| Kidney donors will have to take medications for the rest of their lives |
Generally, prescriptions only for pain and stool softeners will be necessary in the immediate postoperative period |
| A kidney donor will have debilitating pain for an extended period of time |
Ordinarily, there will be some pain after surgery, which will diminish and can be controlled with pain medication |
| A kidney donor will be on a bed rest following surgery |
A kidney donor will be out of bed and walking before discharge from the hospital |
| A kidney donor will be in the hospital for an extended period of time after surgery |
A kidney donor will be hospitalized on average for 2 nights. |
| A kidney donor can no longer participate in sports or exercise |
A donor should be able to return to regular activities and exercise about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery |
| A donor will have to follow a new diet plan following donation |
A donor should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, but there are no dietary restrictions |
| A donor can no longer consume alcohol following donation |
While excessive alcohol use is always dangerous, a kidney donor can consume alcohol in moderation |
| A female donor should not get pregnant after donation |
A female donor should wait 3 to 6 months after donation to become pregnant |
| A donor’s sex life will be negatively affected by donation |
Donors may engage in sexual activity when they feel well enough to do so |