Cmv

[kidneytransplan]

My kidney transplant was 1 and 1/2years ago ALL has been great. However this past week they discovered that I had been tested positive fot the CMV virus and immediately put on the Valcyte Drug.

Can anyone help me with your experience with this?

[Azulwolf]

Hi and Congrats on your transplant. It is my understanding that this virus is usually dormant in the majority of people but can (and usually does) become active in transplant patients. It is something they are suppouse to test for before transplant with the donor kidney. This is my 3rd kidney and my cmv levels have gone up a few times and usually being on the Valcyte for a few months usually does the trick in bringing virus numbers down low or to zero. I have had this kidney for a year and 5 months and the virus has reared its ugly head about 5 times thus far however I have not had any symptoms or side effects. There has only been one time the Valcyte did not work very well so I had to get an infusion of meds (outpaient, several hours). Other than that I did not feel any different or sick. Although I did have a really bad bout of cmv with my second kidney right after I received it and was in the hospital for 1 month but after that it never returned for the life of that kidney. Because of the bad experience I had with this virus with the 2nd kidney I was very nervous when I got it this time however it was totally different. It has been about 20 years when I had that issue with the virus and I believe treatment has gotten so much better! I understand everyone is different and responds different however I think you will be ok. The doctors and transplant teams usually keep really good eyes on these type of viruses so try your best not to stress. Hope that helps somewhat. Blessings to you and praying all continues to go well for you.

[kidneytransplan in reply to Azulwolf]

Thank you for your reply.This is helping me to understand what is happening to me.

Actually, the transplant team was really surprised when they discovered this because all was goingso well. The month before this I had been in Florida for 2 weeks and biked 100 miles. I look forward to getting over this. Stories like yours help me know life is still good.

[Azulwolf in reply to kidneytransplan]

Welcome and praying all continues to go well for you. 100 miles!!! Wow, now tbat is awesome! Sounds like you are doing all of the right things. Live and love life! Keep enjoying yourself and yes in spite of everything life is Great, lol!!! Blessings

[kidneytransplan in reply to Azulwolf]

Thank you! I wish the best for you too.