Finding my way

[taar]

I am still new to Kidney issues and looking for some guidance.

Post liver transplant in Sept 2022, i had CMV virus, but over the last year my kidney function is declining. I think it was about 22% this time last year, but is now 19%- and probably continuing to fall. I am being monitored, my next appt is in Oct, and they are starting to run cardio tests to see if I would be fit enough for a transplant. I doubt it, I will soon be 67y old, and my BMI, I am sure is over 35 (I haven't had it worked out and don't know how.) I don't know much about dialysis, but it sounds scary.

As I understand it, my kidney issues are (probably) due to: diabetes type 2, liver transplant, anti rejection/meds, or a mix of these.

My query is about symptoms. I am getting very weak. I try to keep doing, I think the more you can do, the more you can do. But I am stuggling to walk more than a couple of hundred yards without stopping for a rest. A slight slope, brings that down to about 50y, stairs or a moderate hill brings it down to 10-20y. It is very depressing. I have other issues, cramp-- including, weirdly, on the right hand side of my throat. If I do too much, I have sudden bouts of diarrhoea. Are these symptoms of failing kidneys? What symptoms or. other symptoms can I expect?

Also, I was keen after th liver transplant to get back to normal, but I am now wondering if I would be eligible for a disabled badge-- could anyone advise or comment?

Thank you for your input.

Taar

[LavenderRabbit]

Your symptoms are from kidney disease. I had all the same symptoms. There are others on this forum that have had transplants older than you. So that should not be a problem. As for any of your other health concerns, I can not say. I’m not a doctor. That is a question for your doctor.

[taar in reply to LavenderRabbit]

Thank you for your helpful response. I just needed to know whether my "symptoms" are in fact symptoms or a something completely different. So thanks again for the information. Best wishes

[Transplant2018 in reply to taar]

Fatigue and exercise intolerance, often with anemia, occur in almost everyone with failing kidneys.

[taar in reply to Transplant2018]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is appreciated,

[Transplant2018 in reply to taar]

I wish you weren't going through all this, particularly after already having had a liver transplant, and I hope you will be eligible for a kidney transplant. I noted that you are in the UK and I don't know how the system works there, but in the US your age would not be a problem and centers have great autonomy in BMI requirements, with some center accepting higher BMIs.

[taar in reply to Transplant2018]

Thanks again for your kind words...

[Winner76]

Hi Tar, I was on dialysis for 8 years . I am younger than you but I did not find it scary at all. I was very weak and fatigued so dialysis cleans your blood and you will feel better . I’m in Ireland and there is a list of tests etc you have to complete to get on the transplant pool. But take one step at a time and dialysis will keep you well enough until the transplant. You’ve got through so much already so you’ll do the same again.

Good luck

Tina

[taar in reply to Winner76]

Thank you Tina for your kind and reassuring post. I appreciate it.