This time next week I will be recovering from the largest shock my body will have ever faced. I feel increasingly privileged to be the one who can help my Dad. Once my kidney is removed it will leave a scar approximately 25cm in length below the ribs on my left side. Open Nephrectomy was chosen over Laparoscopic surgery because my ‘pipes’ into my Kidney are complex. The MRI scan showed this clearly.
Dad will have an incision below his belly button and the new one will be hooked up to his Artery and vein above the bladder. The recovery time for him will be relatively quick and anti-rejection drugs will be taken every day for the rest of his life.
As for me the recovery will be a little longer because my body is loosing a perfectly healthy organ. 6-8 weeks is usually the time suggested for recovery before most people return to work. That puts me around Christmas so I hope to be settled in Whistler before then.
Friends – close & distant, Family, Doctors & Nurses have been super helpful and informative throughout the last few months and this process would not have been smooth without them.
3pm Sunday I am admitted to Christchurch Hospital and the next day Dad & I will do one of the coolest things we’ve ever done together. The next few weeks will be the biggest challenge we have ever taken on. I like a good challenge.
Photos and words by Richie Johnston, WordPress
Richie Johnston 
Richie, all the best for the surgery, your amazing! Will be sending positive energy your way next week! All the best mate! Hope to see you this winter in Canada.
Best of Luck to ye both…
Give yourself loads of time to recover, works out best!
Look forward to adding your positive story to my list of successful kidney ops stories;)
Slainte from Eire
Richie,
Such an amazing thing to do for your Dad…and as you say such a privilege.
So glad the operations went well and Dad and Son are recovering well ; )
X