Transplant/motivation for others

[BorrowedHope]

For those who've had their transplant surgery how do you feel now? I'm starting my work up and am visibility and emotionally shaken. Thanks in advance.

For those of you starting dialysis, I felt like it would ruin my life and all that which many may feel initially. I learned to try and work with and along side it to ensure that I get the best out of my life. Head up! We can only move up from here!!!

Thanks

[Bunkin]

I haven’t had a transplant but was scared stiff when referred to get on list. Just wasn’t sure. Then last year someone came along to donate then bailed on me without telling me so I have mixed emotions. Don’t really want to go through that again. Will be starting dialysis soon.

[Jayhawker]

I was really stressed out as I went through the eligibility testing last summer into the fall. But once my data was back I was relieved and thrilled to find that I qualified without problems. I was especially pleased with my cardiac data.

So I’m waitlisted now and will be waiting anywhere from 2 to 2 1/2 years for a deceased donor kidney to arrive from what the transplant team told me.

Of interest, I’m more stressed out going to the dentist than I am thinking about the transplant surgery. To make my dentist feel better I told her that i suspected that brain surgery would likely stress me out more than going to the dentist but I thought that was about the only thing that would be worse... She just laughed.

Jayhawker

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

FYI: I am 20 years post transplant and am doing great! My creatinine is a steady 0.9-1.1. My husband and I travel several times a year - here in the US, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. Other than having to take my immunosuppressants and have labs done every 3 months, nothing seems to hold me back.

The first year after transplant can be a little rough. Your body is revering from major surgery and is getting used to your new meds. Just make sure that after your transplant that you tell your team of any issues you may be having no matter how insignificant you think it is. My transplant meds were adjusted several times that first year. Your transplant team cannot help if they don't know what is going on.

Best of luck to you in your kidney journey!

Keep us posted.

[BorrowedHope in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks for the heads up friend much appreciated!