Does anyone with a kidney transplant ride a motorcycle? If so do you wear anything special to protect your new kidney? How long did you wait

[Indianmotorcycles]

Riding motorcycle

[pops81]

I did when I was a little bitter younger. I was on active duty in Tokyo when I developed acute kidney failure and was immediately retired from the USAF. I had my bike shipped home and kept riding as the AKF went to CKF and even on dialysis and through my first year of the transplant. I had a protective sleeve built for my fissure and of course even though I live in the ride free or die state I also rode with a helmet. I soon realized there is nothing that you can wear to effectively protect you from blue hairs making left turns or taking a slide and sold that bike. Still had the bug and bought one more a few years later but again between the transplant and my 2yr old daughter reality set in and that one was soon sold even though my daughter was very angry with her father, as she loved the bike. If you absolutely insist on riding no matter how uncool it looks I would stronger recommend reinforced riding pants and jacket with the inserted pads for spine, elbows, shoulders, knees, etc..., obviously a helmet, gloves and riding boots. As a transplant patient you are likely to bleed more and break easier even if you just have to lay the bike down to avoid an accident. The problem with bikes and most recreational vehicles is that one of the more common areas of injury is the pelvic area, where most of us have our transplant kidney (yes I still like to mountain bike, ride snowmobiles and utvs). To be honest its not the wisest thing you can do but if you must - wear the gear, drive safe, enjoy and most of all BE SEEN. I know its hard I'm even switched to a Cam Am Spyder that I have been riding for 8 years now and will be celebrating 40 yrs with the kidney this summer. But is all fun when your riding buddy is now my daughters, 10 -year old son. Be safe

[Hidden]

I am a passenger on motorcycle. I traveled with my husband while I was on PD dialysis. When I received my kidney in 2019 we didn't ride, but late in 2020 we rode some. I always wear jeans,boots, leather jacket and helmet. Also, remember out in the sun, you will dehydrate faster now with your meds and all the gear. We always brought water and made stops in in the shade. Watch out for major bumps! I would wait for at least a full year after transplant. Enjoy your new kidney and your bike. Be safe and smart.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

There is no reason why you can't ride a motorcycle! Just make sure you wear a helmet. When did you have your transplant?

[Indianmotorcycles in reply to WYOAnne]

3 months ago. I'm not looking to ride right away but do want to continue in the future.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Indianmotorcycles]

Ya, I would probably give yourself 6-8 months out before you start riding. Eventually you stop feeling & knowing where your transplant is. I know that I too had the feeling at first that my kidney needed protecting and felt like it could "pop" out.Might be perfect timing for riding this summer!

I am 21+ years post transplant.