OOK

It’s the night before my kidney donation. My stepdad is already admitted to the hospital. I get admitted at 5:30 am. The surgery is at 7:30 am. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight.

I’ve received so many kind words from everyone. It’s a little overwhelming, but so sweet and appreciated!

My friend Renee came up with a great name for the kidney I am donating: Jenn2G. (from Jenn to Gary.) You say it like an Italian word, with the emphasis on the 2.

I’m nervous, but not as much as I think I’m going to be in the morning.

Here’s some gory details for other potential donors: I had to do an at-home enema tonight and scrub my abdomen with special soap. I’ll do the scrub again in the morning.

They say the surgery will take 2-3 hours and I will then go into Recovery before being taken to the Transplant Unit, where I’ll stay until I’m discharged. I may go home as early as my third day there, which would be Sunday.

Our two surgeries will take place in rooms (theaters) across from each other. They will start mine first, and then – at a specific point – start my stepdad’s.

It’s truly amazing what they can do, and I pray to God that it goes well for both of us.
-JB