1 Month

[wlocke]

Good afternoon all just an update: I have a donor and a date for transplant. Dec 4 is the date. I'm feeling anxious but so happy. What should I expect?

[Charlene_Coxhead]

Wow that is absolutely fantastic news and it's a good day as it's my dad's birthday too. Your bound to be nerves and anxious about it all because you will be naturally thinking of your donor and also about your self. Your getting a fresh start yes it's not going to be easy and there will be highs and lows but know you have all our support and well wishes. Do keep us all posted will be thinking of you.

Reach out for support if you need it

Charlene x

[Mindy73 in reply to Charlene_Coxhead]

Lol...thats also my dad's birthday!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Congratulations! I am so happy for you.

The surgery only takes a couple of hours. When you get back to your room you will be hurting, but will already feel different. For me they must have had 5 different things hanging from my IV - fluids, steroids, antibiotics......and also had a foley catheter so they could keep track of the amount of urine my new kidney was making. They got me up to weigh me about 5-6 hours after surgery. Was horrible, but, every time I got up, it got easier and easier and less painful. The day after surgery I was up and walking the halls. You will continue to have daily lab work, sometimes more often.

My transplant center actually had me take some classes before I could be discharged. Learned all about the drugs I was on - the immunosuppressants, antibiotics, viral antibiotics - side effects and things you need to report to your transplant team. Also learned signs of rejection and how I was going to have to take my temp and bp everyday.

I am 19 years post transplant but remember that day as if it was yesterday. It changed my life forever! When they call your transplant a GIFT OF LIFE they do know what they are talking about.

Please feel free to ask me any specific questions you might have?

Thinking of you and wishing you the best!

[Mindy73]

Congratulations!! That's awesome! I have my first evaluation appointment next week so I'm afraid I can't help you out with any info but good luck!!!