It took nearly eight months and more than 30 medical examinations for me to be approved for the kidney transplant waiting list at just one hospital. While I was still completing the process at the University of Florida, I received the wonderful news that I had been approved for a transplant at Mayo Clinic.

I already knew Mayo Clinic was an amazing place from the time I spent there completing the examinations required for the transplant list. However, I was not prepared for just how incredible my hospital experience would be.

The Mayo Clinic hospital complex includes 18 buildings spread across approximately 400 acres. Many of the buildings are connected, allowing patients to walk indoors to their appointments. Beautiful original artwork hangs throughout the campus, and there are many comfortable, stylish spaces where patients and families can sit, relax, and reflect.

The hospital rooms are state-of-the-art, with a large screen that provides entertainment as well as important medical information. When I arrived, I was greeted with a soft, terry-cloth, spa-like robe, and the nursing staff immediately made me feel welcome and cared for.

Before and after the transplant, I received numerous consultations from the kidney transplant team. They communicated clearly with us, answered our questions, and made sure we understood each stage of the process.

Day 1: Transplant Day

Preparing for surgery was surprisingly easy. I went into surgery without anxiety and with complete peace, knowing that God was in control.

In the operating room, the medical team placed an oxygen mask over my face. The next thing I knew, I was being rolled back into my hospital room. It felt as though no time had passed, but the surgery had actually taken approximately four hours.

I noticed some pressure in my lower-right abdomen near the surgical site, but I was not in severe pain. Overall, I was quite comfortable. I mainly felt discomfort when I coughed or tried to reposition myself. I was quickly reminded of just how often we use our abdominal muscles, even for the smallest movements. I knew I would need to move carefully during my recovery.

I immediately began taking anti-rejection medications and a very high dose of prednisone. The steroids made me extremely alert and talkative when my family came to see me after surgery. They were surprised by how energetic I seemed!

I felt wonderful on the first day and slept well that night.

Day 2: Resting and Recovering

During surgery, the medical team inserted a Foley catheter, which collects urine. I was also receiving continuous intravenous fluids to help flush

and support my new kidney.

Needless to say, I was grateful for the Foley catheter because I did not have to constantly get out of bed to use the bathroom. However, the nurses also wanted me to begin getting up and walking.

I was very dizzy throughout the second day. Managing the catheter and the attached intravenous equipment also felt a little overwhelming, so I spent most of the day resting in bed.

Day 3: Going to the Recovery Home

On the third day, both my intravenous line and Foley catheter were removed. Yay!

I had a surprise visit from my dear sister, my donor, who was a few doors down from me.  She was doing well and walking the halls to rebuild her strength.

With only Tylenol, my pain level was approximately a two out of ten. I was able to walk down the hallway, and my kidney team determined that I was ready to be discharged.

I spent only three days in the hospital following my transplant.

When I arrived at the hospital, my kidney function was approximately 3%. By the time I left, it had increased to 67%.

The swelling in my ankles and feet was gone, and I had lost 13 pounds of excess fluid in just three days. Even the skin on my face had begun to clear. There were dark areas that I had previously assumed were caused by sun exposure, but they may actually have been related to the toxins my kidneys were no longer able to filter properly.

Only three days after receiving my new kidney, I already felt like a brand-new person.

God is so good!

That afternoon, I left the hospital and traveled to my temporary home at Gabriel House of Care, where I would spend the next 30 days recovering while David lovingly took care of me.