Covid after Kidney Transplant

[Taconeo]

Hi can anyone help and share their Covid experience , symptoms /duration and treatment after kidney transplant ?

Be much appreciated

Thank you

[Blue-Quilter]

I was transplanted in October of 2019, just before covid arrived. I got the vaccines as soon as they were available, which was February, March and September of 2021. I came down with covid in April of 2022. My medical team is fairly certain I had the omicron variant because my symptoms were cold and flu like rather than the severe respiratory ones seen earlier.

The first thing I felt was a sore throat, which is almost always my first indication that I'm getting sick. Next came a fever, body aches and a headache that wouldn't go away even after taking extra strength Tylenol. And the fatigue! I must have slept between 18 an 20 hours each day! I did a home test on the 7th, which was positive, but also had a PCR test done the next day because I was told my work would not accept the results of the rapid test.

I never developed the cough that so many had, nor the low blood oxygen. I never lost my sense of taste or smell, but I lost my appetite and because I was sleeping so much, I got dehydrated. I did get some tightness in my chest that made taking a deep breath difficult, and that coupled with the dehydration landed me in the ER on day 4. I got the monoclonal antibodies infusion the next day, as they have to be administered within five days of onset. My fever broke on the fifth day, and other than being super tired, I felt okay.

I had developed diarreah about three days into the illness, and a UTI followed five days later (after my ER visit) despite being on Macrobid to prevent them. Getting treatment for it was an experience, because I had to provide the urine sample in person, but the medical people couldn't be in the same room with me because I was covid positive. So the visit was conducted via my cell phone! They explained that even though I no longer had a fever, immunocompromised individuals can shed the virus for up to 21 days, so I had to quarantine for three weeks. It took the entire three weeks to recover. I was still sleeping 10 to 12 hours at night and napping during the day. The first week back at work, I left early two days, and was allowed extra breaks throughout the day.

When I think about it, I realize I was blessed. I had lots of people praying for me. The fact that I was able to avoid contracting the virus until after I'd had three doses of the vaccine was God's grace. The fact that I got the milder variant was God's grace. The fact that my employer worked with my limitations when I came back to work was God's grace. I sure wouldn't want to go through it again, but it gave me time to reflect on how truly good God has been to me. I am very blessed!

[LavenderRabbit in reply to Blue-Quilter]

Amen. I have not had Covid, but I surely feel God’s blessings.

[PostivelyJo]

After 4 vaccinations, no antibodies I had very sore throat and headache that lasted a day then minor cold symptoms. Was given antibody infusion on advice of Drs but didn’t feel I needed it at all but was conscious it could linger and then turn into something worse if left

[YorkyinNorfolk]

Transplanted 2002 in the UK. Caught Covid mid Dec 2021 having had 3 vaccine injections at that point. Had mild cold symptoms, slightly short of breath, tight chest and back. There was a week where I felt a bit rough but was able to work from home while isolating.

By the time I had a positive PCR test the hospital said that I’d missed the 5 day window from the beginning of symptoms for the antiviral treatments. I was told that my 3 vaccine injections will have helped to keep my symptoms mild.

Returned to normal life quite quickly, dog walks, playing sport etc but built up activity levels slowly and listened to my body.

I recognise that I was lucky to have it so mildly.

[theaurabesh]

Transplanted May 2000. 4 shots of vax. Wife tested positive on a Tuesday in early May, I tested positive Friday. Began with slight sore throat and some chest congestion. Headache, no fever. Contacted Transplant team, Nephrologist, and Primary Care Physician. Advised not to take Paxlovid due to interactions with tacro. Transplant doc put in order for monoclonals.

Slight progression in mild cold/flu symptoms, never developed significant cough. Had fever on Saturday (never over 100°). Headache continued. Fever broke Sunday morning and mild symptoms continued. Never heard back from antibody team, but symptoms were so mild was not concerned. Tested positive for a full two weeks and still had lingering fatigue but only if I pushed myself, i.e. chopping down trees at our cabin. Overall I was glad that I was 4 shots in and if I was gonna get it this was the way to go.

[A-A-B-J]

I was at er with headache, vomiting and diarrhea. They said I had uti and diverticulitis. They admitted me for iv antibiotics. They tested me and said I had Covid. Went to er at 3;00 am on Tuesday and nurses didn’t even suit up for Covid protection. I was released by noon on Thursday. One dr said it was a very light case and just wear a mask around others. Two other drs said if I had no further symptoms I was ok. One dr said it was very contagious. I guess just take my pick and decide. I’ve not had any more symptoms. Gave me nothing to treat Covid. Best of luck to you.

[blackkat2]

Transplant 2018. Caught Covid Dec. 2020, before vaccines or treatments. It was pretty bad, especially the coughing (damaged my voice from coughing, but it recovered). Never had to go to the hospital, thankfully. Lasted a couple weeks. Evidently, no long-term damage or symptoms.

[EchoStorm]

I was transplanted on 10/26/2021 and had my vaccine plus a booster at that time. I got the Delta variant in August last year, but only had allergy-like symptoms. I have it again right now. My husband tested positive 5 days ago, but I didn’t test positive until today. We both had the same symptoms though. Sore throat, headache, body aches, diarrhea, tired and sleeping 16 hours a day. He had a fever, but so far I have not had one. I started coughing a lot today though so I’m assuming it’s going to linger longer with me. He already feels better but is still positive. I just hope it doesn’t turn into anything worse since the coughing came on late. I received my 2nd booster 2 months ago so I’m hoping that gives me some antibodies.

I e-mailed my transplant coordinator and she told me to stay hydrated and watch for signs of respiratory problems. I was told to monitor closely and if I get worse I’m to go to the emergency room. She also stated I could call my PCP for an antibody infusion.

[Taconeo]

Thank you to everyone that shared here , most appreciated 😊

[Gardner-NY]

HEllo all , thanks for sharing your experiences with positive covid19. My question is: if you got your vaccine /booster shots 'after' you received your kidney transplant-- if you did get covid19 later on, did your spouse/partner also have it around the same time and stay living in the same home? My spouse had his transplant Nov 2018 and our plan is "if" I was positive (I am healthy and up to date on all shots, spouse too), I would check into a motel and wait to see if my spouse with transplant is positive. If he is 'not', I'd stay isolated in the motel until safe to return home. If he was positive covid, then I'd go home and we'd both be sick in the house at the same time. Is this smart or what do you think of our plan? wE are both retired, no family around, have not allowed friends in our home nor we go into theirs for over 3.5 yrs , no restaurants, no vacations, no movies and on and on. Just curious what you think. Our transplant dr last month says we are not over doing our choices of lifestyle of living isolated to protect my husband and his kidney health. thanks for writing back.

[Parkerbarker]

i got 3 infections after ,1st uti,2nd covid only symptoms like a sinus cold a bit scratchy throat fever for a day.i was vacconated 3 times prior