I'm 14 and half months post kidney transplant and my new kidney is in the right lower quadrant. I am going to start working out with a personal trainer. I wondered if anyone else has had work with a trainer and are there exercises to stay away from during this time? I was thinking like "crunches" or abdominal work. Just trying to get in better shape and lose the unwanted pounds.
I appreciate recommendations - thanks and everyone have an awesome day.
That's a good question. Some time ago, my husband tripped - face down and body straight down (like cutting down a tree). This happened only a few months post-transplant when he was late 71 or early 72. I was extremely upset - thinking that his new kidney, also in his lower abdomen, was damaged - at least bruised or somewhat detached. The emergency room doctor wasn't concerned at all - said his kidney would be fine, his brain was a concern. Looking back, I think the transplant surgeons tuck new kidneys deep inside the body where it's well protected by the hips, etc. But I would ask a professional about this...just to make sure.
I've found that crunches are very uncomfortable for me. You will know when you do a few. 😊 I was left with a pouch after transplant and wanted to work on my abdominal area as well. I'm still trying to find something that works. Good luck!
I’m twenty-nine months post transplant. I started exercising about six months post transplant. I started out slow, by walking and using chair exercises at home. I was always a walker but my transplant team cautioned me about trying too hard too early. I did a lot of work on my abs, knowing that once the a muscle are cut they rarely grow back into their original state. No more six packs.
After a while I started going back to a gym. I worked on my abs using as many of the ab machines are I could. I never had any problems with crunches, leg raises or any other ab specific exercises. But we are all different.
Sites like Silver Sneakers, the VA and YouTube have lots of chair exercises for abdominal workouts. Try one of those and see how you feel. Map My Fitness has some nice programs also. I also found a Qi Gong site that works for me. Works outs don’t have to painful to be beneficial. Good luck!
I started working out 9 months post transplant. I dislike every minute of it but that has nothing to do with my kidney, alas 
I’ve never had any problems except for the fact I very much started from scratch. I do pilates and strength training. Lots focus on my core. As someone mentioned above, the kidney is buried behind the pelvic bone so hard to injure. I’m not sure I’d take up rugby but otherwise the gym seems unlikely to cause an issue. Earlier this spring I had a bilateral nephrectomy and stopped working out for 12 weeks. Coming back from that was a little more challenging with having go be careful with my core as the incision was vertical, but even that is now fine. I still hate the gym though. But the fact I had a transplant makes me feel I owe it to my kidney and my donor to treat my body well and get in shape.
Hi - I received my kidney transplant 18 months ago and started working out with my trainer 3 months after transplant. I walk on the treadmill and ride the exercise bike. Started with weights over 5 lbs after 6 months. I lift free weights up to 8 lbs. and work out on the weight machines up to 50 lbs. I started doing sit-ups and push-ups at 3 months after transplant. I have had no issues from working out. Good luck!
Do you see any rise in your creatinine and lower GFR? Do you eat plant based or do you eat meat?
My creatinine is .30 and GFR ranges from 78 to 90. I mostly eat vegetables and fruits along with chicken and fish. Occasionally I have beef, pork or lamb. Not very often. I maintain my weight and feel well. My kidney is doing very well too. Good luck and hope you enjoy your training. You will feel so much stronger.
Wow that's the lowest creatinine I have heard! Congratulations!
Thanks. I just checked to make sure and it is really .73 and my GFR is 87. Both excellent numbers.
I received my transplant 4 years ago as well as a double nephrectomy. My core was wrecked from having large kidneys (PKD) and not exercising due to Covid/ remote work. I started having balance issues, back issues and even fell and broke 10 bones in 2021. After six months of serious physical therapy I am doing pilates 3 to 4 times a week ( I am 65 years old) I feel ten times better and more confident. Exercising has really changed my perception of aging and transplantation. After getting the go ahead from your doctor, I recommend exercising! My original transplant doctor told me I could SURF! ( Of course I don't want to at this point) Go Forth!
Hello Tankjsl, I wish I could help you with your question about ab work with a trainer. My spouse had the transplant and new organ is between his navel and right hip bone. My spouse never got into any exercise program after his transplant . I would recommend your talking to your transplant team about this great idea. Good luck!
Swimming has worked really well for me.
Thanks everyone! I do swim - I try to walk 2-3 days a week and swim a couple days as well. I am looking for some basic strength training. I think my cardio is doing pretty good. We'll see how it goes. I'm going tomorrow with a personal trainer that has worked with older patients who have had surgeries. I'm hoping for the best. I also hope it is not the things that they want you in a gym every day. I want some things to do at home etc. I know these gyms (Lifetime) try to hook you in to things. I use Silver Sneakers and will try to stick to that. Again I appreciate everyone's input. This site is really helpful.
I exercise daily including stomach and abs even though my transplanted kidney is herniated and has pushed through the muscle layer and protrudes like an avocado. Apparently not uncommon. I wear a hernia belt if I’m worried and am awaiting an op to put it back in the right place but …. even with that concern I exercise. The benefits are too numerous to list. Single handedly the best thing I’ve ever done. Why did I wait till now to encorporate it into my life is a mystery .
I’m 8 years post transplant and I’ve been working with a personal trainer for 7 years. The only precaution I take is to make sure I don’t do anything that could potentially drop a weight on my abdomen per my nephrologist’s advice. I wanted to go back to horseback riding lessons too but she doesn’t recommend that in case I get thrown or kicked, I do miss it. I also do Pilates and love it.
Thanks for sharing! With the trainer, how do you tackle cleanliness of equipment? Do you work with the trainer in a crowded gym or at your home? Are there any exercises that he/she recommends to avoid?
Hi Rava, great questions. My trainer turned his 2-car garage into a gym. It’s just me and him. He’s my second personal trainer I’ve worked with with this set-up. I have to say, the first trainer was much more cautious, she cleaned anything touched with bleach wipes, she was also a nurse so she understood my situation a bit more. My trainer now, not as careful. I use hand sanitizer before and after and bring my own mat, no masks. I haven’t had any issues or illnesses.
I don't exercise nearly enough. Thanks to everyone for sharing what you do as it motivates me to do more.
Be you and don’t baby yourself just be gentle at first and work up to your old self.
OMG!! I have to say just by reading everyone's input. Really wants to make me push forward and be more dedicated and determine to work out. I also have the opportunity to join Silver Sneakers. I really think I am going to make an appointment this weekend to talk with someone about joining the gym. Thanks for Encouragement. Take care!! Be Blessed !! 😍
Redbone55- with silver sneakers we swim at the local YMCA pool and then I did manage to get a personal trainer at Lifetime. You can go to Lifetime, but the personal trainer is going to cost me. The Y does not cost anything either because of the silver sneakers. Years ago when we spent a lot of time in Fort Myers Beach I also join Crunch fitness. Silver sneakers is a great thing so take advantage of it. .
I started with a trainer at 6 months post surgery. No issues. I do have some numbness in my abdominal muscles so I needed to focus deliberately when doing an exercises. Otherwise I had no issues. Just listen to your body. Good luck!
You've had a lot of responses but I would like to add that I've benefitted incredibly from yoga and walking. I used to take yoga classes once or twice a week but stopped when I figured out I stopped getting sick when I didn't go. ! I prefer vinyasa yoga (so moving between positions) and going to classes and augmenting with free online classes (e.g., Yoga with Adrienne, youtube.com/user/yogawithad... have enabled me to easily do it at home and make up my own yoga "routines" based on what I'm feeling that day. The breathing and movement and stretching do wonders for not only my surgery areas by gently stretching and working the scar tissue but for my mind and anxiety as well.
And for walking I do fast-walks on local hills, level ground, and trails. I'll share that I'm much more regular when I walk regularly. 
Post transplant I spent a lot of time on a training bike at home and went for walks and that combo was great for recovery. I started riding the bike about 4 weeks post-transplant and listened to several Game of Thrones books while pedaling! I also like to paddle kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. With the stand-up paddle board I need to be careful because when I paddle too hard when in an upright position it stresses and twinges the muscles near my kidney and I get nervous about herniating. Kayaking and canoe paddling have also been great for core workouts.
Figured I'd share all this because there are lots of things you can do for exercise that are fun!
So where are you are paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing? Post transplant I was told I couldn’t go in ocean, pond or lake water…. I miss doing those things…
BlurpleIsBest I am also curious about your water related activities. I keep getting conflicting advice on whether to pursue kayaking and SUP in open waters
wow! You all are inspiring! I have always thought of myself as active, but I am inspired to get moving more.
For people who have had a personal trainer, how did you find them? I know that is an option at our local gym if we join. But did you specifically look for someone familiar with transplant or surgery? Are there specific things to say or ask about?
Thanks!
I love the new personal trainer that I have. He has experience and collegiate training. He spent a lot of time with me talking about what I’ve gone through and what I wanted to accomplish. He got to know me and my health issues. He then put me through some evaluations such as range of motion and strength. He also has experience in physical therapy. So he has geared something specifically for me to work the core and build strength. He is not someone that says go to this machine and do 10 reps and then this machine and do 15 reps. I basically talked to the people at the gym about what I was looking for and just didn’t want someone that didn’t have the background that I needed. I told them I needed someone with experience with older people and folks that have had surgery/ health issues. I see him once a week and he does give (and expects me to do) homework. It’s expensive for just the personal training but I feel that I’m worth it. I go to our local Lifetime gym. My membership is through Silver Sneakers. I’m so glad I decided to do this.
I did ask my transplant doctor whether I should do this or not…..his reply was sort and to the point…. He said, “Go for it!!!” So I am.
Tankjsl Thanks for sharing! I have been curious about getting a trainer myself as I am about a year out now from my operation. I tried finding folks who worked with transplant/immunocomprised folks and there were basically none. Also, I wanted to find someone who would not push me too much which it seems like your trainer understands. What questions did you ask to see if he was a good fit for you.
Dialysis working too well, hard to find donor
14 years out from Transplant 
Any caregivers out there?
