I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: MooseMom on April 23, 2010, 11:22:46 AM

Title: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: MooseMom on April 23, 2010, 11:22:46 AM
I've read many of the news articles posted by Okarol in that forum, and we've all read how the low GFR associated with CKD contributes to all sorts of cardiac problems.  Once transplanted, how much improvement does one actually see in their GFR, and does this improvement help to stave off these heart issues?
Title: Re: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: Chris on April 23, 2010, 12:25:51 PM
My GFR runs between 59 to 61, but as heart issues, I had to be put back on blood pressure meds a year post transplant. I use to have a heart murmur, but doctors can no longer hear it. I participated in a study on the effects of a transplant and the cardiac system pre and post transplant. The scans would show 3D images of the heart as it pumped in color., very interesting to see. Just not sure what became od the study, the cardiologist moved on to another hospital.
Title: Re: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: MooseMom on April 23, 2010, 01:38:58 PM
Oh Chris, I'd be very interested in that study...  I guess I could research it online, but I'm lazy and I want to watch All My Children.  I have my priorities straight, you see...
Title: Re: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: Chris on April 23, 2010, 02:44:43 PM
 :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
 
Well when I participated, it was in 2000 through 2001 and do not know the name of the study. Back then I wasn't as viligant about keeping records or medical procedures.
Title: Re: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: monrein on April 23, 2010, 03:02:55 PM
You know I've never known what my GFR was post-transplant but I do know that my heart is in great shape.  I do take 20 mg (just increased from 10) of prevastatin because of increased cholesterol. 
I've been told that the exercising I do has been very beneficial for my heart and just prior to transplant this last time was told that my echocardiogram showed no signs of ever having been on D...how they know that I've no clue although I think they were refering to no LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy).

Next time I see my neph I want to know about my GFR too.  I'll ask him.
Title: Re: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: MooseMom on April 23, 2010, 03:17:43 PM
Yes, I'd bet they were referring to LVH.  I've always enjoyed exercising and hope that that has made me less susceptible to heart issues.  I've been going through all of the pre-transplant testing and no one has said anything about any problems, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.  I am scrupulous about my meds, but I do wonder about the cumulative effects of CKD.

When you find out about your gfr, monrein, let me know, OK?  I'd be really interested.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Cardiac health after transplantation
Post by: Chris on April 23, 2010, 03:49:59 PM
My GFR is given each month when I get labs. I think it is part of a CBCD  order. Not sure if you consider choelestero; part of the cardiac, but mine went down and I no longer need Lipitor (could be due to meds I am on)