For the purpose of putting some of my thoughts down I figured that I would write an update as to how progress is being made post-op.
So I really thought that I would be running up Blood Mountain by now but that's not true. Yet. There are still a few things that are not back to normal. My eating and sleep patterns are still pretty bad. And the energy, dude! Talking about strange. I had read a blog that a gentleman wrote last year about his donation and I didn't understand the part about even a month out, he was having problems with the ebb and flow of his energy. I now understand that. Believe me, it's a struggle at times to get up and get going. And at times, even going to bed and staying there is difficult. But alas, this is part of post-op and it will pass.
One of the crazy things that really throw me off is how I can feel like I'm 100% at one moment and the next I'm down to 25%. There's no real pattern to it. But learning to be mindful of when that is going to happen really helps.
Q: Do you have any regrets yet?
A: Oh no. I don't have any regrets of going through with the donation. As a matter of fact, this has really helped me to grow in so many areas of my life. I've grown in various relationships, made new ones and actually have had a few relationships severed.
Q: What has been the hardest part during all of this?
A: There's actually a couple of hard parts. The physical hard parts is getting my digestive system back on track and my energy levels back up. Another one has been the times where my body and mind head into the dark places we call the 'blues'. I didn't believe it at first, but though my other kidney is doing a great job picking up the work of 'Lefty', my body and mind knows it's gone and they are still not happy with it. Fortunately my heart knows the score and I'm reassured that the sacrifice made has been worthwhile and beneficial to a young lady who doesn't have to be tethered to a machine in order to live.
Q: Would you do it all over again?
A: Yes.
I often think about the creation God made, that is mankind. It's amazing how intricate it all is, how interweaved the body, mind, and soul are. When one piece is missing the rest "mourn" that loss. I had to have my gall bladder removed and 15 years later, I still have issues with other parts of me because that one little seemingly harmless piece is gone.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who knows all too well how precious one kidney can be, I'm pretty sure the lady that has Lefty thinks about you often. She probably wonders what kind of person you are, to willingly give up something so vital and be willing to go through pain for her. I think what you did is a great testament to the man of God that you are. I have always known what a special, loving, and giving person you are. I only wish that she could have the opportunity to know you the way myself and so many others have known you and know what a great friend you are.