As of 2025, I am a vet50 fencer and member of USA Fencing. I fenced for about a year and competed nationally before finding out that my brother needed a kidney and was given only months to live. I signed up for testing the very day he notified the family of his deteriorating situation. After a few months, we discovered I was a match and I pushed to have the surgery ASAP, both for his sake, and so that I could return to at least half a season of fencing. Three months after hearing that my brother needed a kidney, I was in the hospital prepared to give it.
The information provided about my recovery post-donation was limited, and generic. I came to find out that the information provided was the same information provided to everyone, regardless of the shape they are in, their physical goals, or activity level. There was almost no information out there about how to get back to national or international level competition after donation. I did, however, hear horror stories about other living donors who started training too early, and permanently injured themselves making themselves unable to compete in the future. So, I thought my information may be informative to others.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and am not providing medical advice. This blog is my personal journey and experiences only and is not meant to be a guide or map for others to follow. Seek your own medical advice if you have questions.
Tales of a One-Kidney Fencer 