To do KT or not?

[Dina0210]

To those of you that has had a kidney transplant, do you think it is worth to do it, given all the possible complications and the high risk of developing cancer by taking immunosuppressants ? I am contemplating on undergoing pre- emptive KT but with of these possibilities , I am so nervous. Thanks

[2sday]

It is absolutely worth it! I’ve had all the treatments for kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis, hemo dialysis, home hemo and transplant. If you’re not a candidate for transplant, you have to do dialysis. But if you are a candidate, get your life back! The side effects of long term dialysis include exhaustion, bone disease, heart difficulties Your diet is restricted, you will have to drastically reduce the amount of liquids you drink if you are on hemodialysis. Transplant is the best treatment available!! You will recover from the surgery. KT recover was so much easier than the hip replacement I had to get from the bone disease I had. Get on the list, please. If you can get a transplant, go for it!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

It is so worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Life is wonderful at 22+ years post-transplant.

Because of my transplant I was able to go back to work, see my daughters' marry, and now have grandsons to spoil! My husband and I travel and are about to celebrate another wedding anniversary this summer!

The immunosuppressant meds were a little rough at first until the doctors' got me on the right dose.

I enjoy LIFE! I have been volunteering now with the NKF and also my local WY Donor Alliance. It is my way of trying to give back for my amazing GIFT - my transplant.

[Dina0210]

Thanks to all for your encouragement. It gives me hope and courage to pursue KT.

[May4]

I had my first kidney transplant as a child, almost 30 years ago, and have been on some form of immunosuppressants the entire time. No major issues from them, had early mild side effects, but those have since calmed down. I am careful to not get too much sun exposure, and wear sunblock, hats, etc as most immunosuppressants make you more susceptible to skin cancer.

Transplant vs dialysis was night and day difference for me. My life on peritoneal dialysis was tethered to a machine every night with a catheter tube coming from my abdomen, not fun! But I was scared to be transplanted at first because I got used to dialysis, I knew what to expect from it. I hope I never have to do dialysis again. Everyone must do what they are comfortable with though.

If you do get a transplant and you find you are having difficult side effects from any medicine, let your doctors know! I started out on two types right after my second transplant (cellcept and prograf), but switched them both because they were not working for me. (On imuran & sirolimus now)

[barbara55109]

OMG! YES. Both the quality of life and life expectancy are highest with a kidney transplant vs dialysis or no treatment. Also, getting a kidney before dialysis is also life extending and leads to fewer complications. I'm desperately trying to get on the transplant list.