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.
Call urgently if: fever >101°F, worsening pain/swelling, shortness of breath, calf pain/swelling, inability to pass urine.
Your team’s instructions overrule this general guidance.