Kidney hasn’t woken up. Is there still hope?

[Pink_lilytree]

Hi,

A close friend finally got the call so many have waited for and had her transplant 8 days ago. Her kidney came from a deceased donor and for the first few days we were told that it may take a little while for the kidney to ‘wake up’. However the kidney isn’t showing any signs of doing so and my friend is feeling really really unwell. She is back on dialysis but it’s not really helping with the sickness. The covid restrictions in place make it tricky to find out much info as her husband is stuggling to make contact with the Drs on a daily basis. The current plan of action is for her to have a biopsy tomorrow to determine whether her body is rejecting the kidney. We’re praying so hard that this isn’t the case.

I was just wondering whether anyone has experience of this and ultimately I’m wondering is there any hope of the kidney starting to work even if 8 days have passed?

Sending lots of love and strength to everyone here 💐

[redpanda67]

Hi Pink_lilytree

Yes, it can "come to life" after 8 days. I had a similar situation. I had a deceased donor kidney transplant. I had to be dialyzed 2 times while in the hospital, which was depressing and frustrating. After a week they did a biopsy and determined I had an early rejection episode. They put me on high-dose steroids and within 2 days the kidney started working. I was sent home 11 days after my transplant. I have never had a rejection episode or decline in function since I left the hospital 17 years ago. Rejection, while not desirable, can be treated.

Good Luck

[Mgt8]

Hi there,

Yes, like Red Panda, this happened to me too. I'm now 4 years post transplant and feeling great.

Having dialysis post transplant felt so bad and I thought I had gone through it all for nothing at the time. I had a biopsy and blood tests. They found a rare antibody in me which was attacking the kidney. So they gave me a course of plasma exchange which is a bit like an extra dialysis session each day for 10 days. It was a very worrying time as all through it, I thought it was a useless attempt.

How great it was when my kidney finally kicked in!

Don't give up hope, If you are able to contact her then please encourage her. Initial rejection does happen and the medical staff are wonderful at diagnosing and treating problems. The best thing she can hear are tales of success because it is such a worrying time.

Good luck to her.

Best wishes,

Mgt

[sugabear]

Is she still in the hospital? I would be concerned if she were sent home before the kidney showed signs of improvement. Is she producing any urine? How are her numbers? Hoping she starts to feel better soon.

[TrulyBlessed]

Hello, remain positive. It took me close to three weeks before the kidney woke up. I had a biopsy and it showed no signs of rejection. I continued going to my dialysis’s appointments and then out slowly began working. I’m six months post transplant and things continue improving.

[Leekee]

I also had a similar situation. Had the biopsy and 2 weeks of dialysis. Then boy did the kidney wake up! Sending prayers and well wishes!