schrodingers_toast

Lost wages is definitely one of the biggest barriers. I am fortunate enough to have great insurance through my work, and organ donation was the only "elective" surgery that Short Term Disability will cover. I have been off work since the first week of November and go back next Monday!

Absolutely no judgement over here my friend.

I think so! Its a weird mixed emotion. I'd love to see how they have benefited from it but I also don't want them to feel indebted to me at all. I sent them a Christmas Card through my donor team at the hospital just wishing them a speedy recovery, and only signed my first name.

Eep! Thanks guys!! I just deleted it.

To be completely honest, it kind of feels like nothing happened at this point. The week in the hospital following the procedure was the hardest, I definitely had moments where I questioned my own sanity for doing it. Mentally and emotionally, because I don't know the person who has it so I can't really see the "effect" it has had one someones life, it all kind of feels like a weird distant dream.

As for lifestyle changes, I eat way less and because of that have become much more conscious of the types of foods I put in my body. Also, being bed-ridden for a few weeks also made me greatly appreciate just going outside for a walk. I was already an outdoorsy person, (hiker, backpacker) but I think now I have an even greater appreciation for my body and am grateful for the things it allows me to do!