RETROSPECTIVE on KIDNEY DONATION

It is now five weeks since our operations and I have been home for a month and coming along fine. A lot slower than I would have liked but the recovery is exactly as I was told to expect. It is a much slower process for the donor than the recipient.

The first couple of weeks at home were up and down with my body obviously adjusting to the loss of the kidney. Pressure on the bladder and bowels was intense. I suffered with severe abdominal cramps and sharp pains for a few days which were more vicious than the actual operation pain! Pain killers were halted within 10 days. I spent more time on the couch watching TV / Movies than in any other time of my life:)

I set myself goals for one more activity each day or so and now able to spend at least an hour in the garden a day. Been out for a couple of lovely lunches but the next day resulted in a "dressing gown" sojourn but that's nice and gives me an excuse not to do too much.

I am writing this journal because none of my previous entries have mentioned the care and attention we have both received here in Hobart. The Renal Team at the Royal and St Johns have been extremely caring and professional. The tests took about 12 months and we got to know so many fabulous people in that time.

On Sam's behalf I thank the Dialysis Unit at St Johns for the care and attention lavished on him during some difficult times. I am sure he will be sending in more scones for you guys soon, lol.

Special thanks to Dr Geoff Kirkland for his generosity and professionalism. To Sister Margaret Waters at St Johns Renal Unit for her care and sense of humour - having laughs along the way is very uplifting.

Thanks and appreciation to Terry Webster, head of Passenger Transport at the Royal Hobart who juggles so much in each day that he makes me dizzy. Our flights, accommodation and road travel were organised so efficiently - all we had to do was turn up! It so took the stress out of traveling to and fro Melbourne.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital Renal Transplant Team, Doctors, Nurses & Social Workers; a grateful and heartfelt thank you to you all.

That's it for this entry and I hope the aforementioned folk realise how important and appreciated they are for their role in our journey.

SUSAN