Kidney donation recovery

I donated my right kidney on August 11, 2022 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In this video I share details of my procedure and recovery after a hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for anyone who may be considering donating a kidney and is wondering what to expect. Please note that I am not a medical professional and am sharing my personal experiences only.
NOTE: Typically, the left kidney is taken since that side has a longer renal vein, which facilitates transplantation in the recipient. In my case, however, a CT scan had revealed a slight anomaly on my right side (an 8mm aneurysm), and the rule of thumb is always to leave the donor with the best kidney. I learned later that this was the reason for my third incision near my sternum for insertion of an instrument to hold my liver (located on the right side) out of the way during the procedure.

[@christellecurilli6109]

Love this! ❤

[@laurao8099]

I don't even have cats but that is really good information to know for anybody who does have cats to protect this area where there is surgery from cats with a pillow

[@mariamaciel9028]

Did the spine injection hurt? I'm really scare of needles, and I'm going to give a kidney to my husband in a few weeks and I'm nervous.

[@sharongerlach8792]

It really didn't. For me, pain was really well managed. You just have to take it easy for a while after surgery. I wish you and your husband all the best and a speedy recovery! God bless you!

[@richiemac2395]

I have a church member that the Lord may be wanting me to donate to. I want to know how to go about starting the process if he leads me to do this. How long does did the process take for you to get tested and all that leading up to the surgery?

[@sharongerlach8792]

The first step was contacting the patient's transplant center--in my case, filling out a preliminary health questionnaire on the Mayo Clinic website. Then they follow up with a phone interview, blood work to see if you're a match, and appointments for in-person testing over a period of a few months to make sure you are healthy and mentally prepared. I had felt the calling to donate for many years and finally acted on it when I knew someone personally who needed it. God bless!

[@richiemac2395]

Thank you Sharon. @@sharongerlach8792

[@unitedstatesdale]

How are you doing ?

[@sharongerlach8792]

Great! As a matter of fact my kidney donor story was just featured in our university's magazine: www.augsburg.edu/now/2024/03/15/a-life-saving-gift/