Transplan

[Blackie57]

Im busy preparing for kidney transplant is there danger for me or donor

[gilders]

I had a transplant 6 months ago (father was donor). As with any operation there's always risks there, but I'd imagine much less than most operations. Both you and your donor will be thoroughly tested before the operation (this takes many months) to make sure that any risks are kept to an absolute minimum. In fact donors statistically live longer than non-donors. Not because donation makes you healthier, but because only healthy people are allowed to donate.

I have a bleeding disorder which created a higher risk, but because everything was planned well in advance, they gave me platelets before the operation and they began to "open me up" before they started on my donor, to make sure I wasn't going to bleed too much. During the operation my dad bled heavily (possibly where I get my bleeding disorder from) and it took around 7 hours instead of 2 hours to remove kidney. This meant I was under anaesthetic for around 9 hours instead of the usual 2 hours.

For the 24hrs after the operation we both felt good, but in quite a bit of pain when trying to move. My appetite was immediately back, but I struggled to swallow dry things for a couple of days (likely to be due to tube down my throat during 9hr operation).

My dad was due to leave the day after, but due to his bad bleed, they kept him in an extra day.

I must admit, after the first 24hrs things got worse for me as I had picked up an infection and my felt like I had a REALLY high temperature, even though it was raised very high when it was checked. Other patients were walking around the day after the operation, but it took me until around day 4. I think this was due to the infection and a combination of other illnesses I have. Once the catheter was out on day 5, I was walking very well.

So as you can see, things didn't go according to plan, but everything was dealt with. Most people, like the other the patients that were walking around the day after, won't have these problems and breeze through it.

My dad's only issue was constipation for just under a week.

My issue was the infection.

The main risk IMO is bleeding and if it happens, it will be dealt with.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Blackie57 and thank you for your post. gilders has posted a positive reply with a lot of helpful information. As gilders has posted, both you and your donor will be thoroughly tested before surgery to make sure that any risks are kept to an absolute minimum.

You may also find Kidney Transplant Patient Support community helpful. You will find this community listed in Health Unlocked A--Z Communities [please scroll to the bottom of the screen].

Please stay on this caring forum where you will receive replies from other members. Are any other members able to help Blackie57, please? We wish you all the very best for your surgery. Do stay in touch.

Thank you and best wishes.

[WYOAnne]

I had my transplant 20 years ago and living well. I had a deceased donor that was a 4/6 match for me.

Post transplant it does take awhile for your body to adjust and for you to get on the right dose, usually about 6 months or so, to your immunosuppressant meds that you must take.

I think the most important thing after having a transplant is that you report any problems or issues you are having to your transplant team. They can't help if they are not aware of any problems.

Let us know if you have any questions. Take care.