support for kidney donors?

[Sarah Kelly]

Hi everyone,
I donated one of my kidneys almost two years ago now. Nov.17, 2007 was the transplant date. I donated to a friend and am so glad I could help him, it is a good feeling to know he is healthy once more.
I am looking for some support for my health. I am a little concerned about my energy levels and the fact that the place where my kidney was is uncomfortable to the point that I am sore. It feels almost like I have gone back to a few weeks after surgery.
Does anyone know anything about how to get stronger? Why am I still weak sometimes? Why am I still experiencing uncomfortable feelings from where my kidney was taken? Are there any vitamins or supplements I can take to help me heal? Are there any specific exercises I can do to help my health in general? I am a bit concerned because it has been almost two years since I donated. I also experience loss of energy and loss of stamina in things before were easy. I find things harder now. I am a waitress/bartender and find it increasingly harder to keep up with my line of work. I am trying to transition out of the industry, but until that time...
Can anyone offer me any advise?
Thank you!
Sarah

[Brian Fourre]

Have you talked to your Dr's about this? How long after your surgery did this start happening? Also, here is a link to get information or to ask a DR directly http://www.kidney.org/news/wkd/DrSpry_Q&A.cfm

[Sarah Kelly]

Brian,

Thank you for your reply...which I am only seeing now...lol. I did call the hospital to inquire (a few times) about my healing. I didn't get much of a response (sadly). I did heal and I am in a much better place now.Thank you for the link...I will look at it.

Sarah

[Karen Foote]

Hi Sarah,

 

Well it has only been a couple of years since you asked for help. I just found this forum recently. You have porbably received some answers since you posted, if not from others but just by the passage of time.

 

I gave a kidney to my sister 12 years ago. They told me I would go back to the way I was. I was pretty healthy, watching what I eat, bike riding hiking, very outdoors kind of person.You could call me a health freak.

 

Well I have not got back, although I am sure I could be worse. I still watch what I eat and try to get a good amount of exercise, but I am not as strong. I am 12 years older and when you are 58 that means  something.

 

The feeling where they took the kidney out gets better as you probably have found out . If not I would look into the possibility something was done wrong. There are things that happen that they don't tell you . Waiting tables is not the easiest job of course. I sometimes have pain when I over do it, after twelve years.  I expect that will always be the case. They took out part of a rib when I donated 12 years ago. That really hurt. I hear they have a less invasive method now.

 

Did you have your rib cut?

 

I know you may not ever read this, but if you still need to talk I am here for ya. I will try not to talk about myself too much.

I would love to talk with you,

Karen

 

[Sarah Kelly]

Hi Karen,

Can you believe I actually found your reply? Thank you so much! It took me over 2 1/2 years to get back to what I call normal again. No, I thankfully did not have any ribs taken out. I would love to talk to you too Karen...if you see this reply, please drop a note. Maybe you are on facebook? I started a group on facebook for organ donors.

If you see this my email address is [e-mail]

Please feel free to email me anytime!

Sarah

[Karen Foote]

Hi Sarah!

 

So glad you are feeling some better. I had one Dr tell me that I have one kidney so I will not be the same. Not trying to be negative just realistic. I  think I am getting stronger all the time. Older though, but stronger in some ways.

 

I just weed wacked an acre or so today, so I am not sure how I am feeling right now. (lol) If I can still do things like that I guess I should be thankful?  Nah...

 

Well  I do have more energy than I did, and it sounds like you you getting some stamina back yourself. One thing I have learned, you need to watch what kind of meds you take.  I  have high blood pressure now and my current Dr. told me it could be from having one kidney. They have to be careful with the type of drugs they prescribe so as not to damage my kidney. There are quite a few drugs that can do just that.

 

So if I have any advice to offer to you I would say try to keep you blood presssure down. That of course is easier said than done and I haven't been doing a very good job of it myself. Perhaps you can catch this possible problem before it happens. I didn't understand how important it is and I wasn't getting any info from Drs. about this until it became a problem.

I could have done things to keep it under control earlier but failed to ask questions about risks donating could have to my health. It just didn't seem "cool" to do that at the time.

It's great you starting a group for donors on facebook. I am not on facebook, because I am old fashioned I guess.I will look into it. Thanks for the invite.

 It can make you feel kind of alone not having anyone understanding what the donors can go through.  You can feel like you shouldn't talk about it, like your complaining about giving a gift. Which can lead to all sorts of feelings that don't help you to feel better.

Well I think it is "cool" you asked. Who knows someone else could be reading this that is feeling like us but are afraid to ask?

It has made me feel better talking to you. Thanks!

 

Did you find another line of work less demanding? I did similar work and I know it is not easy on the bod.

 

Karen