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Surgery
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Follow up with transplant team
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Recovery time at hospital
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Recovery time at home
Is donating a kidney major surgery?
Yes. Donating a kidney is major, voluntary surgery.
A person thinking about donating should talk to a
doctor to find out about risks.
Would I have to take time off from work to donate?
Yes. Donors go through many tests. These tests may
take a long time. You would need time off from work
before and after surgery.
How long would it take for me to recover after a
kidney donation?
Recovery involves a few days in the hospital, some pain
after surgery and several weeks for you to “get back to
normal.” It is important to talk about recovery time
and its impact on daily life with your doctor.
If I donated, what support would there be for me?
Medical support for donors after donation varies by
transplant center. Family and friends also provide very
important support. Here are some ways they can help:
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Driving to and from appointments
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Cooking
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Child care
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Help around the house during recovery
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Talking with donor’s family
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Assisting in finding support groups
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