Getting Ready for Transplant

[RuthWells]

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted here in a long time, but wanted to share good news - two years and two hospitals after qualifying for transplant, my brother has finally been approved to donate to me and we have a tentative surgery date of February 16!  It's been a long road to get to this point, and now I find myself scrambling to get (or maybe just to "feel") ready.

Aside from the obvious (clean house, cook ahead, exercise, get dentist appointment out of the way), what sorts of things can you all recommend to prepare?  I have a great support team and my kids are in their teens and pretty self-sufficient, but I can't shake the feeling that there are things I should be doing!

Ruth

[Rerun]

That was my kidney date back in 1988 and it lasted a good 17 years!  Hope the best for you. 

         FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2012 !!!!


   

[willowtreewren]

Congratulations, Ruth! 

It sounds like you have things pretty well covered. You might want to pull out some clothes that are loose and comfy for the first few weeks after your TX. Carl found that most of his underwear pulled on the staples. That was the worst of the discomfort he experienced. A bed wedge might be a good thing to have, too. It is more comfortable to sleep in a slightly raised position.

Friends arranged to have meals delivered, but Carl did not have a huge appetite after getting out of the hospital, so we asked that they stop doing that pretty soon. With teenagers, you'll be covered with meals hopefully!

Give that brother of yours an extra hug from me! What a loving thing he is doing! 

These things pass fairly soon, though. 

I'm so pleased for you! The time will fly past.

[RuthWells]

Thanks for the good mojo, Rerun - and congrats on 17 years!

[RuthWells]

Willow, thanks for the tips regarding clothes - something I hadn't considered.  I've been so focused on getting to this point that I haven't thought at all about what comes after the surgery....