Recovery and Follow-up
During the first few weeks after leaving the
hospital, you may tire easily. Rest and take it
easy during this time. Your surgical scars may
still be sensitive to the touch, or they may be
numb. If you've had laparoscopic surgery, you
shouldn't return to work for two or three weeks;
you should wait four weeks if you've had traditional
surgery. You can resume normal activities a month
after surgery.
Your diet and activity won't be restricted after
donation. After recovery from surgery, you can
work, drive, exercise and participate in sports
as usual. You won't have to take any new medications.
You can continue in all types of occupations,
including military duty. Donating a kidney won't
change life expectancy, nor does it increase the
chance of kidney failure.
Three to four weeks after your discharge, you'll
be scheduled for an office visit at the transplant
center. You should also continue to get yearly
physicals from your primary care physician.
Also, you will be offered the opportunity to
be seen on a regular basis by the nephrologist
who evaluated you prior to see donor operation.
Reviewed by Robert
Grossman, MD
Last updated January 2007
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