Well first off, I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving yesterday!
But I have some questions for those of you who had a kidney transplant.. when you got the call to head to the hospital, how did you feel? What kind of stuff did you pack? How long where you in the hospital for? How did you feel afterwards?..
Thank you in advance. I’ve just been really anxious lately and my gut feeling is telling me to at least get packed to save some time for when I get the phone call saying to get up to the hospital. 🌻
That's great your on the list. You will have time to pack as been advised you need to be there with 4 hours ideally but that us in the UK.
I have clean underwear 10 pairs, socks, short pj and long pj as need the short ones for the catheter, comfy trousers, tops losser the better, hoodies, slipper soaks, wash bag with dry shampoo, phone and iPad/tablet charger, head phones, book, pen and paper. Important to take your medication with you too.
I plan to have a shower and wash my hair before going in, and don't forget go empty the fridge if you live alone and put the bins out you don't want stinky gone off food.
May be write a list so you can ticket off once you get the call as our minds are bound to be all other the place.
When I got the call for my transplant it came at 2:30 in the morning and was told to be at the hospital by 5:30 am. We lived about 90 miles away from the center, so I didn't have much time. Yes, the first thing I did was shower and wash my hair. Then I packed the usual underwear, socks......I didn't bring pajamas, since I already knew that the transplant center would have me in a hospital gown. My center gets you up and wants you dressed everyday, even with an IV and catheter. So I brought sweat pants, zip front hoodie sweat shirts, slippers. Once the catheter was out, they had me shower daily. An aide helped me wash my hair before that.
Feelings: my feelings were all over the place, which I think is pretty common. The transplant coordinator had told me that my GIFT of a new kidney was coming from at 16 year old that died in an auto accident. Also, that the kidney was a 4/6 tissue match. So I was upset that a family was in mourning and I was going to get this fantastic GIFT of LIFE! I know I cried on the way to the hospital. I was also scared about the surgery and would the kidney start working right away.
My new kidney started making urine before I even got off the operating table. The first 24 hours I was in a lot of pain, but they did get me up to walk. Every time I got up it got easier and less painful. I could have gone home after 5 days, but had a reaction to one of the meds, so had to stay 2 more days. So, I was in the hospital for 7 days. I think it kind of depends on how well you do. Plan on 5 days.
By the 2nd day after the transplant I already felt better. I was no longer so pale and had color in my cheeks. When I was eating solid food I was actually eating potato chips on my lunch tray. Something I had not eaten for years because of the sodium. And boy were they good! The best I ever had, ha, ha!
At my transplant center, they had me attend classes learning all about my transplant, the meds I would be taking, signs of rejection, etc.
I found all of the staff at the transplant center to be very friendly and helpful. They were always there to answer any questions or concerns I had. They also made sure that I felt confident when it was time for me to go home.
If possible, maybe you can tour the floor of the transplant center that you would be on before you get the call? I know it helped me and I knew a little more what to expect.
I am here for you if you have any other questions. Best of luck! Prayers coming your way.......
Thank you so much for sharing your story.. Your comment helped me realize things that completely went over my head! Definitely helped with my anxiety. ❤️
Take necessities such as toothbrush, toothpaste, facial wipes, moisturizer, brush, dry shampoo, lotion, a book, etc. I took extra PJs, socks, etc. that I did not use. The hospital has the gowns they want you to wear. At my hospital, they did not encourage patients to get dressed in their own clothes during the stay. Definitely wash your hair before you head out to the hospital. Best of luck!!
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