I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: deahuff on March 25, 2009, 05:27:25 PM
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Hi All,
I am very new to site, tried to join on dialysis and just got it all cleared up. I just had a positive cross match kidney transplant at Mayo. This place is just great. I am four weeks out and the kidney is working like a champ.
I tried for 2.5 years of dialysis (last transplant 96, last 10years, removed at Mayo for causing infections) and my cross match numbers were over 500, finally my friend Trevor was tested at 430 and they said we could do it. I had a research drug Velcade before hand along with 2 others, we all just transplanted successfully. Injection once a week for four weeks(Dec. 2008). Then I flew in Feb.19(2009) for 5 days of Plasmapheresis, does not really hurt or anything. Then after plasma directly to IVIG, for 2 hours, also no side effects. Then IVIG during transplant and another new research drug Eculizmab during transplant. Things went so good, no Plasmapheresis after, only weekly eculizmab infusions for 1/2 hour with no side effects.My cross match numbers are still high, but because of the eculizmab they are not bothering the kidney at all. I should be going home next week to Alaska, week 5. I feel great and creatinine is 1.2.
I had really high anti body counts in 400-500 range with everyone tested. Mayo is such a great place for positive kidney transplants, they really know what they are doing and the procedure is almost getting routine or least they made it seem like that.Currently I am 35 years old.
Dea
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It's great to hear your good news. :cuddle;
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How wonderful :flower;
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Thanks, I just realized Jill is here also. I just posted to her thread and I hope she is doing better. Dr. Gloor is the best so I know she is in good hands.
Dea
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:grouphug; I am so happy for you!
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Congratulations on your successful transplant! :clap;
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This is so wonderful...please keep us posted on how things are going once you get home Dea!
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YEY!!!! :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; I am so happy for you!
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Life is getting back to normal in Fairbanks, AK. I have felt sooo great though and no problems at all with the kidney even though are cross match numbers are sky high! They believe it is because of the new research drug eculizmab that is supposed to help prevent rejection when you have high antibodies after transplant. Seems to be working great so I am staying on it every other week for 1 year. Commuting from Alaska to Mayo is busy, but well worth it! I am currently catching up on everyone!
Dea
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I am so please you're doing well Dea! Best wishes to you and tell Trevor he ROCKS! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
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Wishing you, Trevor and the kidneys all continued success.
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Dea,
I just LOVE transplant stories and yours is a great one! Thanks for the inspiration. :thx; :thx;
This is wonderful news and I, too, send good wishes that all will continue to go smoothly. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Aleta
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Hi Dea - it's great to hear from you and that all is still going well! It is looking like I will be needing another transplant - I go back out to MAyo Clinic on May 17 to get my evaluation - so I am really interested in any and all info on your transplant. You posted that you will stay on the drug for one year - do they think that after that time you can stop taking it and your antibodies won't attack the new kidney?
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Congrautlations!! My mom was the first person to have that drug at Mayo last June. She got a kidney from my sister and is doing great!! She had IVIg and plasmapheresis but had a very bad reaction to the plasmapheresis, however, she's doing great. They go next month for her one year check-up and we are looking forward to good news. Her numbers have been stellar so far! We're very grateful to Mayo for all they have done. This was a great Mother's Day for us! I am so happy to hear that you are doing well! It's great to hear about others getting this drug and getting a transplant when they might not otherwise! Way to go!
Beth
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This is wonderful news. It give hope to those of us with high PRA's.
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Hey Jill,
They are just hoping my antibodies are down by the 1 year mark. I think that is as long as the drug is allowed to be given. I think they would have to write a new protocol or something if I needed after that. You should at Mayo right now, I am thinking about you. Everything here is great!
Beth, That is great to here about your mom. Luckily so far I have not needed IVIG or plasma after the transplant. I did do it before hand. Good Luck with the 1 year check up!
Dea