese, deli meats, packaged/processed foods, and donuts. Three months later, at my month post-op check up, I found out that I had not lost any weight. That was kinda disappointing, but I was okay with what I looked like, wearing a 10 at 5'7"..
Two months after that weigh-in, my adult son (who hadn't seen me since the operation) commented that I looked like I'd lost some weight. I thanked him, but assured him I hadn't. The following week a friend of mine made the same comment. I don't have a scale to weight myself, because I find that I get kind of obsessed by it, so I couldn't confirm either way. The following week I had an occasion that I needed to buy some professional pants. I have dropped two pants sizes! I now fit easily into a size 6! Yay, me!
I think there is more, however, that contributed to my weight loss than eating healthier, although eating healthier is no doubt a huge factor. One factor is that my car was totaled and, rather than buy a new car, I have been walking my child to school and back and forth to the grocery store (almost every day, since I can only carry a few bags for a half mile). Also, my taste buds have changed. I can taste the preservatives in all the food that I should not be eating, and I can only eat a few bites of anything before my stomach is completely done with that particular food in that sitting.
I think another factor is that I have a different sense of self. Whether I lost weight or not, this new sense of self is so incredibly worth the price of a kidney! Please remember, I did not donate my kidney so that I could feel like a good person or for kudos or more love or attention. I had hoped I could somehow do it in secret and not let anybody know ... take the secret to my grave. At first, I would have even loved if my receiver-friend had not known. As it turned out, I'm glad that my wish wasn't granted.
Somehow, I have more self-appreciation. I have appreciation for my body, my looks, my personality, and my worth in general. As a result, I love even more deeply, am happier, and find it even easier to give of myself to others. I feel like a people-magnet. I can feel people's love and appreciation for me more freely, and I realize that the only thing that has changed was my ability to let it in. I believe that my new sense of self has created the space for physical change.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Normal Activities Resume
After 2 days short of 6 weeks of rest and recovery, with my family who have been so gentle with me, last week was my first week in full activity.
I started work, again, as a teacher's aide and recess aide at an elementary school. Many kids were excited to see me back at school. They rammed into me in order to give me a big hug. At that point, just within myself, I though, "Woah - okay, I do have feeling in my stomach." What I mean is that I was reminded by the ramming that I was still recovering and that if I'm not careful, I could hurt myself.
I worked my full 3 hour and 45 minute shift each day, walked to and from school, and none of it tired me. I cleaned the house, and I even cleaned somebody else's house who is recovering from surgery, and I had no problem picking things up or moving them, but if I noticed that it would take flexing my stomach muscle, I opted to have someone else move it. I figure if it is suggested that a construction worker stay away from work for 8 weeks, that means there's still some recovery, or mending up, going on. I have no restrictions anymore, but I think it is wise that I still be careful. I don't want to push it, and end up with a hernia.
A few times in the past week I found myself worrying about this or the other, or feeling upset in some way. At these times, I had an urge to take a long walk. One day I had a big hamburger, and the next day I had a big urge to take a 3 mile walk. That may not be long to you, but it is to me. It was beautiful! It felt great!
I saw a picture of my tiny recipient friend. She has gained some weight since I saw her last, four weeks ago. Worried that the kidney I gave her may be failing her, I searched the internet for reasons for gaining weight after renal transplant. It turns out that 2/3 of renal transplant recipients gain weight after surgery. This happens for a few reasons. One is that they have such strict diet restrictions while on dialysis that have now been lifted, and everything tastes better. Another is that one of the medications they must take is a steroid. This by itself can cause weight gain, but it was explained online that the steroid makes you hungry all the time, and makes it so that you stay hungry enough to eat more than one serving, and there's not enough activity quite yet to be able to use up the extra calories. Long story short, the kidney is doing just fine, and so is my recipient. She is just in a transition period, adjusting to a freer diet and the side effects of steriods.
Today I noticed that I don't have edema in my stomach anymore. All I have left is a numbing feeling around my large scar under my belly, and maybe some tenderness to go along with that numbing feeling, but that's it! Two days from now will mark 7 weeks since my surgery.All is well.
I started work, again, as a teacher's aide and recess aide at an elementary school. Many kids were excited to see me back at school. They rammed into me in order to give me a big hug. At that point, just within myself, I though, "Woah - okay, I do have feeling in my stomach." What I mean is that I was reminded by the ramming that I was still recovering and that if I'm not careful, I could hurt myself.
I worked my full 3 hour and 45 minute shift each day, walked to and from school, and none of it tired me. I cleaned the house, and I even cleaned somebody else's house who is recovering from surgery, and I had no problem picking things up or moving them, but if I noticed that it would take flexing my stomach muscle, I opted to have someone else move it. I figure if it is suggested that a construction worker stay away from work for 8 weeks, that means there's still some recovery, or mending up, going on. I have no restrictions anymore, but I think it is wise that I still be careful. I don't want to push it, and end up with a hernia.
A few times in the past week I found myself worrying about this or the other, or feeling upset in some way. At these times, I had an urge to take a long walk. One day I had a big hamburger, and the next day I had a big urge to take a 3 mile walk. That may not be long to you, but it is to me. It was beautiful! It felt great!
I saw a picture of my tiny recipient friend. She has gained some weight since I saw her last, four weeks ago. Worried that the kidney I gave her may be failing her, I searched the internet for reasons for gaining weight after renal transplant. It turns out that 2/3 of renal transplant recipients gain weight after surgery. This happens for a few reasons. One is that they have such strict diet restrictions while on dialysis that have now been lifted, and everything tastes better. Another is that one of the medications they must take is a steroid. This by itself can cause weight gain, but it was explained online that the steroid makes you hungry all the time, and makes it so that you stay hungry enough to eat more than one serving, and there's not enough activity quite yet to be able to use up the extra calories. Long story short, the kidney is doing just fine, and so is my recipient. She is just in a transition period, adjusting to a freer diet and the side effects of steriods.
Today I noticed that I don't have edema in my stomach anymore. All I have left is a numbing feeling around my large scar under my belly, and maybe some tenderness to go along with that numbing feeling, but that's it! Two days from now will mark 7 weeks since my surgery.All is well.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
3-Week Mark Report
Week 3: My tummy doesn't look pregnant anymore, unless I am sitting a bit inclined, but is still a bit swollen in the same area, under my navel. That area is more tender to the touch or pressure than before, because of the cut nerves trying to repair, all in the skin. I still don't feel comfortable in jeans, although I can fit in them just fine.
I still cough gingerly and shallowly when I can, but I found out deep, heavy coughs really aren't hurtful either, with tummy muscle support (holding it in tight with my hands or a pillow). Same with sneezing.
I also found that pillow support over that part of my tummy also helps protect me from the skin sensitivity when I think something will rest on, rub, or otherwise disturb my skin.
I had been told by somebody that a strap-on support would really be a relief; however, the surgeon said to not use one, because it could rub off the scabs too early, causing more problems.
I also found that pillow support over that part of my tummy also helps protect me from the skin sensitivity when I think something will rest on, rub, or otherwise disturb my skin.
I had been told by somebody that a strap-on support would really be a relief; however, the surgeon said to not use one, because it could rub off the scabs too early, causing more problems.
I no longer need medicinal help for bowel regularity, nor have I needed Tylenol for pain.
I need to stay away from crowds as much as possible, to avoid possible infections, but I may need to take short trips to the store occasionally during the week while my husband is working out of town. He will do the shopping on Saturday when he is home.
I think it is time to start walking for exercise. I did walk swiftly for about 2 seconds today, but stopped because the extra bounce on my tummy didn't feel good, so I will still take a slower normal speed. When I say "exercise", what I mean is taking a more distant walk than I can get in my tiny apartment. I will walk my child 4 blocks to school in the morning and then walk home. Not much, but a transition from staying down all day to the treadmill, which I hope to start next week.
Other than these minor tummy symptoms, I feel normal.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
2-Week Post-Surgery Check-Up
I was expecting much more at my 2 week post-surgery appointment...labs, urine test, pressing on my belly, meeting with a few from my team, such as my surgeon, physician, and donor coordinator...but it was much simpler than that. There were zero tests, and I saw only one person...my recipient's surgeon.
He came in and said, "You look well. Let's take a look at the incisions....they are doing great. Be sure not to pick at the scabs. They will fall off by themselves. When people start feeling better, they tend to do more than our instruction. You need to be sure not to pick anything up weighing 10 pounds or more. A hernia is the most common complication, often from picking up children, and you don't want a hernia. Are there any questions."
Since everyone was telling me prior to surgery that the recipient recovers faster than the donor, I was expecting it to last the whole recovery. I suppose, now that I think about it, in the hospital my recipient felt great and enjoying complete meals, while I kept myself to saltine crackers, gelatin, and soup. That would be the only way I could think that fit this expectation.
I asked why I feel great and walk standing up, while my recipient looked sleepy and walked hunched over. (I saw her just the day previous.). He said the sleepiness is probably a side effect of the anti-rejection medicine she is taking, but the sleepiness will wear off as she gets used to them. I learned later that her staples (which were removed at the same time as my doctor visit) pulled as she stood up which made her hunch, but with the staples gone she could stand up straight.
I told the surgeon that I was expecting so much more pain than I experienced, and asked if I am a lucky exception or if what I have experienced (very little pain, or discomfort, really) is normal. He said that I was very normal. That is VERY good news!
I then asked about my liquid-laden belly. He said that was normal and part of the healing process. I should expect it to continue for another month. He said the liquid gathers to a place of least resistance. No surprise to me that this part of my body, having carried seven babies, followed by no exercise greater than walking, would be the place of least resistance. I don't know if it is least resistant to everyone. I didn't think to ask.
Except for the initial nurse taking my temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen with the finger clip, that's it. 10 minutes, no poking or prodding, nobody else. Easy-peasey.
I have been faithfully taking 1/2 hydrocodone and 1 Tylenol every 4 hours since trying to wean myself last week. I forgot to bring my meds on my trip to my appointment. When I got home 7 hours later, I realized I wasn't hurting, so thought maybe I don't need them any more. At midnight as I was about to go to sleep I did feel a little burning. Not enough burning to warrant meds normally, but I didn't want to test it when I ought to be sleeping. I won't be taking any more hydrocodone, I don't think. I will see if Tylenol will do the job, but will only take it when and if I feel actual need.
The only things I need to do the rest of my life are drink at least 8 cups of water each day, exercise, stay away from ibuprofen and high sodium and medicinal herbs, eat healthy and balanced meals including protein (it doesn't specify any particular protein source), and take my blood pressure each month.
He came in and said, "You look well. Let's take a look at the incisions....they are doing great. Be sure not to pick at the scabs. They will fall off by themselves. When people start feeling better, they tend to do more than our instruction. You need to be sure not to pick anything up weighing 10 pounds or more. A hernia is the most common complication, often from picking up children, and you don't want a hernia. Are there any questions."
Since everyone was telling me prior to surgery that the recipient recovers faster than the donor, I was expecting it to last the whole recovery. I suppose, now that I think about it, in the hospital my recipient felt great and enjoying complete meals, while I kept myself to saltine crackers, gelatin, and soup. That would be the only way I could think that fit this expectation.
I asked why I feel great and walk standing up, while my recipient looked sleepy and walked hunched over. (I saw her just the day previous.). He said the sleepiness is probably a side effect of the anti-rejection medicine she is taking, but the sleepiness will wear off as she gets used to them. I learned later that her staples (which were removed at the same time as my doctor visit) pulled as she stood up which made her hunch, but with the staples gone she could stand up straight.
I told the surgeon that I was expecting so much more pain than I experienced, and asked if I am a lucky exception or if what I have experienced (very little pain, or discomfort, really) is normal. He said that I was very normal. That is VERY good news!
I then asked about my liquid-laden belly. He said that was normal and part of the healing process. I should expect it to continue for another month. He said the liquid gathers to a place of least resistance. No surprise to me that this part of my body, having carried seven babies, followed by no exercise greater than walking, would be the place of least resistance. I don't know if it is least resistant to everyone. I didn't think to ask.
Except for the initial nurse taking my temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen with the finger clip, that's it. 10 minutes, no poking or prodding, nobody else. Easy-peasey.
I have been faithfully taking 1/2 hydrocodone and 1 Tylenol every 4 hours since trying to wean myself last week. I forgot to bring my meds on my trip to my appointment. When I got home 7 hours later, I realized I wasn't hurting, so thought maybe I don't need them any more. At midnight as I was about to go to sleep I did feel a little burning. Not enough burning to warrant meds normally, but I didn't want to test it when I ought to be sleeping. I won't be taking any more hydrocodone, I don't think. I will see if Tylenol will do the job, but will only take it when and if I feel actual need.
The only things I need to do the rest of my life are drink at least 8 cups of water each day, exercise, stay away from ibuprofen and high sodium and medicinal herbs, eat healthy and balanced meals including protein (it doesn't specify any particular protein source), and take my blood pressure each month.
Monday, February 2, 2015
2nd Week of Recovery
Day 8: I have felt so good, I could say that I have no pain. I talked to my transplant coordinator today and told her this. She said that they have found this kind of recovery to happen mostly to women who have given birth. Since I have given birth seven times, I suppose I do fit into that category.
I thought today to take Tylenol instead of any hydrocodone. With this experiment I learned that probably I ought to keep taking hydrocodone for a bit longer. The pain wasn't too much, but took three doses to bring back to no burning.
I also had an epiphany. That's right, I have to have an ah-hah moment to put two and two together. This just may explain quite a bit why I have almost zero pain. You see, all of my pain, or burning, rather, is within a fist sized area on the right side of my belly. The rest of my belly is numb, similar to when a foot falls asleep. I would imagine that if I had full feeling, I would be feeling this same pain and/or burning across my whole belly. That would likely be harder for me to bear than just the small portion I now feel. Therefore, I must remember that my body is recovering and deserves rest and treated with tenderness, regardless of how I think I am feeling.
Tonight I made another discovery. (Here, I was expecting today to be a dull day, without reason to post.). The glue with which my incisions were sealed is starting to peel off. This will be interesting. I am a picker, but was warned not to pick at its edges. They itch. I hope angels will help keep my hands from doing so in my sleep.
Day 9: Maybe it is because of yesterday's "epiphany", or maybe not, but today I have been more aware of feeling of unease across my whole belly and emotionally. Neither is pain, just as if a warning. I hope it is not of pain to come, but just a warning to be aware and take it easy and realize that my body is recovering from a major event, and I need to be careful not to forget that and give it proper time to heal.
Day 10: Today was a nice day. I took a 15 minute walk outside with my mom. I made a goal to drink 8 cups of water. I made my goal. I noticed that the past couple of days the water no longer tastes nasty. I think possibly the medicine was altering my taste buds. Water tasted metallic. Not any more, thankfully.
I notice more feeling across my belly. I would even say it feels tender. The skin felt prickly, like my foot does as it wakes up from being numb-like asleep. Underneath the skin it aches, as though working up to an infection. I keep expecting it to look red or feel hot to the touch, but am both surprised and relieved to find neither. Hopefully it is only normal feelings of this stage of healing.
The itching at my incisions can get quite intense, but simply putting my hand firmly and gently over the area seems to satisfy it.
I have noticed that laughing, sneezing, coughing (although I still cough very gingerly), and moving positions on stomach muscle power hurts very little. I wouldn't even call it hurt. I might feel a quick twang when moving positions that says "I would have preferred you use your arms a little more still", and I can feel a bit of, I don't know whether to call it stress or tenderness, something in my stomach (when engaging in those other spontaneous fits) between noticing it and barely discomfort, just as it it's saying, "Hi, I'm here for you. I'm working."
Day 11: I debated whether I ought to write this next entry. I decided that it might feel a bit like TMI, but for a woman it is important information. Today I started my period. That is important because for one, it may explain why I felt a bit emotional a couple days ago, rather than a looming infection. Also, it's good to know that our bodies, or at least my body, did not stop working from shock or something. It's not a big deal. I feel relatively normal, so it was no more a hassle than any other month. I must admit, however, that every month I have almost zero symptoms. No cramping, generally no tender emotions ... I was just looking for any possible symptom connected with the healing of the surgery. I am very lucky.
Day 12: I haven't been wearing anything but jammies. It helps to remind me (and others) that my place and business is recovering, whatever I look or feel like on the outside. Also, I have been nervous about putting any elastic or other waistline on my belly or across my scabbed incisions. Today I wore leggings ... the kind meant to be worn as pants. Not jeggings, but a stretchier material, black and has small zippers and decoration on it. It was surprisingly comfortable. The waistline went over my belly, but also pulled everything in tight-ish without making me uncomfortable.
Day 13: In the morning my belly looks normal, but within 15 minutes of getting up out of bed, body water gathers between my navel and large scar in the bikini area. It continues to gather throughout the day, so that by the time I retire to bed at night I look like I have a stomach to exercise off. As I touch my belly, it is both tender (which means I feel something, even if it is a little uncomfortable) and numb. Other than that I feel quite normal.
I feel like I ought to be able to get up and do whatever. I feel a little foolish when people do things for me that I feel like I should be doing myself. Ever since I got home, I eat my meals at the dining table. After eating, I handwash my plate, silverware, and glass. Just my own. Today I saw maybe 5 place settings in the sink... a very small load, and decided that I ought to do them, rather than leaving them up to my mom. I was surprised that it takes so much muscle to wash such a small load of dishes that weren't even heavy dishes. Just the movement of my arms along with holding the items to wash was enough.
Honestly, probably almost everybody I know wouldn't care and would do a little housework anyway, proving to themselves and others that they can do it. However, I want to be sure that I heal the right way the first time, without taking risks, no matter how small I think they may be. I can see why I had been warned by the doctor and by friends that come about the second week I will feel like I ought to be doing more, but I would have to remember to stay down, because although the outside of me feels fine, the inside of me is still recovering and should not be strained. The doctor said that carrying a gallon of milk is more than he wants me to do for the first six weeks. I don't feel like I'm making excuses. I feel like I am being smart by following their advice to a better recovery.
Day 14: I feel fine, strong, and well. I feel like I have been living a cliche' affirmation, "I am healthy and strong, and each day I feel better and better." Tomorrow marks 2 weeks since surgery. The next day is my 2 week appointment. The following day my parents leave to return to their home in another state. I can't believe it's done. Well, my recovery isn't finished, as I still have 4 more weeks to go, but the fact that I have had surgery to remove one of my kidneys to give to my friend....the surgery happened, with almost no effort on my part. On one hand it was a big enough deal that it involved many people. On the other hand, I almost feel like it was an alien abduction. I fell asleep and woke up the next day with mysterious cuts on my stomach. Other than those cuts and the waterbag stomach, I feel no different than normal. I acknowledge that it took the effort of many people (and hydrocodone pills) for it to feel this way, but I feel like this has been so easy. Removing a body part shouldn't feel this easy, but I am grateful for it.
I thought today to take Tylenol instead of any hydrocodone. With this experiment I learned that probably I ought to keep taking hydrocodone for a bit longer. The pain wasn't too much, but took three doses to bring back to no burning.
I also had an epiphany. That's right, I have to have an ah-hah moment to put two and two together. This just may explain quite a bit why I have almost zero pain. You see, all of my pain, or burning, rather, is within a fist sized area on the right side of my belly. The rest of my belly is numb, similar to when a foot falls asleep. I would imagine that if I had full feeling, I would be feeling this same pain and/or burning across my whole belly. That would likely be harder for me to bear than just the small portion I now feel. Therefore, I must remember that my body is recovering and deserves rest and treated with tenderness, regardless of how I think I am feeling.
Tonight I made another discovery. (Here, I was expecting today to be a dull day, without reason to post.). The glue with which my incisions were sealed is starting to peel off. This will be interesting. I am a picker, but was warned not to pick at its edges. They itch. I hope angels will help keep my hands from doing so in my sleep.
Day 9: Maybe it is because of yesterday's "epiphany", or maybe not, but today I have been more aware of feeling of unease across my whole belly and emotionally. Neither is pain, just as if a warning. I hope it is not of pain to come, but just a warning to be aware and take it easy and realize that my body is recovering from a major event, and I need to be careful not to forget that and give it proper time to heal.
Day 10: Today was a nice day. I took a 15 minute walk outside with my mom. I made a goal to drink 8 cups of water. I made my goal. I noticed that the past couple of days the water no longer tastes nasty. I think possibly the medicine was altering my taste buds. Water tasted metallic. Not any more, thankfully.
I notice more feeling across my belly. I would even say it feels tender. The skin felt prickly, like my foot does as it wakes up from being numb-like asleep. Underneath the skin it aches, as though working up to an infection. I keep expecting it to look red or feel hot to the touch, but am both surprised and relieved to find neither. Hopefully it is only normal feelings of this stage of healing.
The itching at my incisions can get quite intense, but simply putting my hand firmly and gently over the area seems to satisfy it.
I have noticed that laughing, sneezing, coughing (although I still cough very gingerly), and moving positions on stomach muscle power hurts very little. I wouldn't even call it hurt. I might feel a quick twang when moving positions that says "I would have preferred you use your arms a little more still", and I can feel a bit of, I don't know whether to call it stress or tenderness, something in my stomach (when engaging in those other spontaneous fits) between noticing it and barely discomfort, just as it it's saying, "Hi, I'm here for you. I'm working."
Day 11: I debated whether I ought to write this next entry. I decided that it might feel a bit like TMI, but for a woman it is important information. Today I started my period. That is important because for one, it may explain why I felt a bit emotional a couple days ago, rather than a looming infection. Also, it's good to know that our bodies, or at least my body, did not stop working from shock or something. It's not a big deal. I feel relatively normal, so it was no more a hassle than any other month. I must admit, however, that every month I have almost zero symptoms. No cramping, generally no tender emotions ... I was just looking for any possible symptom connected with the healing of the surgery. I am very lucky.
Day 12: I haven't been wearing anything but jammies. It helps to remind me (and others) that my place and business is recovering, whatever I look or feel like on the outside. Also, I have been nervous about putting any elastic or other waistline on my belly or across my scabbed incisions. Today I wore leggings ... the kind meant to be worn as pants. Not jeggings, but a stretchier material, black and has small zippers and decoration on it. It was surprisingly comfortable. The waistline went over my belly, but also pulled everything in tight-ish without making me uncomfortable.
Day 13: In the morning my belly looks normal, but within 15 minutes of getting up out of bed, body water gathers between my navel and large scar in the bikini area. It continues to gather throughout the day, so that by the time I retire to bed at night I look like I have a stomach to exercise off. As I touch my belly, it is both tender (which means I feel something, even if it is a little uncomfortable) and numb. Other than that I feel quite normal.
I feel like I ought to be able to get up and do whatever. I feel a little foolish when people do things for me that I feel like I should be doing myself. Ever since I got home, I eat my meals at the dining table. After eating, I handwash my plate, silverware, and glass. Just my own. Today I saw maybe 5 place settings in the sink... a very small load, and decided that I ought to do them, rather than leaving them up to my mom. I was surprised that it takes so much muscle to wash such a small load of dishes that weren't even heavy dishes. Just the movement of my arms along with holding the items to wash was enough.
Honestly, probably almost everybody I know wouldn't care and would do a little housework anyway, proving to themselves and others that they can do it. However, I want to be sure that I heal the right way the first time, without taking risks, no matter how small I think they may be. I can see why I had been warned by the doctor and by friends that come about the second week I will feel like I ought to be doing more, but I would have to remember to stay down, because although the outside of me feels fine, the inside of me is still recovering and should not be strained. The doctor said that carrying a gallon of milk is more than he wants me to do for the first six weeks. I don't feel like I'm making excuses. I feel like I am being smart by following their advice to a better recovery.
Day 14: I feel fine, strong, and well. I feel like I have been living a cliche' affirmation, "I am healthy and strong, and each day I feel better and better." Tomorrow marks 2 weeks since surgery. The next day is my 2 week appointment. The following day my parents leave to return to their home in another state. I can't believe it's done. Well, my recovery isn't finished, as I still have 4 more weeks to go, but the fact that I have had surgery to remove one of my kidneys to give to my friend....the surgery happened, with almost no effort on my part. On one hand it was a big enough deal that it involved many people. On the other hand, I almost feel like it was an alien abduction. I fell asleep and woke up the next day with mysterious cuts on my stomach. Other than those cuts and the waterbag stomach, I feel no different than normal. I acknowledge that it took the effort of many people (and hydrocodone pills) for it to feel this way, but I feel like this has been so easy. Removing a body part shouldn't feel this easy, but I am grateful for it.
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