Depression/Lifestyle

[wls001]

I guess I was disappointed because I was told so many different tales and I feel like I was lied to. I was told that once you got a transplant you would be able to go back to your old lifestyle with some changes but now I see that you can't hardly eat anything, no chocolate or not eating out. I am not sure if I can live this lifestyle and I am wondering did anyone have a hard time adjusting of doing this lifestyle? I appreciate.

[LisaSnow]

Why no chocolate?

[SN23 in reply to LisaSnow]

My son in fact was advised to have coco powder smoothy/ or chocolate to up his magnesium.

[MTgirl2828]

I think you used the right word when you said “adjusting”. Thats what you need to do! Give yourself time to adjust to your new life! People expect you to wake up one day and change everything you know and everything you are. That’s not how it works! It’s taken me over 2 years to accept the “new me”. I still have not fully accepted it. This has been the hardest part of ESRD for me. I told myself I was “ruined” and I’d never be me again. Give yourself time to mourn your old life & the old you. Things get easier and they slowly become normal everyday habits. You are stronger than you think, I promise you that!

Therapy was also a life saver for me. The reason I have survived these last 2.5 years!! I told myself I couldn’t and wouldn’t make it a year living this new life but support has helped me see different. Praying for you 💕

[Alfredmynewkidney]

Why no chocolate or going out? I live a normal life other than trying to lose 10lbs

[Hidden]

Yes. I did feel better originally. It didn't take long to start packing on the pounds and getting harassed by my doctors. I have never been able to eat what I want all the time. I rarely eat out because there is so much salt and other junk in food prepared by others'. Plus it is expensive and I am cheap as heck. My time on dialysis taught me how to limit foods. It has been hard to drink a lot of water because I trained myself to avoid fluids on dialysis. I personally, would not want to go back on dialysis. I was running out of access areas, so don't know what I would do if faced with that decision. I refuse to utilize PD again. You are trading one set of issues for another. You are still new to the process and it may be a medication thing you should discuss with your Nephrology group. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Eyak1971]

Keep in mind we are living in a world with a pandemic. Transition to a normal life style is not possible for just about everyone especially those who are now immune suppressed. More than ever we need to find those who can support us emotionally. By reaching out on this forum that is one step. Take the advice of those who have posted and reach out to professionals and family. Every disease has its drawbacks to therapies. Acknowledged them and move on. I try to be thankful everyday for this new day and try not to dwell on the past. Sometimes my body makes it very difficult. Take care and find joy in whatever you can.

[Estrea]

I had a different experience after my transplant I went back to the my old lifestyle I can eat chocolate and anything I want really

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I live a completely normal life. I am trying to understand why no chocolate? Are you diabetic? After my transplant, we ate out every week, I ate chocolate whenever I wanted. I went back to work full time, went on trips and led a completely normal life. Who told you your life would not be normal? That just is not true...life to some extent is what you make it.Make plans, plan trips

At first I did have a lot of appointments at the transplant center and weekly then monthly labs.

Now, I see my nephrologist every 3 months with labs done before my appointments. My husband and I go hiking in the mountains, before COVID traveled to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Europe... I eat what I want, trying to eat heart healthy and watching the salt. 4 years ago we moved from WI to WY to be near the Rocky Mountains.

My life, by most standards is normal, except for taking my immunosuppressant meds twice a day. That is my only reminder that I had a transplant.

When did you have your transplant? I know I went through several dose changes of my meds, till they got me on the right one for me. So that first year was a little rough.

Take care of yourself

[mdelponte515]

post transplant adjustment is very difficult. As an Italian who loves to eat everything, it was not easy at 1st, but after the 1st year, we slowly started reintroducing foods back, and as long as its in moderation, you can absolutely live a normal life. Make sure to stay on top pf your water intake and stay hydrated, exercise and eat tons of veggies. You can still snack, and eat & drink what u want, just in moderation.

[CB09]

If you still can eat and not feel nausea is already very lucky you ,Hope you feel better . my husband have been 3 months in dialysis from 115 pounds after 3 months dialysis now only 85 pounds, After he eat and vomiting…

[larrymontague826]

I was on dialysis for 5 years. I got my transplant 2 years ago and I am way better shape then I was 15 years ago. The only thing I can't eat is grapefruit and by products. I followed the same diet that I was on while on dialysis for a couple of months and now I am like I was 21.