Today marks 2 weeks since I received a live donor transplant! It has been quite the rollercoaster for sure; I'm still getting used to going to the bathroom more than a few times a day, and eating foods that I haven't enjoyed in so many years it was like eating it for the first time! I'm also having to force myself to drink the 80 oz of fluid minimum, since I'm used to only drinking 55 oz in a day, and caffeinated beverages counted then, but not anymore. I have a system though, which is one bottle of water (tall 760ml) before lunch, one or two before dinner, and one before bed. I drink one full bottle with my morning and bedtime meds, and it's easier to make myself drink more than is required than fall short and suddenly get very thirsty.
My creatine dropped from over 5.8 to 0.94 in the last two weeks, my phosphorus levels are actually way too low so I'm taking supplements and am required to eat a high phosphate item with every meal. Potassium is a little low, but they're having me get that in through food as well. My blood pressure has dropped to a normal level since starting a new blood pressure med, which is making a world of difference as well.
I haven't had a gout, fibromyalgia or migraine flare since surgery and my energy level is much better too! I'm still having some incision pain, so I'm trying to do simple tasks myself like getting my own water, making my own food if it's super easy and doesn't require bending (go sandwiches and leftovers!) and keeping myself occupied with books, games and walking laps around my staircase. There's still a lot of pressure in my abdomen, but it will decrease with time. As per my previous post, I am still having side affects like the tremors, insomnia and hot flashes, but my mood swings have stabilized. I start the tapering process in two weeks, and I'm hoping that my other levels come up enough that I can start going off of my supplements too!
It is a very slow process of learning how to live with a transplant, since there's a lot to think about that I didn't have to worry about before, such as wearing a mask everywhere I go, what I touch, who I put myself around (they could be sick), where I go, how I dress (meds make me at risk for skin cancer and I'm super pale anyways so keeping myself covered either with clothes or sunscreen is a must) and food prep/ what I'm eating. My family has been super supportive and is making sure that I don't accidentally forget to wash my hands before and after eating, that I take my meds on time and that those who visit take the proper precautions. My step sister (donor) is basically back to normal, and she left yesterday to go back to school! I'm super excited for her and I'm thankful that she was willing to take some time off to do the surgery!
Written by
Ladybug_05
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Ladybug (you know that I know that is not your actual name, although I think it would be a neat name to have) I am so very happy for you! It can only go up from here! It is so great that your family is so supportive. I hope to hear more news soon! I hope you know I was trying to make you laugh when I said that I knew Ladybug was not your real name. However, I do really think that would be a really cool name! Love ya, Teri
What wonderful news. I am so pleased that things went so well and you are on a great course of recovery. Take care of yourself and keep us apprised of journey,
Wow thank you Ladybug, for the update I was only thinking of you at the weekend and wondering how you where getting on.
Sounds like you are doing fantastic and adapting to your new beginnings. It's bound to be very overwhelming and adjusting to a completing different way of life now. For so long you have been restricted on foods and fluid and it's complete opposite. I know your going to ace this time as you have always done your best prior to transplant. To have made such great progress all ready makes those risks worth it. Try and pit those to the back of your mind.
Washing your hands and drinking and the tablets will soon just come second nature it's just a matter of time.
Sounds like your your live donor is healing well and what a wonderful selfless act she did.
Strange question but have you named your kidney? I've heard many do.
Please do this to keep us updated I love to hear how you are doing.
That's all wonderful news. I am four months post transplant (living donor as well). Day to day activities will become easier each day. If one of the side affects of your medications is hair loss, talk to your doctor about any possible supplements that you may want to start taking before you actually experience hair loss (wish someone had told me that). The best of luck in your recovery!
So glad you’re doing so well! Continued prayers😀😀😀
What a wonderful story! I'm so happy for you (and you're step sister!). Reading your post brought tears of joy to me! Memorial Day was immediately after his transplant two years ago, and remember watching my husband looking like a kid in a candy store when I put guacamole, salsa, and potato salad in front of him and said he could have as much as he wanted. I cried.
I love reading these stories and am again so happy for you! When you've been through it in one way or another you feel the joy for others deeply. 🙂
Great to hear how wonderful things are going for you !! You are an inspiration to all of us who are awaiting our turn as you sound like you have adapted well. Best wishes for continued recovery and good health always....God Bless !!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Kidney Transplant help
Kidney Transplant process
kidney transplantation
