Daryl came with me to the Pre-Op appointment on October 16th. We spent the morning at Banner's North building for one last round of tests, scans, and various appointments. We got to see my kidney recipient, too! 😁
They took 17 vials of blood 😬 to test for infection diseases and also do a physical cross-match with the recipient's blood, just to double-check (measure twice, cut once - literally!).
I got to meet the social worker, surgeon, a living donor facilitator, and the anesthesia consultant to talk about what to expect, get instructions, and answer questions.
Maribel, the living donor facilitator, is also a living donor. She donated her kidney to her father about 7 years ago. And her husband was a double kidney recipient. She was kind enough to share her story and add to my understanding and expectations.
The anesthesia consultant said my echo cardiogram looks "pretty darn great" and my blood work (Remember those 17 vials? Results are already in!) "looks great." I am so grateful to be healthy!
The surgeon talked me through the procedure and I was happy to hear that they will not be cutting through muscle (which I know takes a long time to heal).
The results of all of my tests and scans, as well as those of my friend, will be sent to the selection committee on Wednesday for final approval!
Assuming all goes well, the surgeries (mine and my friend's) will happen the morning of Thursday, October 22nd at Banner University Medical Center Main (1625 N Campbell Ave), Tower 1, 9th floor, specifically 9 East West Unit. I will be staying overnight two nights, with an expected discharge of Saturday, October 24th.
I can have visitors any time post-op, but it's going to be a long day on Thursday, so I probably will reserve Thursday afternoon/evening visits to family. Friends are welcome on Friday, unless I'm grumpy. I'll let you know. 😅
1️⃣The Request | 2️⃣The Call | 3️⃣The Universe | 4️⃣Sharing the News | 5️⃣The Prep | 6️⃣The Surgery | 7️⃣The Recovery
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