Our Remarkable and Emotional Journey to Kidney Donation

Hello Everyone!

What a whirlwind it has been these past few months.

In March I became a living kidney donor. I donated my left kidney to my younger brother. He has been a diabetic since grade school. It had been a long and crazy road to get to donation (about 11 1/2 years). We had starts and stops along the way which were very difficult. This past year during evaluations, breast cancer was found in one sister. She feels that my brother Bob saved her life. She was not due for a mammogram for several months. She had surgery and radiation and is doing well. We pray everyday that she stays that way. I was up for consideration again (11 years ago a mass was found in my breast which turned out to be fine) After several trips in to Chicago, and many many tests in Chicago and Texas, we finally got the news we had hoped for. We were a go! On March 10th, World Kidney Day, we got it done. I live in Texas now but am from Chicago where all my siblings and our oldest daughter still live. The surgery’ was scheduled at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. I flew to Chicago on Monday, tested for covid on Tuesday and was in the OR at Northwestern on Thursday morning. We had great surgeons and to them I say thank you for using all your skill to help us. We are eternally grateful.

I stayed in the hospital until the following Sunday. My family took such great care of my me and treated me to recover in a fancy hotel downtown, The Four Seasons. along with rides, food, staying with me and so much more. I could not have done this without all their support. I love my family. Our daughter Sarah was with me every step of the way pre and post op. She nursed me back to health at the hotel and then at her condo. All of Sarah’s friends spoiled us rotten too. I stayed in Chicago for about 3 weeks. Our youngest daughter Liza, came to stay in San Antonio and kept things running smoothly there during my time away. After I got home, our son Ed, who is a nurse, came to San Antonio and was so helpful getting me on track. My husband Ed was a trooper too. Cooking, cleaning and doing his best to make me comfortable. Check out the story Brenda Coffee did on us here My brother Bob has an angel named Monica for a wife. Their kids, Bob and Barbara, were very helpful and encouraging during every step of the process and after. All of our nieces and nephews were. It was amazing to have so much support. The prayers from around the country and world made me so emotional and grateful. Neighbors sending food and love was overwhelming. To all of YOU, thank you so much. I will never be able to express my gratitude adequately.

I would say the first few weeks after donation were pretty uncomfortable. We found out the hard way that I do not do well with prescribed pain meds and could not tolerate them. Tylenol was about all I could take to help me with pain. At the one week checkup the Dr. allowed me to take one ibuprofen along with one Tylenol and that made a huge difference in my pain management. I have three incisions total. Walking was hard but necessary and I did my best. A heating pad felt wonderful. I drank a ton of water. I was showering daily. The incisions were closed with disolving stitches, glue and steri strips. They were supposed to fall off on their own but mine needed some prodding. I was instructed not to lift anything more than a gallon of milk (or ten pounds) for 6 weeks. That was harder than I thought, especially when you start to feel better.

At week 5 1/2 I was feeling sooooo much better. Still some discomfort but I was sleeping so much better. A crazy story. I have a wonderful San Antonio food blogger buddy, San Antonio Munchies, who was doing an instagram giveaway with a local mattress store here in San Antonio, Miracle Mattress. I entered and WON an adjustable frame and mattress. It was such a huge help with my recovery. No more pulling on the sheets to pull myself up. With the touch of a button I could raise myself up and get out of bed. Such a game changer. So huge THANK YOU to Alex and my new best friends at Miracle Mattress San Antonio. At 8 weeks I felt comfortable enough to drive (the decision was left up to me) And that first bath felt amazing!!!

I am so happy that both my brother and I are recovering well. We are looking forward to wonderful times together in the future. I am honored to raise awareness on how donation saves lives. My life is forever changed in the best possible way too. If you are interested in learning more about kidney donation please check out this link here. And please please sign your drivers license to be a donor too. There is so much need out there.

We are very well aware of just how lucky we are. If you are waiting for a donor, or the family of someone needing a donation, know I am praying for you.

Thank you for following along, for all your love, care, prayers and best wishes. God bless you all.

Best always,

Kimberly