Lab work frequency (post transplant)

[HughL]

I am six years post transplant and doing great. I am curious - how often are you post transplant folks getting lab work done. I am recently reduced to every six months down from every three months and wondering if that’s safe. Replies appreciated. Thanks

[Dara3351]

I am just short of my 2 year transplant and every three months. I’m sure they will have me go six months soon since my labs are doing ok

[HughL in reply to Dara3351]

Thanks

[Lionkin]

I feel happy to hear this, all your key parameters pertaining to the kidney transplant must be looking good,

GFR/RBC/Hematocrit/Hemoglobin/Platelets/WBC/CMV/BKV/BP/EBV/Tacro levels/no fluid retention/UTI/ no shortness of breath/no skin disorders/ no phlebotomy/low Immuno dosages ..etc.

Myself I am 15 months since KTX and since last week have been switched to 3 months..even though my kidney function is stable in upper 70s but I am not issue free. ( have high EPO being produced in my body), I have been told that I may have to live with high EPO for a long time. So I requested that the CBC Diff test be done every month -- Dr has agreed to it.

Every transplant recipient develops a unique characteristics which can change with time..so you must be doing good ..which is a very +ve development

Good Luck & Best

[HughL in reply to Lionkin]

Thanks

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I just went past 21 years post transplant and for many years my transplant center had me do my labs monthly. My creatinine has been stable at 0.9 for the last 5-10 years. My nephrologist still has me do my labs every 3 months. His feeling is to catch a problem early on, rather than let it get out of control. Every one of us is different and should rely on your nephrologist. Just always remember that if are having an issue your labs can be run immediately and or more often.

[HughL in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks

[FixitJosh in reply to WYOAnne]

Hello WYOAnne, Wow....21 years is so terrific. I just donated to my partner on May 4 and so far everything is going well. He got a cyst removed on his hand last week and they are evaluating that now. He had his first infusion yesterday at Emory in Atlanta.

I am wondering....do you have the infusions once a month? And, do you have a particular nutrition regiment and eating habits that you can share with us? I try to do a low carb diet, both animal and plant protein, as well as a lot of non starchy veggies, and of course, lots of water. Just wondering if you have any advice, as at 21 years, you must be doing things right.

Good luck....I look forward to hearing from you.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to FixitJosh]

Hi!Congrats on your wonderful transplant!

First of all, you said your partner had his first infusion?@#$ Guess I don't know what that is... What is it for?

Enjoy life now. You can pretty much eat whatever you want, as long as the transplant team did not give you a specific diet to follow. I eat red meat, chicken, fish and any fresh vegie I want. I do try to eat heart healthy and watch salt

I take my immunosuppressant on time, have my labs done when ordered and keep all doctor appts. I also report all issues and problems to my doctor no matter how small it seems. If it bothers you...it is NOT small.

Best of luck!

[Donaldson0007]

Hello. I was down to every other month until the disease returned in the transplant. I was trending to go every 2 months. Now I am back to every 2 weeks. I have a colleague, 8 years post and he goes every 3 months.

[Drdetroit]

I am 8 & 1/2 yrs post transplant. I do mine every month now as the Bk Virus came back about a year ago. Transplant wants to watch my Labs monthly

[1917 in reply to Drdetroit]

Hello Dr Detroit, I’m just wondering, what are they doing for your BK virus.They double up on my prednisone and took away myformic for 6 months, the prednisone made me feel horrible. Thanks for your response, I appreciate it.

[Annerose1]

I‘m 10 years post transplant. Have blood tests and doctor visits every 3 months. Mayo Clinic did the transplant and I still see them every year on

Transplant anniversary.

[HughL in reply to Annerose1]

Thanks

[MKlug2015]

I’m 5 years post transplant and have labs every 3 months. I see my transplant nephrologist yearly in May and my local nephrologist every November.

[neet24]

Hey actually I am 3 ½ yrs post transplant.. till know i have to do lab test in 1 or 1 ½ months .. everything is going on according to my doctor ..

Stay safe🙂

[pops81]

Hi, I've been every six months for about the last 35 +/- years..But I micro-manage with my other Drs as well and request copies of my labs after my annual physical and I see my lupus Doc every 6 months and get a copy of his labs as well. I believe if you ask they have to provide a copy, but this way I have lab results just about every 3 +/- months from various sources. But in the big picture you sound like you are doing great since they are comfortable in pushing it out to six months. ENJOY the moment!

[parojulie123]

I am at 5 months and have to go every 2 weeks

[Hidden]

Currently get lab work done twice a week, then from next week I will only go in once a week, I was transplanted end of September after 3 months on the transplant list.

[HughL]

Thanks

[AndrewT]

Dear HughL,

Mine are done around three, to four, times a year.... I was Transplanted in July 2013.

AndrewT

[HughL in reply to AndrewT]

Thanks

[HughL]

Thanks