Tuesday, the Big Day

I met my recipient Tuesday morning.  Actually, the clinic accidentally left his name on a piece of paperwork they gave me, so I Googled him.  I couldn't find any social online presence, but I did find his business website, including his picture.  As I was walking into the surgical center, I saw a man that looked remarkably like my recipient.  So I went to talk to him.  "Are you Mr. D?"  He looked at me like I was some kind of nutjob, but confirmed his identity.  I said, "I'm your donor," and he immediatlely became a warm, charming man.  His wife hugged me--she's probably a hugger all the time--and he was charming.  I was glad for the timing, so there was no need for a long, awkward conversation.  How long does it take to exchange "Thank you" and "I'm happy I can do this for you"?  About 3 minutes?  Then I had to check in for surgery and the fun began.

I don't remember any of the surgery, obviously.  Kerry said it took about 200 hours, but according to the clock, it took a little over 4 hours.  I came out of anesthesia just as they were wheeling me to recovery.  I handle anesthesia easily, so I woke up pretty easy.  Groggy and sleepy, but awake enough to identify my surroundings and ask for my glasses. 

I was sore that day, but not unbearably so.  I was grateful for the morphine pump and the little green button.  And that kept me groggy and sleepy all day long.  I was sore enough not to worry about dignity, and I was even grateful for the catheter, that meant I could sleep all day long without having to get up to go to the bathroom. 

As soon as I saw my surgeon again, I asked how my recipient was doing.  I got the good news that his new kidney is working well for him.  Yay!  I'd hate to go through all this and have it not work.  I have been careful to think and talk of it as his kidney, not mine.  I have no control over it, I willingly gave it to him, it's not like I can take it back.  It's his now.

And that's how it goes they day of donation.  Holden, if you decide to donate when you're a grown-up, you'll know what to expect.