almost 6 months post op

[ajcr]

I donated a kidney on the 10th of March. Covid was just hitting Boston on the day of our surgery. We both came through fine (no visitors were allowed in, of course). I feel like I had been courted before the surgery and now I feel as though I have been put out to pasture. I am having some issues (may be unrelated, but I would really like to know) and would also like to talk with a renal dietician about food and lifestyle changes. I feel like I am bothering the staff when I email. Perhaps this is all due to covid ~ I would like to give the staff the benefit of the doubt and say that it is. Here are a few of my questions:

1. I am experiencing hot flashes (several times a day). It has developed over the last few months. I am already finished with menopause. Could this be related?

2. What foods promote good kidney function? What should I avoid? I am not a coffee drinker, but I like Red Bull . Is Taurine bad for kidney health?

3. I have add and take methylphenidate. Some web sites say it is bad for your kidney. Others say it is not.

4. I feel as if I am more tired than I used to be. Related?

Any insight would be appreiated.

[vegiedonor]

Thank you for helping another person live. I'm almost two years out and I know the feeling of being ignored by the hospital. It's more like "see you around sucker". Keep bothering them since it's their job to follow up. Food choice are extremely important and for the most part no one will tell you. The storyline for donors is that you can continue to eat as before and you'll be okay just add a few more fruits and veggies. Please find someone who knows about nutrition. Check out nutritionfacts.org video library in the meantime. There's a good video series on kidney health however the series is for people with two kidneys so we have a few more nuances. Hope this helps and welcome to the "club".

[Philly57 in reply to vegiedonor]

There is relatively recent data that suggest any animal protein (including fish and shellfish) will cause renal hyperfiltration. Plant protein does not cause this condition. Hyperfiltration can cause or accelerate focal segmental glomerular sclerosis and lead to premature ESRD. I just donated one week ago and I have decided to switch to a modified vegan diet. Apparently animal fats have no deleterious effects on remaining kidney. You should also avoid salt and drink more water -- 2 quarts per day. Most kidney program nutritionists and nephrologists have not yet accepted the low animal protein guidelines. It will probably take another year for adoption. Plant-Dominant Low-Protein Diet for Conservative Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrients June 2020

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

Congratulations to you and to your recipient - you ARE A HERO!

I am not a health professional, so I can't specifically answer your questions, however, I would seek out YOUR OWN Nephrologist and perhaps see him/her annually to keep a relationship and to get an annual checkup - that's what I do and it's been 13 1/2 years for me. A nephrologist will help guide you and would put you in touch with a nutritionist who is well aware of living with 1 kidney!

Continue to take care of your health; ask these questions as they relate specifically for YOU and continue to seek answers until you obtain them!

Again, congratulations to you BOTH!

[alimesoda]

Congratulations and welcome to the club! I donated to my husband 2 years ago and we are both doing well. I agree with the other repliers that you should keep asking the questions -- you have earned the right to a response!

We had our surgeries at a top kidney donation medical center in NYC where we have our GP as well as other specialists that communicate very well. I work with a hospital nutritionist and nephrologist post surgery. Their best recommendation was take care of and maintain your overall health -- manage your weight, sugar and fat intake, and exercise. You must be in great health if you were accepted for donation! My husband and I have improved our diet and lifestyle, and we have both lost significant weight

I can't respond to most of your specific questions as I do not take any meds and i do not have hot flashes (yet!) but I can tell you that I was definitely more tired for nearly 1 year. I believe that it is function of your body adjusting to one kidney. My kidney function now is in the normal range for those with 2 kidneys and is nearly at my pre-donation levels -- the body is truly amazing!