Glad to be a part of this community!

[ClarissaR_12032016]

Hello, everyone! My name is Clarissa and I live in Burlingame, CA. I received my Cadaver transplanted kidney on December 3, 2016 ~ what a wonderful early Christmas gift for me and my family! I just want to be a part of a community that has an understanding of what I have gone through - 8 1/2 years on Hemo-Dialysis and a wonderful gift of a new kidney a year and 3 months ago. I am excited to meet new friends and hope to learn more about keeping myself healthy so that I can enjoy Cody, my kidney! Thanks and have a blessed day!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Congratulations on your transplant! I had a cadaver transplant in 1999 - 0ver 18 years ago! Hope you continue to do well. Let us know if you have questions and maybe one of us has had the same experience. Thanks for your post. You have a blessed day too!

[ClarissaR_12032016 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you for the warm welcome! I appreciate it. I would like to know how you have been managing the transplanted kidney for 18 years now. What advice do you have for me? Thanks again! ~Clarissa~

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to ClarissaR_12032016]

Hi Clarissa!

First, I would make sure you have a doctor that not only believes what you tell him but that you trust, also. He is now responsible for your health - your life. Whenever there is something out of the ordinary, I let my doctor know. Even if it is something I feel is dumb, sometimes it's not so dumb.

I live in Wyoming and is a very dry climate. I especially have problems when we are having a hot, dry summer. It is really easy to get dehydrated. I try to keep drinking water, but have sometimes gotten overwhelmed. You have to remember that if you are too dry, it can affect your creatinine..... your kidney function.

I guess what I am trying to say is to take care of your "gift of life" however...... Whether your meds are making you sick or you get the flu or you know something isn't quite right, make sure you contact your nephrologist or transplant coordinator. No question is dumb. I think my doctor has heard it all - probably from me. Ha, ha.

Be your own advocate!!!! Take care!

[ClarissaR_12032016 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks very much! That is, indeed, our plan as well. My husband and I are advocates for our needs and we hope that this is the start of a very, very long relationship with Cody, my kidney.

I am looking forward to checking in with you more. Thanks so much!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Thanks Clarissa! Have a great weekend.

[KelliC_NKF]

Congratulations to you and welcome to our community, we're glad to have you!

[ClarissaR_12032016 in reply to KelliC_NKF]

Thanks! Have a great day!

[NeedingAdonor]

What a XMAS Gift! You so deserve it. Take good care please~!