February 20th, 2009 | 
Author: Kidney donation – altruistic
February 3rd
My first appointment at the hospital to meet the surgeon and have some initial tests done. It was during the heavy snows we had but luckily once I had got a few miles out from home, the snow thinned and travelling wasn’t a problem.
There had been some mix up with the appointments and I was in the book for 30 minutes after the time in the appointments letter. The hospital was also running 1.5 hours late and I had arrived 30 minutes early!! No matter, it gave me time to read up on literature there and just watch and listen as to what was going on in the reception area. I was struck by the assortment of people there that had kidney problems … young, old, mothers, fathers, youngsters … it was a reminder than anyone, any age can be seriously ill and need help. I had time sitting there to think about the struggles some people have to try and lead a normal life. It made me realise I have been very lucky in life as regards my health. Whatever I have had wrong with me has easily been treated. Not so for thousands of people. I am so glad I made this decision to donate. Sometimes being kept waiting for an appointment has its advantages as in this case – it opened my eyes even wider.
I saw the surgeon first, very nice guy. Very friendly, smiley face and good sense of humour. I immediately felt relaxed in his company.
He made sure I knew exactly what it was I was offering to do and explained that a Doctor would be assigned to me to look after my interests. I would go through a very thorough medical assessment. I would also have a psychologist and psychiatric report made. The whole team needs to know that I fully understand what I will be doing. That I understand the procedure and what could go wrong etc etc. Once I pass the medical tests and the psychiatric report, the details are then sent for approval. If I am approved as a suitable kidney donor, then I will be put on the database and once a suitable recipient is found, arrangements will be made for the transplant. The evaluation process can be between 3 and 6 months, but they anticipate that once accepted it will be a very short time before they locate a suitable match.
They would remove my kidney in this hospital and then safely transport it to whichever hospital the recipient is in.
The surgeon asked me about my medical history and my families. We have all been clear of major illnesses that might affect the donation. The only down side was that I am overweight. I thought that might get mentioned! lol ! I was weighed and although my BMI (Body Mass Index) was just within the acceptable limit, the surgeon did advise I try to lose some weight. My current weight would not hold up the operation, but if I could lose some then that would assist the surgery and also my recovery afterwards.
I then saw one of the transplant nurses. She asked more questions re medical history etc and then organised some tests:
Blood pressure
Blood taken for tests (about 8 tubes used)
Heart Trace
Chest X-ray.
It was also explained to me that during the very strict and thorough evaluation process, at any stage they could find out I am not suitable as a donor, so I also have to prepare myself for the disappointment of not being able to help someone.
My biggest worry at the moment is losing weight. I have an under active thyroid which piled the weight on a few years ago and losing it is extremely hard – I never used to have a problem with being able to control my weight, but now it is a real battle.
Please Pray that I pass the evaluation process with flying colours.
My next appointment is April 17th when I see the doctor … regarding what exactly not too sure, will have to wait and see.
Tags: 61 Responses to “Kidney Donor evaluation begins”
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You are amazing to do this. I was not even aware this could be done. I can understand someone giving one of their organs to their husband, wife or child but to give an organ to someone you do not even know is a wonderful thing to do. You are very brave.
Good luck for the future
Judy
I was really interested to read your ‘diary’ of your assessment day. I am seriously considering becoming a live donor and so am reading as much as I can. Good luck and hope you can go ahead. Look forward to further posts.
Suzie
Hi Suzie,
Thanks for posting. As you read on, you will find I actually did donate and what a wonderful experience it was. I really wish I had another spare kidney so I could give it to someone else.
If you have any questions, please either post here or contact me direct via the contact page.
All the best and I hope you decide to donate – you won’t regret it.
Di
x
Hello from NZ. I was thrilled to read your story about donating a kidney. I am currently in the midst of my workup to donate to my son, aged 36 and married with three small children. I’ll continue to read all the blogs you have done. This is such a help hearing your step by step progress. I had a workup three years ago and was eventually unable to donate then due to two tiny stones which became visible on the CT angiogram. Since then they have relaxed the protocols and i am now able to proceed, and like you, I have a strong faith in God, so am confident that all will be well.I’ll leave it at that for now, but wish you well in your continuing journey. Kind regards, Glenys
Hi Glenys,
I can imagine how disappointed you were when originally turned down because of the kidney stones. Must have been an awful moment. But I can also imagine the joyous dance you did when you found out there was now a possibility!!! oh Wow!!! I still get so excited when I hear someone is wanting to donate, it is as though I am going to do it all again myself, lol. I do so hope reading this blog will greatly help you. there are also some very useful comments made by others. If you have any questions please do just post or if you wish you can contact me direct via the “contact” link top right of page.
Please post back letting us know how you are getting on I really would love to hear ..
All the best
Di
xx
< ))><
Hello again, all seems to be on track- have the final appointments with the surgeon and renal physician on 23rd. I love where you say you get all excited when someone is wanting to donate. I am “seeing” (in my imagination) ny son well. Will keep you posted xx
Hi Glenys,
Thanks for keeping us posted. Not long to go now, wow!! lol, yes I do get excited. It must be so wonderful to know that soon your son will be back well again. You know I thank God so many times for the Gifts he gives us. The fact we do not need two kidneys …. surgeons and nephrologists and nurses and techniqcians and the many I have forgotten who all form part of the donation team to make this possible …. it is a miracle!!
Look forward to hearing from you after your next appointment.
Di
xx
Hi Diane!
Just a little question if you don’t mind me being indiscreet. I’d just like to know for the weight issue, you’re BMI was situated in the overweight section, so above normal? I’m seeking information because I’d like to donate to my aunt, and I’d like to know if I’d have to lose weight before…. I have a BMI of 26.6…
Thank you for the amazing blog and all the work 🙂
Hi Crystal,
Listen no question is “indescreet” here regarding donation. My BMI was borderline obese at around 30 (I will get my notes out later and double check). I know I was jut below the obese level, but only just. It was suggested I lose weight and I tried my hardest. Having an under active thyroid that did not respond fully to treatment made this almost impossible and by the time it came to donating, I had not changed at all.
Having said all that, hospitals are all different and although mine was okay with my weight, others may not have been. So I cannot really say whether they would or would not “insist” you lose weight. They may ask .. but that is different to insisting. So you may be asked to lose weight. If you are, then clarify what that exactly means. i.e. how much weight and is it compulsory before they will allow you to donate.
As for myself I am pleased to say I eventually got my thyroid treated and have now lost nearly 5 stone.
I will also add that despite my weight at the time of donating, I had no ill effects from the anaesthetic at all, no sickness etc. And I was discharged from hospital 48 hours after the operation.
Thank you for your kind comments, little did I know how helpful this blog would be for others. Having said that, that was the main reason i set it up but you never know how things will take off or not.
Any more questions please just ask and will do my best to answer.
All the very best and above all — what an amazing and wonderful person you are to want to donate to your aunt. She has a wonderful niece.
Di
x
Glenys….
Can I ask how things went with you? Only respond if you want to.
Di
x
Hi,
I am on the Anthony Nolan register to be a bone marrow donor and was a match. Unfortunately the recipent went for another donor. I now want to donate again but this time something that i know there are shortages for. I live local to you and found your website by chance. I just need to check how work will react but i will be doing it for sure
Greg
Hi Greg,
Thanks for making contact. What a shame you were unable to help re the bone marrow. i applaud you though for being on the list. Have to put my hands up and say I have never been on the bone marrow list. By the time I got around to going on it, I was deemed too old!! My fault and regret it.
Just so you know, if your work will not pay you when you are off for evaluation tests or recovering after the donation operation, then you can get your out of pocket (reasonable) expenses reimbursed after the donation by the NHS. By reasonable I mean if you earn severl hundred thousand a month, you won’t get that back! lol …
Some people who are considering donating don’t always like talking about it in public i.e. on this website. If you want to chat or ask questions but would prefer to do that privately, then please use the contact link (top right on the menu bar).
I wish you all the very best in this, and thank you!! Although we donate because we want to help and are not looking for any thanks or for getting anything out of this, afterwards I found a feeling of contentment and great satisfaction that I had done something truly of great help for someone else.
All the best
Di
hi, i am really considering becoming a living donor and donate a kidney to someone i don’t know.
i am only 16 and i am curious as to whether that would be an issue and i am a little overweight ? :/
were should i go to see if i am a suitable donor ?
you are an inspiration !xx
Hi Emily,
What a wonderful thing to want to do. Thank you!
As you are only 16 you would need parental consent to do this also each individual Transplant center has their own criteria on who can/cannot donate. They may wish you to wait until you are 18 years old. Being overweight need not be a problem, but you would do best to get to a weight suitable for your height and build etc. To discuss your donation with one of the professionals you would need to speak to a “Live Donor Co-Ordinator” at your local Transplant hospital.
Hope that helps
All the best
Di
xx
hi diane,found out yesterday im a blood match for my 22 year old daughter who is on dialysis three times a week wish us luck i think next step is to see transplant nurse soon i have enjoyed reading your views and others this evening thanks angela.
Hi
How fantastic. I do so hope all the evaluation tests go okay for you both. Please let me know how things progress. How wonderful if your daughter can come off dialysis!
All the very best .. and in my thoughts and prayers
Di
x
Hello Di,
I’m so pleased that I came accross your blog. My brother is in renal failure and needs a live donor. I have an underactive thyroid which was my only concern, I had still planned to have the assessment and hope to donate my kidney to my brother who has two young children. I do suffer from extreme tiredness, I was wondering if this would be worse after the kidney is removed? What is the expected recovery rate?
thanks,
Elli
Hi Elli,
Join the under active thyroid club 🙂
I did wonder about this also especially as the adrenal is sitting on top of the kidney. After the operation I did feel very tired for a couple of weeks. First week the worst but it would come in bouts, I found I need an hour or so rest both morning and afternoon, not necessarily sleeping though. It took about 2 months before I was back to normal re tiredness though after week 2 or 3 it did not affect me during the day only in the evening when I needed to go to bed a bit earlier than normal. How much of that is due to the operation and how much due to thyroid, I don’t know.
I know some people don’t really feel tired at all, then I also know some who were more tired than me …. so ??
Recovery is really a very personal thing, it varies a lot person to person. now take the oldest person to donate, who was 83 years old when he donated. He was back mowing the lawn after a few days!! Personally I felt that was a bit early mainly cos of the internal stitches etc but .. he hardly felt any tiredness and recovery was quicker thn a lot of people. Do men recover quicker than women? I don’t think so as know a few men who have had problems recovering quickly.
If I was doing an office job I would have been back at it say after week 2 but only on a part time level as the tiredness would have got to me. But physically apart from some pain at times, I felt okay at that stage.
It also depends what type of operation you have. Although I was told they aimed to do keyhole, they also made it very clear that if when they opened me up they found the vessels were not so clearly definined or ??? they they may decide on open surgery. So I had to consent to both forms of operation. If open surgery then recovery would have been noticebly longer.
Back to your question about tiredness. Personally I would plan on being as tired as you get now or even a bit more, but you should get back to pre operation tiredness within 2 months max I would have thought (if keyhole surgery) with the latter weeks probably not being that much different.
Have you had your adrenals checked for how they work? I know when I really felt tired (way before operation) I had adrenal checked and they were not performing as they should .. got them back up and working okay and lost a lot of tiredness as the medication could then kick in better. Its a bad circle as for the thyroid to work you need your adrenal to be working … if the adrenal is not working properly then the thyroid medication can supress the adrenal even more.
If you are not already a memnber go and join up on this thyroid site http://tpauk.com/ it is excellent. It was through them I found a specialist who after 10 years of me suffering got me back on the correct route with thyroid and this includes knowing how to get adrenal tested as some GP’s won’t test just cos you ask or don’t know how to get it back up running correctly. The forum at that link … they probaby are more expert on the subject than the experts themselves.
Good luck with the donor testing, would love to know how you get on ….
All the best
Di
x
Hello Di,
I’m very interested to donate a kidney, however I am uneducated on all of this.
I’m already a registered organ donor, but I would like to be able to offer my organ now rather than when I’m gone.
Could you point me in the right direction of who to speak go about this please
Thank you Darryl
Hi Darryl,
Thanks for posting on my website. And an even bigger Thank You for wanting to donate a kidney now. And another huge Thank You for being on the Organ Donor Register 🙂
Okay what you need to do is contact your local kidney transplant unit. If you don’t know where it is then check this list and you can find it there. If you have a choice of units then you can contact which ever one you want http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/about_transplants/transplant_units/
You need to ask to speak to a “Living Donor Co-Ordinator” and then just take it from there.
Have a good read of this website. Links on the left of any page up near the top under “Become a donor” will show you exactly what the donation process is like and what to expect.
Any questions, then please just post them here, or if you wish you can contact me directly by using the Contact page, link top right of any page.
Do please let me know how you get on …
All the best
Di
x
Hi Diane,
Just wanted to give you an update, I had mentioned recently that I had put myself forward to give an altruistic kidney donation and I have had an interview, ECG, blood samples and chest X-ray.
I have informed my place of work and my boss was perfectly gone about it.
It has been two weeks since the blood samples etc and I am just waiting for the next communication
Thank you again for this wonderful web site
Philip 😉
I did mean to put ‘fine’ lol ^^^^
Hi Philip,
Things are gathering speed!! So glad your boss is gone .. oops, fine …about it all 🙂 . How I loved the waiting ….. I think that was the worst part. Very short notice, I know, but the Give a Kidney charity is holding a meeting in London this Saturday 22nd (near oxford circus tube). Anyone can come along, although we need to know who so as to reserve the place. There will be lots of donors, those going through evaluation like yourself, recipients, nurses, doctors .. uncle tom cobley and all!! Even me! Now that is worth attending for surely, hahaha …. If you are interested go to the home page of this blog and you will see the agenda. If you want to attend let me know and I will get the lady organising it to get in contact with you, for your details. Or maybe you know someone else who may like to attend? it will be very interesting and you can ask lots of questions as well 🙂
All the best
Di
Hi Diane,
unfortunately I couldnt make the conference but my colleague Penny Richardson is one of the speakers at the conference so I will be able to get feedback from her afterwards.
Many thanks again and I hope the conference went well
Philip
Hi Phillip,
Sorry for the late authorisation of your post and my response but have been away and only just back. I too was one of the speakers but had to miss the conference due to personal circumstances. Such a shame as I was really looking forward to not only the discussions but meeting people.
Maybe you will be going to the next one?
Di
x
Hi Diane,
I will look forward to attending the next conference and hopefully I will have given myself by then.
I have the GFR test this Wednesday 3rd July and have a CT scan on the 12th July.
Fingers crossed for continued success 😉
Hi Philip,
Good luck with the GFR and CT scan – they will be fine, after all the 12th July is my birthday, lol … so all is good on that day 🙂
Let me know how it all goes …
Di
Hi Diane,
Just a quick update to let you know that the I had the Gfr test today.
I must admit I was a bit nervous as I want to be able to give a kidney so much.
I will be pleased when I get the all clear as it will be a great honour to be able to help in this way
Speak to you soon
Philip
Hi Philip,
Glad that is another test behind you. I think the greatest test we all go through is the one called “patience” 🙂
Look forward to the next update
Di
x
Hi Diane,
You are so right, I will just have to have more patience.
I’m just so enthusiastic to be able to do this.
Thank you for your help and guidance which is much appreciated
Philip 🙂
Hi Philip,
I know the feeling. I think your emotions are similar to how mine were. And the nearer you get to donating the more excited you will get, and on the day you will feel like a child at Christmas, the excitement will be so overwhelming.
One reason I love doing this blog and helping potential donors where I can is because I can feel the emotions people go through. And the nearer it comes to them donating, believe it or not, I too start to get excited for them (you).
Speak soon, off to stuff my face now with some pasta! 🙂
Di
x
Read your blog with much interest. I am about to embark on donation of a kidney for my father, who’s condition has deteriorated rapidly in the last couple of weeks and is on week 3 of dialysis. Your coverage of the testing and op has been in valuable and has reassured me that I am absolutely doing the right thing. Thank you
Hi Claire,
I edited your post for you. I have to say having your fingers on the wrong keys … quite an interesting name … I was trying to pronounce it 🙂
So sorry your father’s condition has deteriorated so quickly. When are you booked for the donation? is it soon?
So glad my blog has helped allay any fears etc. Any questions please do post or just contact me direct.
Please keep in touch and let us know how the donation goes?
Thanks for posting – best wishes to you and your father.
God Bless
Di
xx
I have my first appointment in new tears eve at Portsmouth renal unit (I live in Salisbury) hopefully we can get through testing successfully and quickly. I’m a teacher so need everything to fit around college holidays. If I can donate. I’m hoping for keyhole so recoup will be quicker.
They will quite happily fit it all around your schedule. Keyhole is the preferred choice but it wont be until they actually perform the operation that they will know 100% it can be keyhole.
Hopefully all the tests can be done quite quickly.
All the best
Di
x
Hi Diane,
Happy New Year and all the rest, I’m a 33 year old male from a wet and windy Northern Ireland, very keen on finding out about maybe donating a kidney.
I read your blog with great interest, and was just wondering if you could possibly point me in the right direction for info over here? I have looked on various hospital websites but no joy!
Many Thanks
LYN
Hi Lyn,
Thanks for posting. Also thanks for reading my website. I think you will find a lot of the information contained on these pages would apply to wherever someone donated. But obviously there would be some differences. (BTW its wet and windy here too 🙂 )
Check out these links .. not sure they will give you much information but ….
1) This is the Renal Association and the page is on Northern Ireland. You will see under the heading an email address for Lead Renal Clinician – you could make contact there.
http://www.renal.org/about-us/what-we-do/uk-nephrology/from-northern-ireland#sthash.y6i8TgYy.fusuSpnG.dpbs
2) Belfast has your transplant hospital so you could contact them – again putting the same question. You could ask if there is someone you can go to see to ask more details about donating. You could also ask, if they have an altrustic donor who would be prepared to talk to you about their experience. A lot of people who come to me for support – is because they asked the local transplant hospital for a contact 🙂
Belfast City Hospital
Direct Line: 02890 263921
Switchboard: 02890 329241
3) This is the NHS Organ Donation page – again tons of links and will be a contact number or email somewhere where you could be put in touch with various organisation in NI that can give you more info.
http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/living_donation/
4) I know this is about organ donation in general – but it is for NI and they must be able to pass on some good links to you etc
http://www.organdonationni.info/
5) Northern Ireland Transplant Association Facebook page …I find facebook pages of great help as existing donors could be reading 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/NITransplantAssociation
6) NIDirect – again they could have some contacts/links of help for you if you contact them direct. I notice on that page they also have link to facebook page
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/organ-donation
7) The Norther Ireland Kidney Patients Association could be a good source of information, but you will have to make contact with them and ask. I was approached a while back by the Six Counties Kidney Association … same as the NI one but different area, and I was invited to go and give talk on altruistic donation …. so the NI association should have some contacts of existing altruistic donors or kidney recipients from a living person.
http://www.nikpa.org/
Not sure how much help any of those will be. Chances are you have already approached them, lol ….
Please feel free to keep in contact here and if you wish to post questions out of public view then you can use the contact form link top right of page to make direct contact with me.
Hope you get to find information you want and eventually go on to donate 🙂 certainly is the best thing i have ever done
TTFN
Di
x
A big thanks for all your help!A little bit nervous of potentially what could lie ahead! but hey…..life is not a rehearsal lol:-)
I’ll keep you updated as too what happens
lyn x
Yes please do keep me updated 🙂 …. If you were not feeling a bit nervous … then you can’t be human ! ….. 😉
All the best
Di
x
Hi Diane ,I have in the past wanted to be on the bone marrow reg ,,but my doc chuckled ,no ,prob to much work for him to do ..Anyway I wish to donate a kidney to a person whom shall have a wonderful life … please contact me asap
regards Trevor .
Hi Trevor,
If you would like to get in touch personally then please use the Contact link at the top of the page and the email will come directly through to me 🙂
Really great you want to donate a kidney.
I missed out on Bone Marrow 🙁 by the time I got around to wanting to donate, I was too old!! grrr!
TTFN
Di
hi would it be possible to give me a idea of how long I will have to wait to get the first evaluation ,,or whatever tests I need to , ( tick box ok ) for you benefit..i am very disappointed with the nhs waiting times ..I was taken of a list due to being on holiday ,and given an appointment while on holiday ..
I phd the hos.when I got bk told them I got an appointment when I was on holiday.and told I was taken of the list also that it would be over 1 yr until I get the appointment again , also got told of or cop-out for NHS why didn’t you let us know you where going on holiday we would have not sent it ..I didn’t expect 5 working days I would get an hospital appointment ..
so could you pleas get back to me to let me know how things are progressing other than saying I am on the list ..
regards Trevor
Hi Trevor
I have sent you an email, please keep an eye out for it 🙂 May have gone into spam folder.
All the best
Di
Hello Diane,
It has been great reading your blog and peoples’ comments and responses. My long term partner’s father had a kidney transplant with his father as the donor in 1971 (I believe this is the longest successful transplant to date in England). However, after 44 years, quite understandably, this kidney has failed. This man has truly lived his life to the full with so much enthusiasm and zest not to mention love for his four children and three grandchildren. Having been embraced by this wonderful family for 12 years I cannot bear to see them grieve and think he has so much more to give them. Very sadly, he wanted to self-dialysis at home but this didn’t work out. He then contracted a serious infection and was in hospital for a couple of weeks. He now attends for dialysis three times a week and I can see him growing weaker both in body and spirit every week. He is currently suspended from the transfer list and when he goes back on it it will in all likelihood be 3 years before a donor is available. Even then, the likelihood of rejection is considerable as his antibodies due to the previous transfer may be more selective! I have had the initial tests and am blood group compatible and my kidneys good. Initially I asked the living donor transfer co-ordinator not to tell my father in law who wanted to donate but she said they wouldn’t consider it if there wasn’t openness between us. We now have to have the crossmatch blood and tissue tests and so I need to talk to him. I am so scared he will reject my offer. I so want to do this both for him and his family and also, selfishly for my own good and sense of self worth. I wonder if you have any advice to give me in order that I can persuade him that he needs this, I desperately want to do it, the benefits to both of us far out weigh the risk for me as an extremely fit, healthy and enthusiastic donor. I would appreciate any help you can give and also any advice and health tips you can give me in preparing for the operation. Many thanks. Maria
Hi Maria,
Thanks so much for reading my blog and writing.
Firstly may I say WOW to the fact your partner’s father kidney lasted all those years. Incredible. But so sad to hear he now needs another one.
If I may, I would prefer to email you direct with whatever advice I can offer. Not because it is private and for no one elses eyes, but because I feel we will be exchanging views/comments a lot and email is much easier as the automatic notification I get when someone posts here, has been playing up recently and often I don’t get notified.
If you agree and we do communicate via email, I can then, if you agree, summarise any advice I have to offer in this comments section in the hope it may help others in similar situation.
I have sent you an email asking if you are okay with this 🙂
All the best
Di
x
Hi
I’m so thrilled to read your posts . I am currently waiting to start the process to donate my kidney to my husband & I have under active thyroid which was worrying the back of.my mind . Reading this posts after googling the question has put my mind at ease. I really cannot wait to see the transplantation nurse and get the ball rolling . Thank you
Juli,
Thank you for posting. How wonderful you are going to donate to your husband. Exciting for both of you. Yes that dreaded thyroid 🙂 🙂 it certainly worried me intitially until I asked the question …. phew… great sigh of relief 🙂 🙂
Best of luck and if you feel like updating us, would love to hear how you are getting on with the donation process
Di
xx
Thank u I certainly will.
Hi Diane
I decided about a year ago to donate a kidney. I then told my youngest son who said I was mad! It was put on the back burner but now I have made up my mind to carry on. My nearest hospital is the Churchill. as was yours. You made it sound a really lovely place, so that has made me feel very positive. I asked my GP about the state of my kidneys, and after a blood test they were said to be fine – just drink more water!
I am 73 years old and a widow. I have no dependents and enjoy good health. My three children do not live near – one son in Dublin. a daughter in Paris. and another son in Hampshire. I live in Berkshire. The only concern is that I live alone and it seems as if it’s a good idea to have someone with you when you first return home.
I am now trying to pluck up courage to phone the Churchill!!!
Wish me luck
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Thank you so much for finding my site and posting. I can understand your son’s concerns, however he needs to do some research and find out about donating and to see how safe it is. Point him in the direction of my blog if you like … he can even contact me if you wish.
Now you have made the decision …. it is exciting times ahead.
Your age has nothing to do with donating … it is all about youre health and the Churchill will put you through various tests (as you have read from my pages).
Please do ring the Churchill. Ask to be put through to a “Live donor coordinator” …. You can mention me, Di Franks, and that I will always be available to support you.
Now as for when you leave hospital. Yes you will need someone. You wont be able to lift much or even walk far. No way can you do housework for a while etc. I found putting on socks and some shoes impossible for a few days … well not impossible but painful, so I lived in slippers :). you also wont be able to drive for a while ….. but chat about this at your first meeting see what they suggest.
So …a bit late to ring now … but tomorrow …. pick up that phone and ring them. I will wait to hear that you have 😉
I am always here to offer support even if it is just someone to chat to who knows what its like. That is what I missed more thn anything, just having someone who understood to talk to. If you wish conversations to be private then you can contact me direct via the Contact link at the top of the page.
All the very best … and thank you so much for wanting to donate 🙂 🙂
Di
x