Thank you everyone for such kind words! feeling better physically, but spiritually my cup is overflowing with support, love and well wishes from all of you! happy to know that the recipient is doing well..the kidney is working great! Pls spread the word to encourage donations 💜

POD 3 from donation. Mimi was worried cause she likes her walks, but she (and I ) are getting our steps in! She’s wearing her kidney sweater and is fully supportive!

POD # 4. Pondering what changes I need to make to my lifestyle after kidney donation to make sure my remaining kidney stays healthy . Mimi is thinking very hard. She wants me strong for all the walks, cuddles, belly rubs, princess grooming sessions, and more!

My kind friend was kind enough to attempt to teach me how to make TikTok videos to promote kidney donation. It was a difficult task indeed… the camera is NOT my friend. It makes me far more nervous than the surgery itself 😂

Remembering reasons why I donated! 1.help at least 1 of the 138000 people waiting on the kidney list live a longer, better quality life 3.As a Dr who donated, help improve donor and recipient trust in the medical system

Thinking about importance of social support. So lucky to have it. But to get on a transplant list social support person is required. Many people can’t name even 1. If you have a friend or neighbor in need of transplant, could you be their support person? Please ask them about it!

Just had my 1 week checkup. This prompted this question: after initial 50% drop in GFR, in 10-14 days, the remaining kidney picks up some of the work, and we’re up to around 70% of previous baseline. 70-75% from 6 months onward. That’s enough to keep us perfectly healthy!

There has been positive energy all around me today.. friends sent pajamas, my awesome nephrectomy surgeon called personally to ask how I was doing; everyone at the clinic was just so sweet…we got beautiful, glistening snow.. and then this cute creature..just peed me a heart ! 💜

Mimi is wearing her “please donate” sweater to pass on the message that we need more donors! There are 138000 people waiting on the list. Everyday, 100 more are added. Please consider donation 🥰

Thinking of how many times patients didn’t get a procedure with sedation or didn’t complete such test for transplant workup, because they didn’t have anyone to bring them home! Please, if u can, offer to bring a friend or neighbor home: save a life or help them get on that list!

I recognize that I’m privileged since I can take time off from work to donate. Not everyone is so fortunate, but everyone should be! I’d like to share what I learned: federal employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave for organ donation. Many states also have similar laws.

What makes a good kidney donor? Over 18, in overall good health, normal kidney function. Upper age limit negotiable. No uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, no active cancer, kidney stones, unresolved mental health issues, Obesity(may need to lose weight 1st), or active cancer

Did you know that you can start getting worked up for a transplant as soon as your kidney function consistently gets below 20 %? The sooner you get worked up, the better. People live longer, healthier, lives with a transplant. You don’t want to miss out! Please, don’t wait!

Kidney donors have a smaller risk for developing kidney disease and needing dialysis than the average person. When compared to similarly extra healthy people, they have a slightly higher risk for both, but the absolute risk is still very small. So yes.. I’d do it all over again !

It’s really difficult for some people to ask their friends or family to donate. They may think such a gift is too much. They may never ask. So don’t assume your loved ones have a plan or want to go on a list. If you are willing to donate, tell them! Let them know you want to give

If a doctor wants to give you a blood transfusion, ALWAYS make sure to let them know you are hoping for a transplant. It will remind them to only transfuse as a last resort, and give you special blood to minimize the risk of you developing antibodies that can cause rejection

Don’t avoid even initiating the kidney donation workup because you’re worried you can’t get out of it if you get cold feet or change your mind! At any point in the process, you can say no, and your recipient will be told you’re not a match. So don’t worry. Go ahead, and sign up!

Covid vaccine is required for a kidney transplant. Some people may be reluctant to get vaccinated. But before you make your decision, please consider that patients live longer and healthier lives with a transplant. Make sure YOUR decision is fully informed!

The most difficult step to become a kidney donor is the initial decision. After that, tests and blood draws are organized very efficiently by the transplant center, usually most in one day. But make sure you’re up to date on age appropriate cancer screening. It’s all very doable!