Kidney Transplant Survivor for 14 years!... - Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplant

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Kidney Transplant Survivor for 14 years! It's been a great ride...but I now need a new Kidney.

miles-jean profile image
23 Replies

After 14 years as a Kidney transplant survivor I recently learned that my transplanted kidney function is decreasing, and I will eventually need another transplant. But hey, I knew this day would eventually come and I have been preparing for it.

The next stage in my life will not be easy but ‘m expecting the road to be a little less bumpy because I’ve been down this road before and I’m more aware of the potholes.

Sending positive vibes to anyone reading this post!

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miles-jean
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23 Replies
Rusty8 profile image
Rusty8

Good luck

miles-jean profile image
miles-jean in reply to Rusty8

Thank you

Faith1020 profile image
Faith1020 in reply to miles-jean

I’m 12 years post transplant & going through the same thing. I have been feeling very depressed but your positivity and comments from others is helpful.

noonekcb profile image
noonekcb

I am on my third transplant. I don't know where you live but find the best Hospital with the shortest wait time.

miles-jean profile image
miles-jean in reply to noonekcb

Thanks.

This time around I have two candidates that will get tested as possible matches.

So fingers crossed and prayers going up.

Sparkles614 profile image
Sparkles614 in reply to miles-jean

Many transplant centers now have paired programs. So if one of your possible donors don’t match you, they could possibly match someone in the paired program.

I got my second transplant at U of M’s paired program 9 years ago. My function is still good. My first transplant lasted almost 10 years. I think we all know that transplants are not a cure, but a form of treatment. And in the back of our minds we know our amazing gift most likely won’t be with us forever. We just learn to not dwell on it, which is definitely easier said than done.

I wish you well and hope your kidney is with you for as long as it can.

Sparkles614 profile image
Sparkles614 in reply to noonekcb

I am on my second transplant but I’m only 54. Chances are I’ll probably need another. I know after each transplant antibodies increase in our bodies and can make it difficult to get another match. Did you have to have any special treatments or care in order to ready your body for another successful transplant? I’ve had both mine at U of M. How about you?

noonekcb profile image
noonekcb in reply to Sparkles614

I had no antibodies after 2 transplants and the Doctors had no idea why. My third was done in NJ. I am going on 5 years out July 2019 and trying to keep up to date on all new medication prescribed. Not all Doctors keep up or on the same page managing transplants. I keep in contact with my transplant center to check for changes in treatments and what medication I should be on every year.

Sparkles614 profile image
Sparkles614 in reply to noonekcb

Wow, that’s fantastic about the antibodies, or lack thereof! You’re right about not all doctors managing transplants the same. I’m dealing with a new doctor to me and having a difficult time trusting his decisions. Best wishes to you and your kidney for a long, healthy life together.

noonekcb profile image
noonekcb in reply to Sparkles614

Update

I got my Doctor to call my Transplant Hospital Doctors in NJ and am now on Bactrim Mon, Wed. and Fri. I started it 2 weeks know and feel a lot better.

Have your Doctors call your Transplant center and find out what's right for you.

My wife is a Doctor and she tells me all kinds of Doctor stories. Question everything. Good Luck

JeffSherman1958 profile image
JeffSherman1958

I am closing in on 20 years but with the same prognosis. My doctors aren’t sure how long it will be but my graft function is declining, slowly and not on a straight line. There’s things you can do to preserve graft functionality, like keeping low blood pressure and blood sugar, cutting back on protein, etc. Your doctors doubtlessly will work with you to keep your declining function as slow as possible but we’re in the same place, knowing it’s inevitable. Good luck!!

miles-jean profile image
miles-jean in reply to JeffSherman1958

Thanks for the info. Yes, I'm working closely with my docs and I have two candidates that will be tested when the time comes. Good luck to you as well.

sidmoesr profile image
sidmoesr

You have the right attitude miles-Jean, I'm on my second transplant and I fill renewed, but it's like you said this time you know what to expect and you know it's coming so you can get prepared mentally, emotionally and physically, I pray your wait time is short & your new kidney comes quickly & last you the rest of your life, I'm pulling & praying for you miles-Jean & sending only positive vibes your way, be blessed.😊

miles-jean profile image
miles-jean in reply to sidmoesr

Thank you for the reassuring words, positive vibes and prays. Sending blessing your way as well.

Yankcg70 profile image
Yankcg70

Good luck!!! Sending prayers for strength and good health ur way

miles-jean profile image
miles-jean in reply to Yankcg70

Thank you

3kidney profile image
3kidney

Stay positive my friend, you have a great attitude! God bless you on your journey.

Annalisa21 profile image
Annalisa21

Hi there. My husband is in the same boat. His transplanted kidney (2008) is showing signs of not working so well either. I wish you the best. Your positive attitude will get you through the tough days, and you're right...knowing what to expect makes things a little easier. You are not alone.

Overweight15 profile image
Overweight15

Thinking of you.. its not an easy road. All the best.

Overweight15 profile image
Overweight15

Good luck to you miles - jean.

Keep strong.

March-31-09 profile image
March-31-09

hello - I too am 14 years out. I know that transplant is not a cure & I will undoubtedly be needing another transplant down the road. This being said I’m not sure how I’ll deal with failure of my current kidney. How blessed was I that my dear friend donated to me in 2009. With over 100.000 people on the transplant list & 12 people dying daily while waiting there is an opportunity to make living donation a more appealing idea.

The Living Donor Protection Act is currently being reviewed by the Senate & the House. Although the LDPA is the law in 29 states it needs to pass on a National level. Please contact your congress person & senators to express your support.

have a lovely spring Jean 🌷

#MyKidneyHealth

OriginalDanSuush profile image
OriginalDanSuush

I’m curious I’m 4 years post transplant do all Kidney eventually fail and new a second or third one?

Porter20 profile image
Porter20

Best of luck! Did you have a living donor with this transplant?

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