Things to do to prevent kidney rejection

[KidneyBham]

I’m almost two years since I have transplanted, new to the group. I still get nervous when it’s time for my labs. Any suggestions on what to do to take care and protect your kidney from rejection.

[LisaSnow]

Hi welcome! How are you doing with your numbers? If they have been largely stable, you are on great track! I think we should all be diligent about selfcare including taking medications as prescribed, eating healthily, moderate physical activity, adequate hydration, and try to see regular lab work as a tool to help us instead of getting too nervous about it. There are margins of error with most lab assays so if the numbers change don't panic. It needs to be repeated and assessed by a doctor, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything bad. Stay happy and healthy!

[KidneyBham in reply to LisaSnow]

Hi Lisa, thanks for the tips, last month numbers were good, I have labs tomorrow, always a little anxiety though. I do all the above meds, eating, plenty of water and exercise 3-4 times a week. I sometimes wonder if I’m over exerting myself with exercising.

[LisaSnow in reply to KidneyBham]

Don't push yourself, just do what feels good!

[Sparta300]

Lots of water for me it’s 2 liters to a gallon I’m 62. Get rid of sugar! Not much caffeine . That’s my plan tour doctors may tell you different . Please take tour meds on time! There are several free apps that wii remind you. A doctors visit is good if they find something they can adjust it immediately .

[KidneyBham in reply to Sparta300]

Thanks Sparta300 good advice, I drink almost a gallon a day 5-6 20ounce bottles and I take my meds on time.

[mhawk in reply to KidneyBham]

I understand the feeling of always thinking about the test results. I am going on three year anniversary and awaiting my results to come back. Keep eye on your WBC count and your urine results so that nothing come in the backdoor. Pray for protection during the COVID 19 season!

[Drdetroit]

I'm 8 yrs post transplant. I'm 68 yrs old. Drinks lots of water, Meds on time every day, keep Vitamin D3 level up, Albumin level up ( protein). No sugar or simple carbs. Limit salt. I take Magnesium, D3, B12& Coq-10 every day. I still get nervous before every lab. Good luck !!

[Lionkin in reply to Drdetroit]

May I ask a question: how much of Vitamin D3 are you taking and did that raise the serum Calcium...Thanks, ( as I have 2 conflicting schools of approach) Currently my vitamin d oh-25 is 24ng/dL

[LisaSnow in reply to Lionkin]

I am also at 24 and I take one 2000 IU D3 a day.

[Lionkin in reply to LisaSnow]

Thanks LisaSnow.. is your serum calcium in Test Range.

[LisaSnow in reply to Lionkin]

Yes! I take a daily calcium supplement to protect my bone.

[Drdetroit in reply to Lionkin]

After transplant my Vitamin D3 level was 17. It should be over 30. I take 5,000IU daily and my level is now 51. I hope that helps. GOOD LUCK

[Lionkin in reply to Drdetroit]

Thanks Dr Detroit, that is a good reference Point, Typically when you take a high IU dose of Vitamin D, it raises the Calcium in the blood stream, Can you provide an insight has to how your calcium looks is it in the middle of the range or on the high end of the range...Thanks Again :). (One of the reasons why Calcium is important specially for people who are taking Calcium channel Blockers)

[Drdetroit in reply to Lionkin]

My Calcium is in the low-middle range

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I am 20 years post transplant and still get nervous waiting for lab results. I drink plenty of water every day, take my meds 12 hours apart, try to walk 3-4 times a week for exercise, eat heart healthy, keep all of my lab and doctor appointments. Report any problems to my nephrologist . I think we can be as diligent as we can and still some of us will still have a rejection episode

As long as your labs are stable now, it is time to live! My husband and I traveled to the Caribbean, before COVIC-19. When things return to normal once there is a vaccine you need to do or go somewhere fun. You had a transplant to LIVE so enjoy LIFE!!!

[Dara3351]

I think it’s normal to get nervous about labs. Because of this virus and staying home, my weight has gone up! Reality set in when I couldn’t fit into my pants. I decided then no more eating because I’m bored! I watched my diet and have lost 19 lbs and my labs are improving! I’m watching my sugar and those went down 20 points! So challenge yourself! Don’t sweat the small stuff!