ALERT CONTENT PLACEHOLDER

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​​​​​​​​​How can I take care of myself when I go home?​
  • Eating a healthy diet by following Canada’s Food Guide will help give you a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates and help you to maintain a healthy body weight.​
  • You might get tired easily. Listen to your body and don't do more than you can handle.
  • We recommend that patients take 4 to 6 weeks off work regardless of the surgical procedure.
  • Some patients, particularly those who are self-employed, return to work as early as 3 weeks after surgery regardless of whether the kidney was removed laparoscopically or using the mini-incision method.
  • Patients who work for a company and who are given time off usually take off 6-8 weeks, regardless of the method of kidney removal.
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  • Don't lift heavy things for 3 months after your operation. Anything over 5 kilograms or 10 lbs. is too heavy.
  • You can use small weights of 1 to 2 pounds to increase arm strength but be careful not to strain your shoulder joints.
  • Lifting larger amounts may result in stress to your incision and can affect your healing.
  • Walking is the best exercise. Try to increase the distance and speed you walk.
  • In winter, many people walk in malls to avoid icy surfaces and cold conditions or they use a treadmill if they have access to one.
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  • Do not to take anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil® or Ibuprofen following a kidney donation.
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  • ​Discuss readiness for driving at your clinic appointment.
  • You must not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. You need to be sufficiently strong, and flexible enough to move your leg and foot on the pedals, and be able to check your blind spot.
  • Always wear your seatbelt when you are driving or riding in a vehicle. If the belt causes discomfort where it crosses your incision, place a towel under the belt.
  • We will not provide letters to excuse you from wearing your seatbelt.​

Who do I call if I have any general post-operative questions or experience complications?

Call your living donor coordinator at 416 340 4800 ext. 4848.​

Please DO ​NOT call your surgeon's clinic with post-operative questions.
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