Well, so far this has been a very exciting year.
On January 8th my daughter donated a kidney to her father out in Halifax, N.S. After an initial day post-op of pain due to being unable to take any strong medication, she has done well. Her kidney immediately started to work in her Dad and in less than 24 hours he had produced 4 litres of fluids. Previously 400 cc was the top amount per day! He remains in Halifax for post discharge follow-up. Recovery time has been amazing. Even their 3- to 4-hour surgery was completed in 2 hours each.
Lindsay went home to New Brunswick on the 11th. Her recovery has been smooth. She had a friend from her Ottawa days at University who offered her home in Halifax to all of Lindsay’s family. That included her husband and four children, her Dad’s wife and later her brother arrived as well. The generosity from others was outstanding. My daughter’s church community have brought them meals every night. Another friend cleaned their home.
My daughter’s husband took out her staples under the supervision of a nurse friend. Many people send healing prayers or energy to them both. Many of my friends, relatives and spiritual friends all followed their journey and offered many prayers and energy work. I was most grateful to all who did so. I sent Reiki energy to aid in Lindsay’s recovery and she experienced relief from laparoscopic gas discomfort. If anyone has experienced this, you will know that this is often worse than the actual surgical site!
Lindsay was interview by the CBC. You can read it here.
Have you ever considered being a living donor? Through this experience I have learned of many people who have. One young mans best friend gave a kidney to a stranger, a father of four young children. Both did well. He not only saved this man but also the family of grief down the road. It is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. There is much testing prior, including blood work, x-rays, psychological tests etc. It truly is giving life to another human being.
If you have never thought about it, maybe you will now. I met a beautiful young woman last week whose kidneys and pancreas are starting to not work properly and is beginning this journey to eventual donation required. I hope when the time comes that a relative, friend, or stranger will step up for her too.
Again, thank you to all who have been with me on this journey. It has not been easy to see my child (adult) in pain even though it was short lived. Knowing what they have done for another makes it all worthwhile.
