Return to dialysis

[Nanatotwo]

My transplant is 29yrs old and showing signs of failing, as is my heart. As I’m 77 I don’t know if dialysis would be an option for me.

Has anyone faced this situation, I really would like to know.

[Ziggydoodah]

Hi Nana, sorry to hear this. That's amazing your kidney lasted 29 years!! I am on haemodialysis and at least 9 fellow patients, who have had transplants. I see no reason why you can't have dialysis? One I know is about your age and his lasted 32 years. Hopefully you have a few years left in your transplanted kidney. Keep us updated. All the best x

[Nanatotwo in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Thanks that is very helpful. Stay well.

[Seanthesheep]

Hi Nana, Sorry to hear things are worrying you. Unless you are told otherwise dialysis is the way. There were patients in their 80’s on dialysis when I was there. The important thing is to fight for a session that suits you. Think about transport, don’t, as I did, get lumbered with the late shift. An early session gives your body time to settle and allows for a good nights sleep. Stay strong and remember you are a Nanatotwo and they need you in their lives.

Best wishes and good luck.

Sean (Papatotwo !)

[Nanatotwo in reply to Seanthesheep]

Thanks Sean, your words have cheered me.

[Transplant2018]

I haven't had this experience, but am so sorry to hear about your failing kidney as this is what we all fear. Know that there are people in many countries (I'm in the US, in California) thinking of you.

[Gardner-NY]

Hello, I am sorry that you are having to deal with this and hope your kidney transplant does last longer. My friend Susan's spouse had his kidney 11 yrs then it failed in 2019. She gave him dialysis in their house. Two weeks ago he finally received his second donated kidney. So my point is I am thinking of you and wondering when the time comes would at home dialysis work for you as an option. I have researched this for my spouse who has a kidney transplant five years ago in case it ever comes up. All my best.

[Nanatotwo in reply to Gardner-NY]

Thanks for your reply. I think I would prefer to have dialysis at a renal unit if it is offered. Anyway I feel fortunate to have had my transplant so long and I’m definitely too old to die young 🥴

[Bassetmommer]

Here is what I would think about. Do I like my life? Would people miss me if I was gone? Do I have things I still want to do? I imagine the answers would all be yes. Then dialysis, in center would be a good thing to do. 77 is not that old and with the dialysis, you would still have time for yourself. I look at my time on the machine as me time to read or do puzzles. I am training for in-home so I do not have the opportunity to chat with others, which is a plus for incenter. There are many people with heart issues with CKD and I am sure they will take that into consideration for your prescription. For now, focus on saving what function you have with diet and exercise. All the best to you.

[Nanatotwo in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for your positive response and good to know how others are dealing with their limitations. Stay well.

[Beachgirl32]

you have been truly blessed that you had a working kidney that long . I think dialysis will be good for you . If you kept your transplanted kidney that long sound like you been taking care of your body and I’m sure you will do what you are supposed to on dialysis

[Nanatotwo in reply to Beachgirl32]

I’ve not done anything special to keep the kidney, certainly eat and drink what I like so I think a lot depends on the surgeon who does the transplant. Also it was non related and from a young person. Very fortunate for me that the parents agreed to the donation in that awful time for them.

[horsie63]

I’m going on 60 in December so not quite your age. I’m still trying to get a transplant. I started with peritoneal dialysis but after 6 months it failed. Now I do in center hemo and feel better. I live in a remote area so talking to others is a plus.

[Nanatotwo in reply to horsie63]

I hope you get a match soon and it the meantime there will be support from the centre and other patients. Keep going !