Newly Transplanted Kidney

After three years on the wait list, I got the call last week to come in and have a kidney transplanted from a deceased donor. My expectation that it would be another three years of waiting, so this was quite a pleasant surprise. My whole life changed in an instant. I was so happy and yet very scared. I’ve learned a lot in the last few days. For me, it was less pain than what I had expected. They put me on antirejection drugs the night before and they do a LOT of lab work. I have some residual function from my original kidneys and that makes it a little harder to tell when the new kidney is working. Ultimately, they could tell by my creatinine that the new kidney is not working. They refer to it as being “asleep”. I am told that this is very common. They said they would wait a couple of weeks to see if there any signs of infection or rejection and if yes, they will do a biopsy to try and figure things out. Dialysis may be necessary. Regarding drugs, they have to be very careful with tacrolimus levels. Mine were high, so they held off for a couple of days and adjusted my dosage. The prednisone jacked up my blood sugar levels, so I’m trying to get that back under control. They reduce the prednisone dosage after a few days. I’m currently back home after only four days. I feel better at home than I did at the hospital because I was not able to get very much sleep with all the blood draws and shots. Prior to transplant, I rarely got sick because I have a strong immune system. Now I have to be very careful and adjust my habits because I will be vulnerable to any germ that comes along. Nevertheless, I am very optimistic and believe that the Kidney will wake up and then I will be much better off in the long run. Best of luck to everyone who is still waiting. You may get a call when you least expect it.

[Darlenia]

Congratulations, Drydock! I'm sure your sleepy kidney will wake up soon and you'll be on your way without dialysis. While the return of diabetes is a downer, you're addressing it and that's all the matters. Also, over time, your immunosuppressants will be lowered and the high degree of caution you need to take around your food and other people will lessen. A transplant is truly a wonderful, generous gift. My hubby, also a diabetic, is beyond grateful to his deceased donor who so unselfishly gave of himself. May your new kidney serve you long and well!

[YorkyinNorfolk]

Congratulations, wishing you all the best.

[Seanthesheep]

Hi Drydock. Congratulations. Life begins again. I had a similar experience. I am now 30 months post transplant and I am great. The medication settles after a few months. I now only have blood tests every four months.

Thank god for donors.

Best wishes

Sean

[Hidden]

Congratulations, Drydock, on receiving a new kidney!!! From what I have learned in this forum sleepy kidneys usually wake up and go on to do their job well. I am 10 months post-transplant and although I have had some challenges for the first 7 months, I am so thrilled to experience better health again. I wish you all the best!!!😊👍

[Beachgirl32]

congrats I’m happy for you. My brother had his transplant 12 years ago yep it took a week for his sleepy kidney to wake up . His is still doing great . One day this will happen to me you give me hope .

[littlelinda50]

Congratulations! I hot my transplant 4 years ago from a living donor. I work in Healthcare as a CMA. I now only wear a mask when required or when I feel it is necessary. I am sure people will give me back lash for that. You do need to be careful especially the first year or 2 but also don't forget to live and enjoy life. I had a good immune system before mine and now it's okay. I have 4 adult kids now and they have had colds to covid. I only hot covid once didn't end up in the hospital. My kids stayed in their rooms and everyone else got them food and we wiped things down daily. You got this and sending prayers that your kidney wakes up!!!! Hugs and God bless

[Bunkin]

congratulations! Very common thing! I’m sure it will be fine. Had my transplant over 2 years ago 😊

[LeslieK]

Sleepy Kidney wake up!!

I’m 6 weeks post transplant. Your post was informative and spot on with meds and healing at home. It’s happy good days then followed by a bad day or two. Hang in there. You’ve made it thru the hard part now you heal and make adjustments with your team. It’s very early on.

[Hydrangea2023]

Hi you will be fine, it's tough initially when you are home and getting adjusted. I was discharge from hospital 9 days after transplant and was called back into be readmit to hospital. I had initial rejection because I had high levels of Anti-HLA antibodies. I received Plasmapheresis and /or IVIG) to teat and reverse this condition These treatment removes antibodies. IT worked and I was discharged from hospital. This was also concerning because initially drs thought it was a sleep kidney. I also have five rounds of dialysis on the neck which I was grateful for instead of my arm. I actually have a heart souvenir (looks like a dine size tattoo which I am not fond of ) yet now I see it as my mark that saved my life. Things will get better yet sadly by no fault of anyone, unless you have walked the walk it can be aggravating to hear people tell yo this and that about what you should do and how you should feel. WE are warriors and have been on the battle front wouldn't you agree?

There's lots of adjustment with medication until your body adjusts itself to the levels where they should be. Hopefully all hospitals are aware of this condition with kidney transplants. Oh, With the strong meds and stress all my hair fell out. I looked as if I had done 8 rounds of chemo and that was especially scary. I am human I did cry then.

Friend said we didn't know you have chemo / cancer, I had to explain the situation, For a surprise my hair grew in totally curly, yes in nine months. , and it. hasn't gone away even with 3 haircuts. Oh, yes I had jet black hair and now I am totally silver grey. That's an adjustment, Felt as If I aged 10 year before my time. Hello Revlon.

So now I have curly hair which I guess in long run is convenient even though it doesn't look like me. I am alive and grateful to be around to see my grandson grow up. Oh, YES a tip, I alway put a timer on my phone to remember exact time to take my medication, IT's great and you save the worry about accidentally forgetting a med which is dangerous. Best us Luck and let us know how you are doing, PS< Botin didn't work for me but other swear by it.

[CKD2-4]

Congratulations! I’m still waiting for my miracle donor but love reading updates from those who have gotten the it gift of continued life! Wishing you continued recovery and good health in the years ahead!

[Cleo0806]

Congrats!! Wish you the best! I donated one of my kidneys 15 months ago!