Learning from a Living Kidney Donor: Joanie Shappell

Joanie Shappell was a living kidney donor for her husband at the Penn Transplant Institute through Paired Kidney Donation and a special program called the Advanced Donation Program. The Advanced Donation Program is offered at Penn in conjunction with the National Kidney Registry and it allows a living kidney donor to choose the most convenient time frame for their kidney donation surgery. We asked Joanie about her experience as a living kidney donor at Penn. Here’s what we learned:

What inspired you to be evaluated as a living kidney donor?

When my husband first received the “green light” for a kidney transplant, a lot of our friends and family submitted applications to be screened as potential living donors. I initially didn’t because I am not a blood match. Then he was put on “inactive” since his numbers improved. When it came time to get the process rolling again, the two candidates who were a blood match could no longer donate. So, it made sense to me to step up and apply through paired kidney donation – if approved, I would donate to someone who was a match and Mike receives a living donor kidney from someone he matched. Why would I ask someone else to donate if I am capable? It was something I felt I should do. I accompanied Mike to his first appointment with Dr. Levine and that is when we met Sarah DiPadova, Nurse Practitioner, Kidney Transplant. I talked to her about donating and was encouraged to try. So, I applied.

What was the evaluation process like for you?

The living donor evaluation process was a positive learning experience. Everyone I met was kind, professional, accommodating and patient. I was amazed that all of my tests could be scheduled in one day so I wouldn’t have to make multiple trips. The process just flowed and the staff made it very easy to complete the necessary tests.

How did you feel about advanced donating?

Since I wasn’t a direct match, paired donation allowed me to save two lives, which made it even more meaningful. And as his primary caretaker, scheduling through advanced donation just made sense.

How did your recovery go?

Recovery went well. Getting in and out of bed was the hardest - it felt like I did way too many sit-ups. I didn’t feel sick afterwards, just not like myself for the first few weeks. I ate a lot of scrambled eggs and jelly toast and, I walked a lot. The hardest part was refraining from working out and not lifting the laundry or trash when I was feeling better but still had physical restrictions.

What advice do you have for people considering being evaluated as a living kidney donor?

Don’t wait. Get evaluated. I can honestly say that I never felt scared. The doctors and staff at Penn make you feel comfortable and educated about your decision. My anxiety about having surgery - because I never had surgery before - was worse than the actual surgery and recovery. I would do it again (if I could) and I would have done it sooner.