Tomorrow marks the four-week (one-month) point after my kidney donation.
So, how do I and my recipient feel? Well, we are both doing great. I went back to work last week, to include my morning stops at the gym. Every morning, I walked on the treadmill with a pretty good incline (set at 10), and I also spent some time on the stationary bicycle. I made it through each day just fine. And, it was only on Friday evening – when I stayed out late – that I felt some of the fatigue I had been worried about. So, my note to myself is that I need to make sure I’ve had more sleep before I stay out late. It was a lot of fun, though!
My recipient (stepdad) has continued his walking routine and is doing well with it. He’s more active now than he was before the surgery. I believe he is walking about 1.5 miles, if not closer to 2, each day. I’m so happy that he and my mom are enjoying getting out and feeling great!
And the best news is that yesterday, I got out on a bicycle for the first time since my surgery. We had amazingly nice weather for early January, and my husband and a friend and I rode about 35 miles, with some gradual hills. I did feel a little discomfort being in the biking position (leaning over to hold the handlebars), but it wasn’t too bad. (I ride a tri bike; so I decided not to get into the aero bars too much because of this discomfort.) I also think I engaged my ab. muscles more than I realized I would. So, I have some minor pain from that. My ab. muscles are clearly not ready for much yet. But, overall, I felt good and able to ride, which is great.
Up until yesterday, I had not had any alcohol since my surgery. I just didn’t want to ingest anything that would be unhealthy. But yesterday evening, my husband and I went out for Mexican food, and I had a margarita. It was really good, but I did feel a little below par this morning. Overall, I’ve decided not to be much of a drinker going forward. I’m sure it wouldn’t be too harmful to have something every now and then, but I need to be nice to my body!
Well, that’s all the news for now. Until next time…
-JB
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Thank you for doing this blog, it has been very informative. I’m donating a kidney to my uncle a week from today and am a bit nervous. I’ve started a blog too and plan to be honest as well about the experience. I plan to return to work after 2-3 weeks but my job is mostly desk work and I ride the train into downtown. How active we’re you before the donation? I am an avid runner and strength train regularly. I’m curious how that will help my recoverybn
jenilind – First of all, I apologize that I haven’t updated this blog lately. I will do that! Please feel free to reach out to me as you prepare for your surgery. I’ll check out your blog. I could have returned to work after two weeks, but I was glad I took the extra week – just to be sure I didn’t overdo it. I was running up to 12 miles before my donation. Now, after two months, I am back up to 6 miles w/no problems. I do get tired in the evening a lot. But I also get up early (3-4 am) most mornings. Your training will definitely help your recovery. You are well placed to have no problem!