Recovery After Donation

Recovery is individual. Most donors go home in 1–3 days and return to normal activities within weeks.

Typical timeline

• Hospital (days 1–3): walking the day of/after surgery, oral pain meds, breathing exercises.
• Week 1–2: fatigue is common; short walks daily; no heavy lifting.
• Weeks 3–6: light work resumes; desk work often 2–4 weeks, physical jobs 4–8+ weeks with clearance.

Restrictions & self-care

• No lifting >10–15 lbs until cleared; avoid core-straining moves early.
• Use stool softeners with narcotics; hydrate unless told otherwise.
• Drive when off narcotics and you can turn/brake comfortably.
• Incision care: keep clean/dry; watch for redness, drainage, fever.

Follow-up

• Early clinic checks; many centers repeat labs at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years.
• Long-term: annual BP and labs with your primary care.

Your team’s instructions overrule this general guidance.