Docs did rounds this morning and said I was good to go home! We left the hospital right about noon, and made the two hour drive home. It didn't seem too bad at the time, although I was really glad I had a small pillow to press against my stomach because hitting bumps hurt! We only needed to stop once, for a bathroom break and to walk around a bit.
I had a really good experience at the hospital. The surgeons, fellows, and residents were all great and answered all of my questions. My nurses were really nice and helpful and encouraging.
A few things I brought to the hospital that got a lot of use: face wipes - it felt really good to at least have a clean face before I was able to get up and get showered. My own clothes. I stayed in the gown until Friday morning, but I was much more comfortable in my own clothes. I wore sweats that are a little big on me, with a stretchy waistband, so it didn't bother my incisions at all. Comfy underwear, sports bra, and tshirt. And flip flops!
And the pillow for the car - also for when I needed to cough, because that is painful! When I got home I quickly learned that I needed a pillow when I laugh as well.
It was great to be home and see my kids, we had been talking before surgery how my tummy would hurt and they have to be very careful, so when I came in the house they gave me very gentle squeezes - but attacked my husband of course. I think this no-climbing-on-mama thing is going to be hard on them, but we spend time snuggling on the couch tonight so hopefully that'll help.
The car ride took quite a bit out of me, so I took a three hour nap after we got home. Woke up pretty sore because I was 'behind' on my tylenol, but after getting up and moving around a bit it was better. We spent time snuggling on the couch, my sister brought us dinner, then my kids, my husband, and I went for a short walk up the street and back.
I know I have a long way to go for full recovery, but I feel like I'm doing really good so far. I am positive it has a lot to do with going to the gym and being in shape; if I had done this before I started working out last year I'm sure I'd be having a much harder time. So if you are considering donating an organ, get started on improving your fitness now!
Teddy's new kidney started working right away, and I hope it continues to work great. You can keep up with him on his mom's blog.
It still hasn't quite set in yet that I just gave a kidney, I'm wondering if it'll ever feel 'real'.
I had a really good experience at the hospital. The surgeons, fellows, and residents were all great and answered all of my questions. My nurses were really nice and helpful and encouraging.
A few things I brought to the hospital that got a lot of use: face wipes - it felt really good to at least have a clean face before I was able to get up and get showered. My own clothes. I stayed in the gown until Friday morning, but I was much more comfortable in my own clothes. I wore sweats that are a little big on me, with a stretchy waistband, so it didn't bother my incisions at all. Comfy underwear, sports bra, and tshirt. And flip flops!
And the pillow for the car - also for when I needed to cough, because that is painful! When I got home I quickly learned that I needed a pillow when I laugh as well.
It was great to be home and see my kids, we had been talking before surgery how my tummy would hurt and they have to be very careful, so when I came in the house they gave me very gentle squeezes - but attacked my husband of course. I think this no-climbing-on-mama thing is going to be hard on them, but we spend time snuggling on the couch tonight so hopefully that'll help.
The car ride took quite a bit out of me, so I took a three hour nap after we got home. Woke up pretty sore because I was 'behind' on my tylenol, but after getting up and moving around a bit it was better. We spent time snuggling on the couch, my sister brought us dinner, then my kids, my husband, and I went for a short walk up the street and back.
I know I have a long way to go for full recovery, but I feel like I'm doing really good so far. I am positive it has a lot to do with going to the gym and being in shape; if I had done this before I started working out last year I'm sure I'd be having a much harder time. So if you are considering donating an organ, get started on improving your fitness now!
Teddy's new kidney started working right away, and I hope it continues to work great. You can keep up with him on his mom's blog.
It still hasn't quite set in yet that I just gave a kidney, I'm wondering if it'll ever feel 'real'.
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