I appreciate all the wonderful responses I received to my questions. It seems that the first year is the hardest, when the dosage of immunosuppressant medications is adjusted and one needs to be more careful about crowds and travel by plane and public transportation. We have programs in the auditorium where I live that sometimes have 100 or more people attending. Every seat may be taken. That may be a problem as long as I have my transplant. I am hoping the administration trains the staff who will operate the recording of these events. Then they can be on our comcast television channel. I used to attend a free music program at the radio station of The University of Pennsylvania, WXPN. However I used public transportation to travel there. Also, for popular bands, it can be packed with many persons. I may not be able to attend these, even with a mask.
I think it is easier if recipients of a transplant have supportive family or friends who can understand avoidance of certain situations or judicious negotiation of the environment regarding crowds and the like.
Written by
Lee75glom
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It certainly does help to have supportive people around you in general. Almost a year out and, apart from a few brushes with cmv and immune issues, the first 2.months were the hardest. Mostly it has been about working around the pain and trying to slowly increase my level of fitness. I put on 10lbs in the first 3 months and still working on losing that. It will be easier once i have full motion again. As to socializing, I mostly didnt. Mainly bc I didnt have the energy and didnt want to risk getting sick. But i am not normally a social bitterfly anyway.
You and only you can decide what risk level you are comfortable with. Covid-19 will never go away. In addition to it, there are 5 other viruses currently circulating, including RSV. I personally “believe” in vaccines and get boosters every 4 months. I never leave the house without a mask! No one comes into my house without wearing a mask, or taking a covid test.
I am 28 months post transplant. I have been very lucky. My side effects have been minimal. However, I am vigilant with monthly labs. I want anything to be caught quickly. I have had some positive labs for both CMV and BK virus, but because they are caught quickly, my meds are adjusted before I feel symptoms.
I do wear a N95 mask in highly populated areas and I carry Purell or another alcohol-based wipe or gel to use after shopping, touching money or etc…
It may seem silly, but we also have a no-shoes policy in the house. It’s amazing the amount of bacteria, mold and pathogens get carried into a home on shoes.
I basically eat like a pregnant women - no raw fish/meats, re-wash pre-washed salad mix, limit caffeine, limit or exclude alcohol and limit all deli meat.
Unfortunately, I have had to limit close contact with family and friends that aren’t vaccinated. I understand their position, and they understand mine. It is just something I feel is important. But, to each their own.
Get plenty of rest, drink a ton of water and don’t miss taking meds.
It seems like a lot, but it really does become routine and no big deal. Good luck! 😊
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