Kidney Transplant Aug 25

[frebusmaxwell]

What should I bring to the hospital for my 2-night stay? I live in a second-floor apartment. Will I be able to do the stairs? How many immunosuppressants are you on post-transplant, and for how long? I know the Mayo transplant team (Phoenix) will tell me some of this ... I'm just curious about other people's experiences.

[BabyTee]

Regarding stairs, I didn't have pain climbing stairs, but I had pain descending the stairs, which I was told is typical. I wouldn't worry about getting into your apartment, but rather leaving for the first week or two.

Check out these two links: healthunlocked.com/nkf-kidn...

healthunlocked.com/nkf-kidn...

Before you go, I suggest (some are tailored for a female):

1. Have Tylenol at home for when you stop the narcotic pain reliever. Mine was Norco.

2. Have an ice pack or hot water bottle you can fill with ice (to help relieve the pain naturally)

3. Cut your nails before you go in. I broke a nail before my surgery, so a nurse had to cut it for me with scissors.

4. Have a list of appointments so you can call to cancel them when you get the call. I called people after I woke from my transplant.

5. Have a plan for what to do with your hair during the surgery. If you have long hair, figure it out ahead of time, and pack rubber bands and comb/brush or whatever you use for your hair. (I woke up with a central line in my neck that I didn't know I was getting)

Stuff not mentioned in the two posts above:

1. Clothes to wear home that will allow you to gain a few inches. I gained 4 inches on the abdomen and 10 lbs during the 5 days I was in (not typical, I think). I did lose that water weight by the end of 2 weeks.

2. Dental floss, or if you have dentures, possibly something to clean them with. I am not sure what the hospital has.

4. Antiperspirant

5. Conditioner for hair, if you use it. Hospital usually provides shampoo.

6. I used olay dry face wipes for face and body soap.

Also, anything disposable in your room will be thrown away when you are released, so take anything you think you might use. I took the underpads (nickname "chucks"), in case I couldn't make it to the bathroom on the way home (2 hr drive).

[frebusmaxwell in reply to BabyTee]

Thank you, thank you❣️

[Denise-80]

Bedroom shoes/slippers.

[Alimesoda234]

The hospital can pass germsThey want you out good luck

You will be reenergized quickly

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I was in the hospital for 7 days.Bring loose fitting clothes, like sweatpants, etc. Also wear slip on shoes.

I had the dose of my immunosuppressants reduced a couple of times that first year, but now some 22+ years later, still take that same dose. I also, for the first 6 months was on antibiotics - bacterial, viral etc.

Be prepared that the first couple of weeks you will be scheduled to have your labs done every other day. You won't be able to drive, so have a family member or friend drive you. Usually, you can drive again at 4-6 weeks out from your transplant.

Start a walking routine as soon as you are able. Start by just walking down the block, increase the distance every few days till you walk about 30 minutes a day.

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted how you are doing after your transplant...

[Redbone55]

Congratulations!! For me I was in the hospital for three days and then I had to stay in the area (Close to the hospital) for a week with a Home visit nurse, but make sure you have loose clothing and comfortable shoes, and try to walk as much as possible it will help you heal (at least this was the case with me) blessings!! 🙏

[JackN]

Congratulations! My transplant date was also August 25 (2010). I had no problems with stairs. You'll be on a ton of stuff at first so get one of those partitioned weekly pill containers. These will gradually trail off and you'll end on two or so. I was able to drive as soon as I didn't need heavy duty pain killers; about 2-3 weeks I think. And yes get some sweatpants as your waist will expand from swelling, which will be temporary.

[Ry_Den]

Hi,

Congratulations on your upcoming transplant! I'm hoping that everything goes exceptionally smooth for you! I was in the hospital for quite awhile, so I had my tablet (to watch movies & such), a comfortable pillow from home, some comfortable clothes, my own toothbrush (the hospital toothbrushes are really cheap), cell phone charger, & a few magazines. The immunosuppressive drugs that I take on a daily basis are: Myfortic (Mycophenolate Sodium), Prograf (Tacrolimus), and Deltasone (Prednisone). Be prepared to have your dosage of whatever immunosuppressive drugs that you take to change; it's quite common. You will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of your life; the cost for some of these can be quite high, so I would reach out to your transplant social worker to see what options you have to lower those costs. I was able to enroll in a co-pay assistance program with the help of my transplant team; my out of pocket cost is zero dollars. I hope that this helps you and good luck to you!

[MartyVA]

Hi frebusmaxwell, congratulations on your upcoming transplant. I cannot specifically speak to what a woman will need to take to the hospital, but most of what I took, I did not use. The things I used most were; basic toiletries, a pair of slippers, some KN95 masks, and some loose-fitting clothing for the trip home. Due to a minor setback, I was in the hospital for a week.

I had an enlarged prostate, and the concern was that if I couldn't empty my bladder, I was at high risk for infections. I have since had a TURP, and things are much better now.

Two days after the procedure, they had me up and walking as much as possible. Since walking is one of my regular forms of exercise, walking was not a problem for me. The day after I got out of the hospital I started walking in my community. I do not have stairs in my home, but due to my walking I started experiencing swelling in the incision area. The transplant coordinator suggested I cut back on my walking to help lessen the swelling. There was no pain, just swelling. I still get some swelling but not nearly as much as before. I am five months post-transplant walking, three to five miles a day plus Tai Chi and some light weights three days a week.

My transplant team continues to be very proactive in keeping me healthy, and I also continue to work on myself. I follow my care team's instructions, watch what I eat, and exercise.

A person gave me the gift of one of their kidneys. I will do all I can to care for and protect that gift.

Take care and good luck to you.

[BabyTee]

I had my transplant on 5/11. I would make sure you are able to sit on the side of your bed with your feet flat or nearly flat on the ground to easily get in and out of bed. I actually used a 12 inch step stool to rest my feet on when I sat on the edge of my bed, and then stepped down on a different 8 inch step stool. I did that for about a month. I have a tall bed.

[frebusmaxwell]

Thank you!

[Okie01]

Congrats on your surgery! I totally agree with the above comments. Slippers and loose-fitting clothes are a must. And pants with a waistband that doesn’t rub or isn’t uncomfortable. And a robe! Someone told me to get one specifically for the hospital stay since you might get cold while walking or just to make you feel more “clothed” in a gown. It worked perfectly for me. Hope everything goes well tomorrow!