June 27, 2023
Just 10 weeks ago I had a living kidney donor transplant.
Looking for advice as far as lab values when they’re not normal or things that sound concerning such as a rise in antibody numbers. I wondered how they treated that and how difficult it was to get things stabilized.
I appreciate any helpful tips or information.
You really need to discuss this with your transplant coordinator regarding your antibody lab values. From the bit I know it really depends on what your value was right after the transplant and what it is now. And if it is high, how high?
If it were me, I would be calling them ASAP. Could be early rejection...
Is your coordinator telling you your results aren’t normal? I had my transplant in Jan 2023 and when I reviewed results in the beginning, I would be worried that some weren’t normal and I might have a problem. I called my coordinator and she explained that all was well. The reason some numbers might be out of the normal range is because I am taking anti-rejection drugs which turns off my immune system. So, I was put at ease. It is best to call your transplant team and ask questions about your results rather than worry yourself for no reason. Your first 3 or 4 months you are adjusting to your medications and healing from surgery. Eat healthy, take walks, stay calm and enjoy your good fortune. I’m sure you will be just fine. Good luck!
thanks - saw the doc yesterday and they thought I was doing just fine. One comment they made is that you can’t judge things by what happened prior to the kidney transplant. So I guess I’m in an entire new world now and I have to be patient.
They are right! I had my transplant 4 months ago now. I had labs everyday, then every week and now every month. A transplant is a life-changing event. It is a blessing, and an extension of your life, but it is also a new normal. I was always told that transplant is a treatment, not a cure. So, with it comes changes. I feel I had a pretty uneventful transplant. My kidney worked right away. However, my electrolytes started to act up. I am still not stable with those, but learning to manage them. The antirejection meds get adjusted often dependinf on the labs. So, read, but discus with your post transplant coordinator. I use the hospital app and get quick responses to any doubts. I experience side effects that I already knew were possible, and others I had no idea of. But, trust your team.
Happy to hear you are doing fine. iIt will take time to get used to this new normal. I am still finding my way and it will be six months for me on July 12th. Good luck and enjoy your new found health and freedom.
It freaks me out too, but lab values fluctuate right after transplant. I was so happy my BUN and creative levels were normal! Then they both changed, I was totally worried this meant I was losing the kidney. They told me no, it happens.
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