Young transplant recipient intro

[stayhappy123]

Hi,

I very recently had my transplant thankfully. I am a young recipient and I feel very excited and optimistic about the future.

I wanted to introduce myself and also find out any tips on leading a healthy balanced lifestyle post-transplant. Anything would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Alfredmynewkidney]

I got my transplant 8 months ago. I just try to eat healthy and lead an active lifestyle. I feel very blessed to have received such a great gift!

[stayhappy123 in reply to Alfredmynewkidney]

I feel very blessed too! Thank you for replying

[kebeankosme21]

I am a young recipient too back in 2014. I was 20 yrs old then. Just follow the physicians advice/s, regular labs and check up, eat healthy and sleep on time especially don't skip your meds! 😊

[stayhappy123 in reply to kebeankosme21]

Glad to know there are other young recipients like me! Thank you for replying

[Dara3351]

On February 4, ’21 I will celebrate my 2 Nd year of my transplant. I think all of us are so grateful for our gift. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, drinking your water, and staying active is something we all embrace. Unfortunately sometimes we have no control of what are health will be. I had an endoscopy(gall and kidney stones removed, gall bladder was removed two days later which was a year ago, eye surgery (macular pucker) 19 months later, and a very serious UTI infection which landed me in the hospital for 6 days and 10 more days of antibiotics. Hoping 2021 will find me free of hospital visits. So far my kidney is doing good! So don’t fret! Stay on top of your bloodwork! Wishing you the best.

[stayhappy123 in reply to Dara3351]

You’re not alone in wanting a better 2021. Glad to know your kidney is doing well. Thank you for your tips and sharing your story.

[Hidden]

First of all, congrats on getting a transplant I am sure that is a relief in of its self. A lot of great advice on here and I would advise the same idea with keeping a healthy diet and lifestyle and keep up with your meds and lab work. Remember those are the things you have control of and everything else should fall into place. I am dealing with my second bout of kidney failure, I had a transplant when I was ten and only am in need of another one because I developed high blood pressure ( hereditary ) and so due to low blood flow my kidneys slowly but surely are being suffocated. But anyways when I did have my first transplant obviously being young really helped which is the same case with you. Stay active, keep yourself educated and aware of what your body is telling you. Remember you know your body best and if your body is saying something even something very random and what you would think is nothing say something to your doctor cause it’s better to be safe then sorry. Keep up with your meds and obviously stay away from too much sodium and auger. I know easier said then done. Best of luck to you and blessings.

[stayhappy123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the tips! I will definitely take all of them on board.

I hope that 2021 is a bright year for you! I have also been through kidney failure, stay positive.

[papillonagility]

Having a positive outlook, building friendships and a support group in addition to all the other posts about your meds. exercising etc. I donated to my son back in 2007 when he was 21. His transplant is still doing very well. I'm even healthier today at 64 because of donating. I was first rejected as his donor due to an unknown condition I had at the time. I changed my eating habits back then so I could get re-tested and after several months was able to donate. I continue to eat healthy today. A win-win.

[stayhappy123 in reply to papillonagility]

That’s fantastic to hear. Thank you for the tips!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I am 21+ years post transplant.- The main thing I have learned is to always report any issues or problems you are having to your transplant coordinator or nephrologist. They can't help you if they don't know about the problem. That first year, I had my dose of my immunosuppressants reduced twice.

- Always do your labs when scheduled and take your meds as prescribed, get enough sleep, stay hydrated and eat healthy. I still am careful about the amount of sodium in my food

- The first year or two your creatinine may vary some. Just know that it is normal, but always report to your nephrologist. A couple of times, because of elevated creatinine, they actually did a biopsy of my transplant . It never wound up being rejection, but was scary nonetheless. And know when it is rejection, when caught early they can turn things around. That is why at first you have labs done often.

- I know it's hard now with COVID, but plan something fun, plan for your future, go on a trip, etc. I was hiking in the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park in Montana, 8 months after my transplant.

- I had a deceased donor and have been in touch with the family a couple times a year since my transplant. I wanted them to realize how grateful I am and all the things I am able to do and experience because of their son's gift.

- Most importantly live your life to the fullest. Make it a testament to your wonderful donor!

I also belong to my local Wyoming Donor Alliance. I am a volunteer helping to get the word out about how important organ donation is. By telling my story, I am helping others to receive their Gift of Life

Stay safe and continue to let us know how you are doing and your plans.

[stayhappy123 in reply to WYOAnne]

Hi,

Thank you so much for these useful tips. It’s very inspiring to hear from someone who is doing so well with a deceased donor transplant.

Stay safe.

[Alfredmynewkidney]

Congratulations!!!

[Tahmed251]

At the begining the side effects of the medications are going to make you feel bad at times but dont worry over time things will get better. You might experience a lot of weight gain at the begining but you need to exercise to keep the weight off. Good luck on the journey and God bless you. Always stay positive.

[stayhappy123 in reply to Tahmed251]

Yes, I am having side effects such as hand tremor, hair loss and light headiness from low bp. However, it does seem to be getting considerably better (like you said) with my medication doses being decreased.

I am also experiencing healthy weight gain which is good in my case as I am underweight. I will need to exercise to make sure I build muscle mass.

Thank you so much for replying. It really did help me.

[Yankcg70]

Congrats to you!! I was 18 when i had my transplant. It was from a deceased donor. Well 31.5 years latter, we r still going strong!!! Have never had a rejection episode and i am one of the few that is no longer taking anti rejection meds. The main thing is: DO NOT miss your meds. My dr always tells me about young recipients who think they are invincible and after a year or to they quit taking their meds. Well my opinion is, if its that dang hard to pop a few pills in ur mouth 2x a day, then how bad do they think its gonna be having arms that look like your a drug addict or having to plan YOUR WHOLE LIFE around having to be near a dialysis center. So stick with those meds. Make sure you get to your appts. Try to eat healthy ( watch your sugary foods etc and salt intake) and at least walk for exercise. And do not be afraid to ask for help or talk to a therapist. It can be all very overwhelming. But your here...so i think your pretty smart and you can do this.

[stayhappy123 in reply to Yankcg70]

Wow ur story is truly amazing, it gives me a lot of hope. My health is always my first priority. My transplant team also told me about young recipients commonly having rejection due to missed medication. I was quite unwell on dialysis at a young age so I know how big of a miracle my kidney transplant is. Thank you for your advice, it has really helped. Hope you are doing well. Stay safe

[Yankcg70]

The same to you