Help

[Roadrunner1954]

Hi

I feel terrible and guilty. I had a streeful couple of days I had a kidney transplant last year

I had a few cigarettes yesterday. I ha e not had any since

Can I get advice. I am depressed

[JackieShan]

Hi there. I would not worry too much; but please contact your renal team to let them know and seek advice. Talk to them, and your GP, about your depression as they will be able to suggest treatments. Try not to have any more cigarettes - maybe go for a walk as exercise will help to lower blood pressure and make you feel better. Talk to your consultant and GP about your anxiety too as they will be able to suggest treatments for this also. You have been through a great deal of stress - take care of yourself, jackie.

[Roadrunner1954 in reply to JackieShan]

Thanks

I have not smoked again since

I am paranoid but don’t reckon 5 cigarettes would have damaged kidney. What do you think

[JackieShan in reply to Roadrunner1954]

Well done for not smoking again! I am not an expert, but I don't think 5 cigarettes in isolation would, in general, damage your kidney, as long as your blood pressure in not high and you are not ureamic. Try to put it out of your mind until you can talk to your consultant as the stress of worrying and fixating on it will not help. Can you destroy any remaining cigarettes and tobacco to take your mind off it? Take care and please don't worry, Jackie.

[Roadrunner1954 in reply to JackieShan]

Thanks for your help

I have thrown cigs away. I will tell consultant about depression but won’t tell him about smoking slip as I am ashamed.

I will not do that again

The guilt is too much

[JackieShan in reply to Roadrunner1954]

Hey, we are all human - we all slip up! It is of course up to you, but if it was me, I would tell my consultant everything - they need a full picture in order to help you as best as they can. They know that we all slip up sometimes - mine are always very understanding and non-judgemental. Your "relapse" was indicative of the stress that you are feeling. All the best, Jackie.

[TMT69 in reply to Roadrunner1954]

Please don't worry. Unless this becomes a regular habit it will likely have no effect. It is necessary for the best advice to be given to us after a transplant but it can also scare us into thinking we are more vulnerable than we are. I am 4 years post transplant. I have great test results all throughout. Have anything you want within moderation. Most important than all are the basics: take meds on time. Do not miss them. Keep active and a healthy weight. Be constantly aware of the fact you are immunosuppressed and act accordingly. Science changes or varies it's opinions on the effects of food, alcohol and tobacco constantly. Enjoy anything now and again, read how you feel and drink lots of water and exercise.

[Roadrunner1954 in reply to TMT69]

Thanks man. Good advice🤣

[smashandgrab]

Please do not fret about the slip but do contact your renal team about the depression as they will be able to suggest treatments. It is not unusual as you have been through a health crisis which in itself causes stress and anxiety but you can be helped as many have been.

It is best to contact your renal team and GP and explain and do try to get out for a walk and some fresh air. Try not to have more cigarettes but please do not get anxious that you have had some just move on.

Try to not fret and best wishes.