Transplant in two weeks

[Legomegamind]

My transplant is coming closer by the day. I’m excited and anxious at the same time. The downside of this is more medication than i have now but the flipside of it l’ll end with less. I just want this to be done and over with

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Congratulations wishing you the best! When my husband had his transplant we were a little surprised at the discipline it takes, especially early on. Meds, lab tests, doctor visits. But it sure beTs Dialysis in so many ways. Prayers are with you.

[Legomegamind in reply to marcyc]

Thank you. The amount of devices I’ll wake with was the first concern. (I generally do better knowing, like anyone else) At this point i just want to be done and over with

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Legomegamind]

For sure find out what to expect. It's always the not knowing that scares you. I remember when I woke up after my transplant, despite all of the pain, I felt like I had gotten a new lease on life. i felt differently.

And Marcyc is right. You do have to be disciplined. Make up your mind up now...meds every 12 hours, labs done, and doctor visits as required. Don't skip anything! I am 18+ post transplant and have always done what I was suppose to. My creatinine continues to hold steady at 0.9! Best of luck to you and let us know how it all goes!

[Legomegamind in reply to WYOAnne]

0.9?! I’ve never seen creatinine that low before. The thing is; it’s going to be a step by step process relearning how to move around

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Legomegamind]

They will get you up the first day. The sooner you can be up and move around the better for you and your recovery. Yes, you will have an IV and a catheter the first couple of days, but that should not stop you from getting up and walking. I went home after 5 days, but I think some even go home sooner now.

[Legomegamind in reply to WYOAnne]

I am well aware if all that and more

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Legomegamind]

There are really no limits on your activity after your transplant. I met, Chris Klug who had a liver transplant in 2000 and 19 months later won the bronze medal in snow boarding in the Olympics.

I have hiked the "High Line" trail in Glacier National Park 9 months after my transplant. There is no limit what you can do. I know it takes a littles bit to get the right mind-set.

Don't worry....you are going to feel wonderful!!!!

[Legomegamind in reply to WYOAnne]

Yeah i guess you’re right

[tvwatcher22 in reply to WYOAnne]

Really glad to hear there are no limits. I want to get back to the fitness level i was and beyond with my bee kidney. How long did it take you to start working out / training again?

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to tvwatcher22]

I had some issues at first with my immunosuppressant meds. so for me I was hiking and even some high elevations 6-8 months after. Could be sooner for you if no issues with your meds. A transplant is a real life changer!!! I was so sick prior to my transplant and now.....

Good luck to you and hope your labs are all AOK!

[Legomegamind in reply to WYOAnne]

I had an allergic reaction with first immune suppression meds. After 10 minutes I sounded like I had the worst headcold, couldn’t breathe, my face turned beat red and got a bad headache.

[marcyc NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to Legomegamind]

I a RN as well as donor. When you wake up you will have an IV. Sometimes they put a larger IV (Central line) in your neck. They numb the area so it isn’t painful. A catheter in your bladder to measure urine output. Not painful. Sometimes a little oxygen in your nose. They get you up very soon after surgery to walk and get the IV and catheter out as soon as safe. My husband the recipient said he didn’t have a lot of pain. Ask any questions. Call your coordinator at the transplant center to ask questions! Best of luck.

[Legomegamind in reply to marcyc]

A nurse came by and explain two other IVs the one in the neck is an IJ and the other goes in the bisept. The surgeons can decide if either of those are necessary. There were other devices/wires that she talked about but most are on a play by ear basis

[MelaMel]

Very excited for you! You’ll do great!

[tvwatcher22]

Hi Legomegamind - My transplant is in 4 weeks. I am nervous but really excited that it is happening. Hope all goes well for you!

[Legomegamind in reply to tvwatcher22]

Lots of oral fluids to decrease the maintenance fluids. The drain and cathiter will be there for awhile but they will disappear before you are discharged. Get up and move around. The surgeons will blow air into your stomach so bloating is normal along with a drain, cathiter and additional IV. Before I went under they applied an oxygen mask. There might be a chance that you will wake up still in the OR . Sore throats from breathing tubes are also common.

[tvwatcher22]

Waking up still in the OR actually sounds scary. Did that happen to you? Did they just have you in the OR too long after the surgery completed.

Thanks for all of the other details about how it goes. I am waffling between wanting to know every detail and just letting things happen so I don't get overwhelmed. I suppose it is almost always better to know.