Hi, My partner has just had a kidney transplant 6 days ago. He is 31 years old. He had 9% function before he received the kidney and wasn’t on dialysis beforehand. He’s in hospital and due to Covid he’s alone and I can’t go. He’s not great at talking to Doctors and I’m not getting any information. His new kidney isn’t working yet. The doctor has said blood and urine are flowing through it, his creatinine levels have reduced from 650 to 545 but have started to creep up again. He is very dehydrated and his urea level is 33.9. He’s drinking 6 litres of water a day but it’s not helping. He’s also losing weight. They’re going to do a biopsy tomorrow if he’s no better. Can I ask if anyone knows why he’s so dehydrated? Is this normal? Will the kidney work? Is there something wrong and he’ll always need to drink so much? He doesn’t ask the doctors anything and is just getting depressed he’s not getting better. I feel helpless stuck at home unable to help or get information. Anything would be much appreciated. If anyone has experienced similar. Thank you.
Sleeping kidney after transplant - Kidney Transplant
Sleeping kidney after transplant
I don't blame you for feeling frustrated! That would be hard for me too if I was in your shoes. If the kidney is still sleepy it can take time for it to wake up and really start working properly. I'm not a doctor, just a kidney recipient myself, so I can only speak to what I know but based on what I know from others, once the kidney wakes up it usually will start working like it should so he won't have to drink so much water. It may be worth calling the unit to check with his doctors since he won't ask anything and you can't talk to them in person. I genuinely hope things get better for you both very soon! ❤
Dear Kwatts87,
I am so sorry to learn of your partners situation. As a kidney recipient myself I can understand the frustration and stress that this can have on both you and them. I am no doctor so I can’t offer medical advice but I am always happy to be moral support. I had a similar situation as well that my kidneys were not working for a bit and then they came back on ( to a degree ). The issue I have with my kidney is that one of the main vessels has shrunk due to dehydration and so there is not enough blood flow going to them. I am waiting for my second transplant because of this issue. I also had two biopsies and they found nothing wrong with my kidney in general except for the lack of blood flow. I would encourage your partner and you to just stay the course and hope for the best. I am sure the doctors are right on top of it. I will be praying for both of you. Blessings.
Are you listed as his power of attorney? If you are, you absolutely have the right to request information and ask questions with his doctors directly. I wouldn't suffer in silence but actively communicate with his care team. Of course, cheer him up with constant encouragement will be helpful to the both of you.
Hi, thank you all for your replies. Much appreciated.I don’t have power of attorney, he’s capable in himself. Just doesn’t do well with doctors. He hates feeling weak so just clams up.
He sent me a lovely message last night saying he struggles to say it but appreciates all my support and that I’m keeping him going ❤️
I’ve phoned the ward before but it’s so busy at the minute. The girls that are on the phones are just helpers, they’re lovely but they don’t know anything. The hospital he’s in is full and I don’t want to pester his team when I might be taking their time away from helping someone. They’re short staffed and over capacity so doing the best they can.
A young doctor spoke to my partner last night when he was putting him on a drip for the dehydration. My partner found it easier to talk to him and got some questions answered. Seems everything is down to the fact the kidney is still sleeping. It’s a waiting game at the minute which is so hard! He’s going for a scan and biopsy today. Hopefully get some more answers after that. He was only on the transplant list for 14 days so it’s all been such a shock and we’ve not had time to really ask questions. His kidneys took a nose dive last year so it’s all happening very quickly. I know it’s a blessing and we’re so lucky but it’s so much to adjust too and understand. Covid and 3 young kids thrown in for good measure 😂
I’ve been reading some stories on here and it’s helping, been telling my partner too and it’s giving him hope. Thank you so much
If there is anything that I have learned through my "kidney journey" is to be my own ADVOCATE! He needs to speak up and learn more about what is going on with his body and new kidney!!!!!!!! I am 21+ years post transplant and that is the most important lesson I have learned.Many on this site have had the same problem as he is experiencing with his new kidney not waking up. Some have had a dialysis session that has helped and for some it just takes time. My own transplant was from a deceased donor and did start working immediately and continues to work like a "champ!
I hope the biopsy and scan will give you both some answers. He needs to ask questions and get answers! This is his LIFE AND HIS BODY! It is his right to know what is going on!
Keep us posted! Thinking of you both....
He had the scan. All looks good but he’s still dehydrated and his creatinine is still high. His blood pressure was too high to do biopsy so he’s now on medication to try lower that and hopefully getting the biopsy tomorrow morning.I’ve told him he needs to ask more questions. I think being in hospital 80 miles away from home for over a week stuck in his little room is wearing him down. Before now I’ve been to every appointment with him and now he’s on his own. He is getting there with being more involved, there’s a younger doctor he likes and seems to talk to him a lot more.
We’re allowed to take him a care package tomorrow so he’s looking forward to that. It’s going to be torture to be so close to him but still not able to see him 😢
I absolutely agree with you! In her partner's case I would give him a break though as he is probe still on 150mg prednisone.... 
Hallo . . . .
I was transplanted 5 years ago this month .
My kidney is doing great ~ but a heap of other problems ; bones , joints & immunosuppressant (I assume) caused debilitation .
I can't guess whether you are in USA or Europe ~ and there is apparently tremendous difference in procedures & protocols .
It is my opinion that he MUST overcome the dehydration . Kidney will NEVER awake if there is a fluid deficit. 6 litres seems a dreadfully low liquid intake . . . . . . I was on 9+ litres per day , in order to achieve fluid credit (more in than out)
I recall , those who could not stomach enough water had to be on constant intravenous fluid . But drinking is crucial & surely to be preferred .
I had to insist in room-temperature water , not iced . . . . . just take a deep breath & gulp it down ~ that's how I managed !
AFTER day 10 , when I was released , I was staying in fluid credit on 6 litres/day .
After 12 weeks , I was fine on 3-4 litres . I maintain minimum 3 litres per day , to this day .
I'm 63 btw ! And am lucky enough to have remarried to the most wonderful person who ever lived ~ one year ago tomorrow !
I wish you & your Loved One the very best . . . . . May he achieve , and maintain adequate rehydration , & wonderful health .
God Bless ~ from John x
(PS: his weight loss surely verifies the dehydration)
Yes and I am really surprised that the IV fluid he surely is getting is not improving that issue! I was on IV 24 hrs a day at the hospital and I was still thirsty so I drank too, as a result I produced way too much urine for the nurse's liking 
We’re in Scotland, uk. They took him off his iv fluid on day 3. He’s been back on it for 2 nights now plus drinking plenty so it’s improving. He’s very nauseous due to the meds so he’s often sick. He is trying to drink as much as he can but with vomiting it’s difficult, he brought his meds up a few times too which panics him. He was feeling a lot better mentally yesterday and seemed more himself. Fingers crossed we get more answers today.
Thank you everyone ❤️
His levels improved overnight! He’s getting out today! So happy and so unexpected but wonderful. He’s got to go back in on Monday and if is levels are still struggling they may do biopsy then. Thank you so much everyone. I’ve been reading your posts to him and other posts on here and it’s helped him change his attitude and fight to know more and get better. Yous have been an inspiration to him and I thank yous so much ❤️
That is great news , I am so pleased for both of you !
BTW ~ I also am in Scotland ; transplanted in Edinburgh (RIOE) , attended BGH (Borders)
Wishing you all the Best .
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