I really dislike…no, I hate my aunt. Is that normal?

So…where do I begin. I seriously HATE that woman. I know its a strong word but I mean all four letters of that word to the fullest. She has a gambling problem and wastes her money then expects my dad to pick up the slack, and he usually does because he pittys her. I don’t. I don’t care if she is out in the street somewhere. When my grandpa was alive she used to abuse him and yell at him constantly until he died. She is the care giver for my disabled aunt whom she treats like sh*t and yells at too, she put her on her income tax so she’s getting money because of her, and then drops her off at my house so she gets the money while we take care of the disabled aunt. She steals the money they government gives to the disabled aunt to go on vacation to DR and then expects my dad to help her when she gets kicked out of her apartment because she can’t pay. She is constantly causing problems at my house because my dad feels he has to take care of this grown 50 something year old woman and she feels entitled to be taken care of. I mean I know she is your sister but shes f*cked up and needs to fend for herself. On top of all that, with all her neediness to my dad she has such a bad attitude to my mom, I would argue that she hates her. My mom did nothing but be kind to her. The job she holds today: MY mom got it for her. I never want to see her again. I don’t care if I were homeless and she was the only place I could go I’d happily sleep on the sidewalk instead. If I needed an organ and it was hers available, I’d rather die. Over the past 25 years of my life I have only a few, maybe 2 – 3 positive memories of her. I’ve tried to stand in her shoes and consider things from her perspective but even when I do there is no reason for her to act that way. Am I being unreasonable?

Kidney Donors Can Live A Normal Life

After donating a kidney to a loved one, you can expect to live a life that is as normal as anyone else’s.  There are no limitations on your lifestyle, exercise, or life span. A recent study by the University of Minnesota found that donors had a normal life span and were as healthy as people who have two functioning kidneys.

There are probably a few questions you have before donating a kidney. What you should know is that the risks of donation are similar to those involved with any major surgery, such as bleeding and infection. Death resulting from kidney donation is extremely rare. Current research indicates that kidney donation does not change life expectancy or increase a person’s risks of developing kidney disease or other health problems.

A person can lead an active, normal life with only one kidney. Studies have shown that one kidney is sufficient to keep the body healthy. After recovering from surgery, a donor can work, drive, exercise and participate in sports, though contact sports are not recommended. A donor can continue in all types of occupations, including military duty. Also, being a donor does not impact a person’s ability to have a child.

A recent article that evaluated data on a donor’s ability to obtain life, disability, or health insurance after surgery found that the majority of donors surveyed did not experience any problems.

When you return home, your activities will be limited. You should not lift anything that weighs more that 20 lbs for the first four weeks. You may feel tired for the first week or two after the surgery and may need frequent naps. However, donors are encouraged to be active in between their periods of rest. Walking is considered excellent exercise during this time. Santa Cruz is a great city to walk around with many pretty neighborhoods. Santa Cruz homes are varied in age and style and give one time to look at enjoy, rest as needed, and drink in the beauty while you heal. You may also have some swelling around the incision area and should plan to wear loose, comfortable clothes.  You will likely be able to return to work 2-3 weeks after the surgery, depending on the type of work. However some donors require a longer recovery period if their work requires heavy lifting or other physical demands.

Although there may be some small changes in your life during the first 1-2 months, you will be able to resume a normal life after that and enjoy knowing that you saved the life of a loved one. Your noble sacrifice does not have to compromise your quality of life. As with any decision of this magnitude, discuss this with several doctors and your family. Consider the pros and cons and be sure to have your will and trust updated. While there are risks in everything we do, giving a life is something a parent understands well.