kidney transplant

[sandwiches]

Has any one had a kidney transplant due to having lupus like me. would like to hear how they feel after their transplant. how they are managing with life afterwards.

[tremarel]

Hi there, yeah I've had a transplant. I had my kidney off my Dad 17 years ago. Kidney has been fine it's just everything else that comes with it. I know being on steriods for over 30 years hasn't helped. My bones are not good, suffering with oesteoporosis now along with fibromyalgia, a muscle problem called neuromyotonia & my immune system is shot so have to do infusions of immunoglobulin antibodies everyweek to keep away all the deadly viruses & bugs. How are you doing with your kidney, how long have you had it ? It's great having the transplant but it's not a cure just a treatment really.I am really grateful though. Such a gift hey !

[Thaddeus in reply to tremarel]

Hello Tremarel

All respect to your Dad. As a donor I know what he went through and would shake his hand if I could.

Martin Thaddeus.

[tremarel in reply to Thaddeus]

Respect to you to Thaddeus, such a great thing to do for a loved one. How is your wife doing now ?

[Thaddeus in reply to tremarel]

Not too bad thankyou. to be honest, I had long wanted to be a donor and couldnt believe my luck when I got the chance. It was a big adventure. But they dont tell you just how much its gonna hurt.

[sandwiches]

I had my transplant 3 years ago from a male cadaver. I have been on steroids since 1998,my legs are no good and i am walking slower and slower each day because my legs are heavy. it's good to of had a transplant because i had such a bad time on the diaylsis machine but the weight gain isn't good because of the medication i take. still on a high dose of tacrolimus,13mg per day, i take statins which have made my muscles weak.my immune system is fine at the moment,i haven't had a lupus flare since the transplant. Still glad to have had the transplant.

[tremarel in reply to sandwiches]

Yeah my legs are not good either. I'm on statins & Cyclosporin Only on low dose of Cyclosporin though because I've had so many infections. Do you have regular check ups on your kidney ? Does the lupus affect you in any other way ?

[sandwiches in reply to tremarel]

I have regular check ups every 3 months. My next one is in june. Lupus sometimes makes me tired. i have brain fog. sometimes i can't remember names. Headaches. Anti rejection pills sometimes make me shake. weight gain. Dry skin because of the medication. i go every year for a bone density test at the hospital. I also have dry eyes and i have lost a lot of hair due to medication.

[Thaddeus]

Hello Sandwiches

I was diagnosed with Lupus after donating to my then wife, That was a decade ago this week. I found my recovery was very slow and not a lot of laughs, The only real problem I have now as a result is that in cold weather I tend to lean to one side after an hour walking the dog! The muscles around the scar will get tight and cant me over.

[sandwiches in reply to Thaddeus]

Hi Thaddeus. I also lean to one side even when i am standing or sitting. It is the side where my kidney was transplanted. maybe it is sympathy pain for your wife who you donated to. My transplant was male to female.