What do you need to do to prepare for kidney donor surgery?
- Write down all your questions for your doctor.
- Be active for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Quit smoking and lessen your alcohol intake
- Talk to someone about the surgery.
- Prepare your home for your recovery.
Donating a kidney to a friend or loved one is a courageous act. You give another person a chance to live by undergoing this surgery. However, the process can be daunting to many since they may not know how to prepare for kidney donor surgery.
What’s certain is that you’ll go through tests and assessments to ensure your body is healthy and ready. But, here are some steps you can take to prepare on your own.
Write down all your questions for your doctor
Keep a journal or notebook where you can jot down all your questions about the entire process. You can ask your doctor the following:
- What are the risks of this surgery?
- How will the entire process of the surgery go?
- How much pain will I be in?
- How does the recovery process go?
- What are some things I can do to prepare?
This way, you’ll be ready with them in time for your next doctor’s appointment.
You should never be shy to ask anything from your nephrologist. There are no wrong questions in this process since you will be undergoing surgery as well. You should also understand what happens during a kidney transplant, which will help you know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Be active for at least 30 minutes a day
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is the best way for you to prepare for the surgery. Donors are usually told to keep active for at least 30 minutes a day. This will help you recover faster and more easily post-operation.
Being active does not mean you need to hit the gym and do strenuous exercises every day. This can be as simple as going on a walk or bike ride. Some patients also choose to do a few laps around the pool. If you’re unsure of what to do, you can ask your doctor for reasonable exercises.
Quit smoking and lessen alcohol intake
Kick the bad habits at least 4 weeks before your surgery. If you can do it earlier, the better. These habits include smoking and drinking alcohol.
Smoking can pose complications after the surgery like your wounds healing at a slower pace. You should also stop or lessen your alcohol intake. Always wait for the go signal from your doctor when it comes to your diet.
Focus on maintaining a well-balanced diet. These include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. This will ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs. You can also ask your surgeon if you’ll need to follow a specific diet before the surgery. This will give you an idea of what food needs to be consumed and avoided.
Talk to someone about the surgery
During this whole process, you need to have a support group. These can consist of friends and family you want to inform about the operation. Disclose to them the reasons why you want to go through this, and have them be with you in the process.
You can also meet with a therapist or consultant before the surgery. It’ll be good to disclose to a medical professional the reasons why you decided to donate your kidney and how it will change your life afterward.
Prepare your home for your recovery
It’s inevitable for you to feel tired and be in pain post-operation. That’s why it’s never too early to prepare for the recovery process. This way all you can do is just focus on resting the minute you get home.
Have your family or friends help you fix the furniture you’ll need post-op. If your bedroom’s on the second floor, set up a bed on the ground floor of your home. Avoid climbing the stairs as your body heals. Prepare chairs with arms so that you can assist yourself in standing up and sitting down.
Stock up on the medical supplies you’ll need. These include bandages and first aid supplies to clean the wound. Your surgeon can provide you with a list of the necessary things you’ll need. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Most importantly, ask for help from friends and family. You’ll need someone around you to help do daily tasks. Have someone help you with cooking your meals and shopping for basic needs. If you have kids, make the necessary arrangements with a nanny or other family members.
Key Takeaway
Hopefully, these steps have taught you how to prepare for kidney surgery. You can take it one step at a time, but never forget to ask for help from those around you.
At Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas Kidney Transplant Unit, our medical and surgical specialists provide the best possible care to kidney transplant donors. Feel free to schedule an appointment to address any of your concerns.
