I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: Des on March 09, 2011, 04:00:12 AM
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What did you guys do to prepare the house for after the transplant and how long before the operation did you start?
ie.
getting rid of caged bird, cat litter
Washed the carpets, curtains
Throwing out plants
fumigate
ect.
and I read somewhere that you are not allowed to receive flower arrangements?, Is this true? How do you tell people you don't want their flowers.
I LIKE flowers :flower; that is the best part of going for an operation - getting all the flowers :embarassed: :embarassed:
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Before my surgery I had the carpets cleaned. I don't have curtains but all my fabric blinds are vacuumed regularly and so that was done too. While I was in hospital, a good friend who is very picky came over thoroughly cleaned. He did the little extra things that no normal person (in my house at least) would think of...like unscrewing the filters things on the taps and soaking them in bleach...I'm not sure this is all that necessary but apparently molds can grow there. He used a mild solution of bleach to wash down bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
I have lots of plants, many flowering ones like anthuriums and orchids and they continued to live here uninterrupted. I also had flowers arrive and I never threw them out or gave them away either.
I'm so excited that you're having to think about all this stuff Des!!!
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Oof.....I am preparing for a transplant and had NO IDEA that you had to clean your house so thoroughly. We don't have plants or cats but we do have one dog. He sleeps in his crate in his own bedroom so he's not in our bedroom at night. We do have carpets but no curtains (blinds only). So is there a list somewhere of what I should be cleaning? We are the worst housekeepers on the planet...no hoarding but not much cleaning either.
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One thing you reminded me of monrein is to change the filters in the heating and air conditioning too.
I spent the most time cleaning Jennas room as thats where she would be exposed to the most germs (sleeping at night, napping in the day.) I have a list of cleaning suggestions somewhere, will look for it.
I am also VERY excited for you Des!!!
:bandance;
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Des, I did not remove any of my plants, and I have many. Carl was told not to work in the soil, but that doesn't keep me from watering things. We received a very nice planter during his hospitalization and we definitely kept that , too.
I vacuumed (no time to clean the carpets), cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen thoroughly, and wiped down phones, doorknobs and switches with bleach solution. But we did not have a long time to prepare. All is going well, so I'm thinking what I did was enough! :2thumbsup;
I'm so very happy for you. :bandance; :cheer: :bandance; :cheer:
:guitar:
Aleta
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I kept my plants. The transplant team said that was fine, just don't play in the dirt without gloves on. Since mine wasn't a planned event, I didn't have warning. But, we had made changes in the house the past few years in anticipation. While in the hospital, my daughter in law scrubbed all hard surfaces with a bleach solution and put hand sanitizers and paper towels in every room. My daughter had a cleaning team come in. Another daughter took care of the linens, sheets, towels, etc. And they cleaned out the refrigerator, throwing out anything questionable. Towels and sponges can breed bacteria, so paper towels can help eliminate that problem. Never leave food sit out; refrigerate immediately. For now, just a good cleaning, dusting should get you ready. The day before you come home, see if someone can come and freshen the house. Don't stress over it. You'll do great.
I was told no plants, flowers. I did receive a plant about 2 weeks after. Funny thing -- when people heard no flowers, most felt like they were "off the hook" regarding gifts. Except my IHD family, who gave me support, encouragement, so many cards and gifts. My extended family? They were glad I was "cured"!! :rofl; Never underestimate the power of your online friends!! We'll have to send lots of virtual flowers to you!!!! :cuddle;
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Oh, and Des, I would ask specifically about your pets. Carl was told not to handle any....but not to get rid of them. We have a ton of animals at school. He no longer cleans the cages. :2thumbsup;
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I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to pop by and tell you again how very thrilled I am for you! A whole new life to look forward to!! What a fantastic, wonderful miracle! I'll never, ever forget how miserable you were on D. I thought about your sadness so often, but now there is so much joy to look forward to! I can't wait for it all to be done and for you to come back and tell us how transformed your life has become! I can't wait to see your name on the IHD member transplant list. I hope many, many of our IHDers get their miracle this year!
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Oh yeah...I was told not to be in the dirt either BUT I'm a gardener so...with all that new transplant energy I had to dig and plant a lot so I wear rubberized gloves and wash hands and scrub nails very carefully afterwards. I change my kitchen sponges often but also pop them and my dish washing cloth in the microwave for a minute at the end of the day.
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Yikes!
Des, I'm thrilled for you, but I have to say it again ... Yikes! When Blokey finally gets a transplant am I going to have to become Mrs. Mop? Why has nobody explained this to me before?! What about my babies (catz)?!
Happy cleaning! ;D
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and I read somewhere that you are not allowed to receive flower arrangements?, Is this true? How do you tell people you don't want their flowers.
I LIKE flowers :flower; that is the best part of going for an operation - getting all the flowers :embarassed: :embarassed:
None of my doc's said anything about the flowers I had in my hospital room after my transplant. One of my doc's saw one big vase of flowers and joked 'I see you got the flowers I sent' ;D
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I'm a single bachelor who lives alone in my apartment. No pets.
And so, the extensive guidance I got from my transplant team on avoidance of infections didn't have much to say about my home at all. Nothing about cleaning walls or floors.
Rather, most of it dealt with avoiding germs from other people. And as I pointed out to my transplant nurse, most of it could be summarized in two simple rules:
1. Keep away from children (colds, German measles).
2. Keep away from women (STDs).
;D
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One thing is, you aren't going to be able to clean like you want to after surgery for awhile. So, coming home to a fresh, clean house gave me great piece of mind. I was told my cat was ok, just no new pets the first few months. I do wash my hands or use sanitizer after petting her. But, she sleeps with me and the team was ok with that, since she has been with us a couple of years. NO littler box for me though (I don't mind that one bit!!)
You are going to do great. Don't push yourself too much. I am so excited for you and for your family. :2thumbsup;
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I had our A/C guy come in and do a complete cleaning on our unit. Also, I had him place an ultraviolet light in there, too, to help with any mold that might grow due the central unitl. Not "deadly mold", but mold nonetheless. It was expensive, but worth it.
Dog went to the vet and had check-up and teeth cleaned.
Furniture was professionally steam cleaned.
Floors cleaned.
Fridge cleaned out. ALL food in the pantry was gone through and anything that was close to being expired was thrown out.
I went through all my spices and got rid of expired or close to expired spices.
Went through medicine cabinets and got rid of medication that was no longer needed or expired.
I purchased new sheets (mainly just because I was going to be in bed a little more)
I purchase a reclyner for my livingroom (great decision, in my opinion)
Cleaned oven and microwave.
I cleaned everythine! Windows, curtains, carpets, etc. It needed to be done anyway. Also, while sitting around my house post transplant I knew I would be bored and didn't want to start cleaning just to have something to do. I wanted it all done.
Congratulations!!!
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I better get started then. :rofl;
Aleta, the ohter "kids" live outside so I won't have a problem with them it is just our parot that lives inside. They told me to keep him outside under the carport or in the garage ???
Luckily for me I have a cleaning lady that comes in 3 times a week so I will be listing the things to be done so she can start ticking them off.
Thanks ALL :flower; You all can send me lots and lots of flowers. :flower;
My list so far
Clean carpets
Wash out kitchen cupboards in and out
jik in drains (bathroom and kitchen) lots of germs there
clean stove and behind stove.
clean fridge and behind fridge.
Find space for the parot. (polly)
Wash light fittings (haven't done those in years :stressed;)
Wash all linen in cupboards
Wipe down doorknobs and light switches.
steamclean lounge suite
Washed curtains recently.
no airconditioner - Okarol so not on my list ;)
I have 4 weeks to do this in as I am going in for a hernia op on the 5 April and transplant should (holding thumbs) follow 3 weeks after that (in a perfect world where you can plan things :rofl; :clap;)
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I did not do any special cleaning pre transplant... Received flowers at the hospital... have 2 cats....and have an 8 year old who has been exposed to lots of things in school since my jan. transplant and have had no problems!
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I did not do any special cleaning pre transplant... Received flowers at the hospital... have 2 cats....and have an 8 year old who has been exposed to lots of things in school since my jan. transplant and have had no problems!
Ditto! We have 2 cats, and a 5 year old. Never did any extra cleaning or prep.
Only thing was, Kidney ward at Auckland Hospital, flowers are FORBIDDEN. They don't let them in. Mike never got any at home either so that was no worry :rofl;
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Yeah neither did my Transplant Unit allow them either, supposedly the water in which they stand can carry infection!!!!
:flower; :flower; :flower;
Invest in some anti-bac handwash, some anti-bac wipes, a bos of surgial type gloves for jobs were you require protection and you'll be fine!
Make sure you clean/anti-bac wipes light switches, door handles, TV remotes, phone handsets and laptop keyboards (germs love these 8)
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Des congrats on the transplant! This was just making me chuckle b/c with my first tranplant I came home to an incredibly messy house. My sister and brother completely wrecked the house. And of course my mom didn't care enough to do any super detailed cleaning....thank goodness I survived! :)
xo,
R
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Yeah neither did my Transplant Unit allow them either, supposedly the water in which they stand can carry infection!!!!
:flower; :flower; :flower;
Invest in some anti-bac handwash, some anti-bac wipes, a bos of surgial type gloves for jobs were you require protection and you'll be fine!
Make sure you clean/anti-bac wipes light switches, door handles, TV remotes, phone handsets and laptop keyboards (germs love these 8)
Hehehehehhehe thanks for the flowers :flower;
(and the advise)
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I see you live in South Africa what's the healthcare like over there?
Do you have many transplant centres there?
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Most people have private "medical aid" We pay a monthly amount and then when you get ill they pay your cost BUT this is a tricky business with lots and lots of fine print.They say they pay the doctor but they pay him up to a certain value and then you end up paying the rest. You have the option of "taking" different schemes. I am on one of the best schemes but I still end up paying in some fees.
Luckily I have (in writing) that they will cover my transplant 100%. :2thumbsup;
Most of the other population have to use Government healthcare which is in the worst possible neglect. They don't get the best care at all and it is like the rest of Africa.
We don't have transplant centres but we have transplant teams based in private hospitals. So you share the ICU with other medical conditions because it is not just for transplants. But it is cool as they have isolation booths.
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The 1st time around Otto and I where 22 and in an apartment so we did NOTHING!!!! LOL ;D 2nd time we where a little older 3 kids house and dog and still did nothing special, granted when he came home he had lost the kidney :'(
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I must admit that my cleaning was for the most part something that needed to be done anyway and to keep my mind and hands busy. I was not at all sorry I did it. I was never a germaphobe before and I'm still not "phobic" about it. I do things differently now because of my transplant, but not overboard. If you have the time and energy to clean your house from top to bottom before you transplant I think you would be smart to take advantage, because you are going to be sore and slow moving for a while post transplant.
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Most people have private "medical aid" We pay a monthly amount and then when you get ill they pay your cost BUT this is a tricky business with lots and lots of fine print.They say they pay the doctor but they pay him up to a certain value and then you end up paying the rest. You have the option of "taking" different schemes. I am on one of the best schemes but I still end up paying in some fees.
Luckily I have (in writing) that they will cover my transplant 100%. :2thumbsup;
Most of the other population have to use Government healthcare which is in the worst possible neglect. They don't get the best care at all and it is like the rest of Africa.
We don't have transplant centres but we have transplant teams based in private hospitals. So you share the ICU with other medical conditions because it is not just for transplants. But it is cool as they have isolation booths.
Living in the UK we tend to take our NHS for granted, but it always interests me on how other countries systems work and what the standard of care is like for comparison. I had both my transplants at a big, world renowned transplant centre with a very high standard of care and research etc, but its getting a good, long-surviving kidney that really matters. Good luck for your transplant
:2thumbsup; and keep us posted afterwards!
Sugar x
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I havent receive a transplant yet, I'm still waiting. But I have already laid out plains as to how I plan to keep the house clean. Lysol and hand sanitizer will be just as important as me meds. I may seem a little OCD to people but it will be well worth once i get that kidney.
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Don't forget to add luck to you list... sometimes you need a bit of good luck for things beyond your control!
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Don't forget to add luck to you list... sometimes you need a bit of good luck for things beyond your control!
Bring the luck then . :rofl;
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I wish you all the luck in the world :clap;
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I must admit that my cleaning was for the most part something that needed to be done anyway and to keep my mind and hands busy. I was not at all sorry I did it. I was never a germaphobe before and I'm still not "phobic" about it. I do things differently now because of my transplant, but not overboard. If you have the time and energy to clean your house from top to bottom before you transplant I think you would be smart to take advantage, because you are going to be sore and slow moving for a while post transplant.
I agree with KellyT. It was so nice to come home with everything done. You won't feel like cleaning for awhile. I rest easier when things are picked up. Because we have 10 grandkids under 13yrs old, who visit all the time, I do use bleach on railings, doorknobs, counters etc, and the hand sanitizer sits by the door. It can't hurt to err on the site of caution. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
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I was just thinking about how we prepare OURSELVES for transplant....like before I get my kidney I am going to give myself a pedicure and manicure, also pluck my eyebrows, and shave my legs. Is that weird to think?
Also I was thinking about the things I bring to the hospital...pert plus b/c it is conditioner and shampoo in one! heating pad for the hospital bed, magazines, phone charger, slippers, tweezers, toothbrush and paste, face wash pods, pajama pants, and white tank tops...
anybody else think of other things?
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Because you are in ICU you are not allowed anything except small towel, face cloth ,soap, toothpaste and tooth brush. They will send your bag home with hubby. (this I know for a fact) But once you are transferred to highcare or normal ward you can start wearing pj's and bring all the nice goodies in.
Well that is how it is here in South AFrica anyways.
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I was just thinking about how we prepare OURSELVES for transplant....like before I get my kidney I am going to give myself a pedicure and manicure, also pluck my eyebrows, and shave my legs. Is that weird to think?
Also I was thinking about the things I bring to the hospital...pert plus b/c it is conditioner and shampoo in one! heating pad for the hospital bed, magazines, phone charger, slippers, tweezers, toothbrush and paste, face wash pods, pajama pants, and white tank tops...
anybody else think of other things?
Not weird at all about the body maintenance stuff bbut at y hospital they made me take off all nail polish (on my new pedicure). They need to be able to see the nails for some reason. I personally always just wear the hospital gowns but bring a nice robe to wear over them...too many tubes, discomfort, need for access, etc to fuss with pyjama pants etc. Bring slippers or sandals too.
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Ipod for music and drown out background noises particularly late at night!
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I was just thinking about how we prepare OURSELVES for transplant....like before I get my kidney I am going to give myself a pedicure and manicure, also pluck my eyebrows, and shave my legs. Is that weird to think?
Also I was thinking about the things I bring to the hospital...pert plus b/c it is conditioner and shampoo in one! heating pad for the hospital bed, magazines, phone charger, slippers, tweezers, toothbrush and paste, face wash pods, pajama pants, and white tank tops...
anybody else think of other things?
Not weird at all about the body maintenance stuff bbut at y hospital they made me take off all nail polish (on my new pedicure). They need to be able to see the nails for some reason. I personally always just wear the hospital gowns but bring a nice robe to wear over them...too many tubes, discomfort, need for access, etc to fuss with pyjama pants etc. Bring slippers or sandals too.
I agree.... no pj bottoms... the incision is low and also had a drain.. Nail polish would be removed at my hospital also...
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Nail polish should be removed at all hospitals. That's usually protocol.
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Ipod for music and drown out background noises particularly late at night!
:2thumbsup;
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I just clicked on the list of new replies to your posts and could have sworn the title of this was
PREPARING HORSE FOR TRANSPLANT!!!! (??!!** :urcrazy; )
I really must get new reading glasses! :bandance;
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:rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
Sorry, Sugarlump, I can't help you on this one!!!
Well I was going to prepare my horse for getting me to the transplant on time but I changed my mind.
I would rather take the car. :rofl;
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I brought all kinds of personal toiletries and crap for the post-surgical period and didn't use one single item. The hospital supplied everything, and it was just easier to use their stuff, especially since they stuck it on my bill without asking. I have three pairs of those horrid socks they give you; I actually wear them around the house in the winter when I'm having a sloppy day. Don't bother with taking your own nightwear; wear the hospital gowns so that your own stuff won't get ruined by various bodily fluids. My hospital provided gowns, robes and socks...even little paper panties! Save your own stuff for when you get home.
I lie...the one thing of my own that I DID use was deodorant.
Remember, if you bring a lot of stuff, it has to be moved with you as you are moved from recovery to ICU to the regular ward. Things can go walkies all too easily.
Oh...maybe earplugs!
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Take your own blanket (preferably a nice bright color to cheer up your room), your own pillow and your own bath towel.
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I have spoken to the transplant coordinator and only one very important item needs to go.
Polly our Indian Ringneck. All birds carry the CMV virus (even the wild ones) this virus holds a major threat to transplant patients. It gets airborne everytime the bird shakes it's feathers. When you breath in the CMV virus it eats "holes" in the lungs.
I thought I'd just keep him in the garage.
???
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I have spoken to the transplant coordinator and only one very important item needs to go.
Polly our Indian Ringneck. All birds carry the CMV virus (even the wild ones) this virus holds a major threat to transplant patients. It gets airborne everytime the bird shakes it's feathers. When you breath in the CMV virus it eats "holes" in the lungs.
I thought I'd just keep him in the garage.
???
I doubt birds carry CMV, but have been told they may have other risky germs.
I know many transplant patients who have kept their birds. They stayed away from them for the first 3 months, but afterwards returned to living together. Lori Hartwell has a 19 year old parrot that she had for 19 years of her last transplant.
We had a beautiful cockatiel but the transplant team clearly said "no birds" so now she has been adopted by another family. We miss her!
Even the Center for Disease Control does not rule out birds for transplant patients http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/bonemarrow_transplant.htm but my hubby felt that any risk was too great.
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We are going to miss him too!
This is one rule they won't budge on.
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I was told no birds, as well. I don't have any, but I was told they carry lost of stuff (like what Okarol mentioned).
I'm so sorry you have to say good-bye. Pets are part of the family. :cuddle;
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I hope you can find a good family for your parrot. :cuddle;
Thinking of you daily. :kiss;
:2thumbsup;
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I am rethinking a transplant. We live in an OLD house and at the moment, are over run with mice. I've been away almost 9 weeks and the little mice have been everywhere. Hubby has done his best to stem the tide but as we are having a bumper season, the mouse population has exploded. This will not be good to return to after a transplant. I will be hoping my call comes in a drought, when the mice are better behaved!
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How about a cat chook to catch 'em all!!!!!! :boxing;
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good idea!
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:rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
Sorry, Sugarlump, I can't help you on this one!!!
Well I was going to prepare my horse for getting me to the transplant on time but I changed my mind.
I would rather take the car. :rofl;
I'm still laughing about this I swear it said Preparing horse for transplant and I thought maybe, new medical advances and they've found way of using horse kidneys ... oh dear ... but they'd be huge in comparison wouldn't they ????
:rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
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I was told no birds and I cried thinking I couldn't date anymore!! :rofl; Oh wait, I can't get a date anyway.....
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You're so funny...
Anyone who describes us as birds doesn't deserve a date!!!!
;D ;D ;D
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Our daughter raises chickens at her school and Carl had wanted to do that, too.
:'(
I guess it isn't going to happen. But we can live with that.
Richard, I have a hard time believing that with all your charm you are dateless! :bow;
But I have to agree with Sugar, You should not be calling lovely ladies birds! :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
Aleta
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I am rethinking a transplant. We live in an OLD house and at the moment, are over run with mice. I've been away almost 9 weeks and the little mice have been everywhere. Hubby has done his best to stem the tide but as we are having a bumper season, the mouse population has exploded. This will not be good to return to after a transplant. I will be hoping my call comes in a drought, when the mice are better behaved!
Transplant or not, rodent droppings are risky.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1445-5994.2005.00954.x/abstract
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Getting rid of all the diayslsis stuff!! That was definitly the highlight!! :2thumbsup;
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I'd like to know about cats specifically (well, pets in general) esp litter boxes for cats, why can you touch pets/clean out a litter pan post tranpslant? I heard somewhere from somebody that I should not have a cat/clean out its litter pan. I have researched all over as to the reason why and I can't find an answer anywhere on the net.
Thanks in advance, if anyone can shed some light on this. Pun intended ;D
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http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/toxopasmosis.htm
Here you go
Toxoplasma Infection and Animals
What is toxoplasmosis ?
Toxoplasmosis (TOX-so-plaz-MO-sis) is a disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Most people who get toxoplasmosis do not get sick, but some people will get swollen glands, muscle aches and feel as though they have the "flu". Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant should be especially careful about toxoplasmosis because this disease can infect the fetus and cause a malformation or abortion.
Can cats transmit toxoplasmosis to me?
Yes, but not by direct contact with a cat. Toxoplasmosis is passed to people from contaminated cat feces (stool). People can get toxoplasmosis by cleaning kitty litter or touching dirt where cats might have been, including garden soil. Toxoplasmosis can also be passed to people when they eat meat that is not cooked completely, especially pork, lamb, or deer meat.
Some people are more likely than others to get sick with toxoplasmosis. A person's age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely to get sick with toxoplasmosis include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people getting treatment for cancer. Special advice is available for people who are at greater risk than others of getting this kind of disease from animals.
How can I reduce my risk of getting toxoplasmosis?
Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap after contact with cat feces (stool) and after gardening.
If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, try to have another person non-pregnant or immunocompromised clean out the litter box every day.
Clean out kitty litter boxes daily (not when pregnant).
If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, keep your cats indoors.
Avoid eating undercooked meat.
Do not feed undercooked meat to your cat.
How can I find out more about toxoplasmosis?
Learn more about toxoplasmosis at CDC's parasitic diseases information site.
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Thanks so much! :thx; Monrein. :grouphug; Well, I don't have any pets. Used to, but not anymore. And, I'm not a huge gardener. If I do end up doing a bit of gardening this summer, I'll just make sure I wear gloves when digging in the dirt ;D
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Wait ... do not feed your cat undercooked meat?? Yet the vets say "give the cat RAW chicken wings for them to eat as it helps with their teeth" and of course I don't cook the tinned cat food, but I guess it's ok because it's processed mush.
Anyway Cordelia, I have a kitty (indoor) and this was a big concern to me as well prior to transplant. I constantly talked to the team about it and they all basically said that it would be fine. 1) indoor cat, so less likely to pick up anything nasty, 2) as long as I cleaned the tray with gloves, then used antibacterial on my hands after I was done I should be right, and 3) I got my sister to clean her tray during the first three months until my meds started coming down. I have done it since - with gloves etc and so far I think I am OK. As for handling my kitty and so on, I always try to use antibacterial and/or wash my hands with soap after cuddles, though she does like to come and snuggle up to me in bed when I sleep. I asked the team about that and their response was basically "hey you've had the cat for 7 years, any germs she has you've been exposed to for years. It's probably not an issue - just keep the common sense going of washing etc and you should be fine" - I think the real theme was common sense, and obviously don't pat my cat or have her lick my hand or something then go touch my eyes or face (!)
I suppose everyone's different but so far I think my cat situation has not been a real problem in relation to my transplant, and the benefits she gives me in terms of love and support are totally positive...
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Hi Richard :grouphug;
I'm so glad! I really wondered about this. I really appreciate your input :grouphug; Your kitty sounds really cute! I totally understand, you've had her for 7 yrs, why would you part with her now? I'm glad the transplant team was really supportive to you also, that is awesome!!
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I was told no "new" pets for the first year.
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I think the no "new" pets theme jives with what my lot were saying - that if you've had pets for awhile their germs and anything they have already are in your system and your body is used to it, so probably not a big deal but introducing new ones could definitely be an issue.
It was a concern for me because at first I thought I may have to give her up for 3-6 months (or more?) while kidney settled, but all the docs laughed that idea off and said no way (and half the team know about my cat for various other reasons, mostly because she visitied dialysis a number of times to cheer everyone up :) ). I think they wouldn't have wanted to say no to me because they know she's all I really have.
I'm so glad to help put your mind at ease a little more about this Cordelia. i think Celeste understands that things have had to change a bit, as in I don't cuddle her quite as much as I used to, and some of the things I would allow her to do before are no no now (ie: licking my nose is sweet, but you come near it with that tongue now.. bad karma!). I think she's just happy that we're together and there's not been a massive impact on her life. It's funny how they seem to understand these things and take it in their stride and modify their own behaviour appropriately. As it gets colder though she's way more snuggly and makes it known that she doesn't like it when I get out of her bed in the morning (truth be told - neither do I!!). It's so cute though. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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I really appreciate the help :grouphug; You all are so helpful and understanding here :grouphug;
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Wait ... do not feed your cat undercooked meat?? Yet the vets say "give the cat RAW chicken wings for them to eat as it helps with their teeth" and of course I don't cook the tinned cat food, but I guess it's ok because it's processed mush.
Anyway Cordelia, I have a kitty (indoor) and this was a big concern to me as well prior to transplant. I constantly talked to the team about it and they all basically said that it would be fine. 1) indoor cat, so less likely to pick up anything nasty, 2) as long as I cleaned the tray with gloves, then used antibacterial on my hands after I was done I should be right, and 3) I got my sister to clean her tray during the first three months until my meds started coming down. I have done it since - with gloves etc and so far I think I am OK. As for handling my kitty and so on, I always try to use antibacterial and/or wash my hands with soap after cuddles, though she does like to come and snuggle up to me in bed when I sleep. I asked the team about that and their response was basically "hey you've had the cat for 7 years, any germs she has you've been exposed to for years. It's probably not an issue - just keep the common sense going of washing etc and you should be fine" - I think the real theme was common sense, and obviously don't pat my cat or have her lick my hand or something then go touch my eyes or face (!)
I suppose everyone's different but so far I think my cat situation has not been a real problem in relation to my transplant, and the benefits she gives me in terms of love and support are totally positive...
i have figured it out
i have 2 theories on why ur dateless
1) ur the crazy cat lady, just not a lady
2) u already have a loving female in ur bed... shes a cat but she gives u all the love and affection u could want...lol
im just kidding
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Well, in my experience, my mom cleaned the whole room (my room), bought a new bed, new curtains, new bedspread... then she painted with an anti-bacterial paint. no plants, no animals inside, even sprayed Lysol all over the place.
The house... well, clean, but not sterile, we had plants, even a little canary, but I didn't spend much time on the living room or the dining room, 3 months almost isolated in my room, and if I had to leave for some reason, I wore a surgical mask.
I guess we need to be exposed a little bit to the environment outside, you know... baby steps...
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We just got the house cleaned, and the showers, but I must go home and look for the filters in the taps now, thanks for that reminder Monrein (even if you made it a long time ago now)(the joys of an old archived thread).
To add to the list of things to do before a transplant (if you have time). MomoMcSleepy just described how she made loads of food and froze meals before she went in. Now they don't need to cook at her house, which is a wonderful thing, even when its not you with the transplant, transplant time is so mad that there's no time for cooking.
My father in law lives with us. Yesterday, he got up early and made shepherds pie. We took it out of the oven, wrapped it in towels and took it to hospital. Stuck it in the fridge down the hall. At teatime, instead of hospital food, I stuck the pie in the microwave and Gregory, Don and I enjoyed a home cooked meal. G ate more than he had for days, he didn't have much appetite till then. :beer1;
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I think I have already said this on this thread but am repeating it anyway.
I live in a rural area, lots of dust and an old house. Post tx, 10 weeks out, I went home to a house infested with mice. I cleaned and sprayed etc, always taking hygeine into account but it was all good. We have seven working dogs plus a yard dog but no cats.
Touch wood, I've been lucky not to have caught anything.
I still boil our rain water before drinking, just to be safe.
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Getting rid of all the diayslsis stuff!! That was definitly the highlight!! :2thumbsup;
:beer1;
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Not for the house but, I was wondering about other animals? We went to Sea World in San Diego and my son swam with dolphins. I wanted to try that out, but remembered what my doctor said about animals. Could dolphins be on the list of no no's?
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Not for the house but, I was wondering about other animals? We went to Sea World in San Diego and my son swam with dolphins. I wanted to try that out, but remembered what my doctor said about animals. Could dolphins be on the list of no no's?
I was told NO birds or reptiles, But salt water is ok to swim in. So I would have gone for it, but that's my opinion ;D If you really want to be sure you could always call your doctors office to see what they say.
Good Luck!
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I wanted to add my 2 cents to this thread since these things have been forefront in my mind lately since I got on the list in Wisconsin.
Thinks I have already done or are working on currently:
1. Cleaning out old paperwork, destroying old hard drives and floppy disks with sensitive data on them, and organizing both my personal and business files. In case something does go wrong after the transplant or I am incapacitated for a long time, I don't want the people I care about to find boxes of paperwork they do not know how to dispose of properly. Also, scanning most of my client files and business data to reduce future paperwork (I already have multiple hard drive and online continuous backups for these).
2. Storing important papers in a readily accessible fireproof box, things such as medical power of attorney, insurance papers, car title, and financial information. I want my loved ones to be able to find theses in a hurry and I want them protected.
3. Throwing away junk I do not need so in case I need to move or my relatives need to clean out my house, there isn't so much stuff to handle.
4. Disposing of at least some or most of my many many books--the ones that don't have much personal significance or ones I'm not likely to read again.
5. Thinking about things I want the people I love and care about to know in case something happens to either them or me. I have been doing this verbally, in writing, and hopefully by changing my behavior in ways that make up for some of the mistakes I've made over the past few years while lost in my own emotional stuff. This includes talking to them about some (but not all) of my feelings and fears about the process so they can better support me before and after the transplant. The scariest thing for me is being bipolar and knowing I will probably need at least some steroids. I am working on strengthening my support system so it is there when I need it most.
6. Buying a laptop and arranging to have remote access to my home computer and email while I am recovering from the transplant. If it happens during tax season, I will make arrangements to have a backup person my clients can contact for help.
7. Learning how to forward calls from by home number to my cell for times when I leave the house for anything but a short outing. Also programming doctor and transplant center numbers into my cell phone.
8. Figuring out how to pay most of my bills, including rent, online so I have a way of paying these remotely. I want to leave instructions for someone to handle these matters if I am unable to do so.
9. Giving extra love to all my cats daily so they will forgive me for being gone for a while.
Things I still need to do:
1. Find a secure place to save all my online passwords so my loved ones can get into my accounts if need to be.
2. Writing up instructions on what to do with my online backup files, Facebook account, hard drive files, and physical personal and client files if something happens to me.
3. Making up some kind of will that leaves instructions on what do with my personal belongs and car. I don't have much in the way of assets to deal with, but I need to be clear on that process, and also my wishes about what to do with my remains. I've been on the receiving end of those kinds of end-of-life matters that come after a loved one has died, and I want my wishes to be clear.
4. Having my friend come and do a thorough cleaning so that I can try to keep up with things and be able to come home to a clean house after the transplant.
5. Making clear plans on how to get to the transplant center in a hurry, contact people who will be helping me, and have someone update family and friends about my condition. I believe Univ. of WI has a web page I can set up for updates.
6. Stocking up on cat food and litter, and writing out instructions for the people have promised to care for my cats when I am gone.
That's all I have thought about so far. I guess that's more than 2 cents worth!! I certainly am not planning on leaving this life anytime soon, and I still have LOTS of fight left in me, but I want to be responsible about things and well-prepared. Right now I have the time and energy to deal with these things, and doing so is my way of showing my loved ones that I don't want to make their lives any harder than need be in supporting me in this journey.
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What an amazing amount of work. You've tackled most of the things that we should all get done. Moving helped me do most of this stuff and it does feel good to have it nice and tidy. No one plans on a speedy exit but I think it's up to each of us to be ready. The greatest gift you can give to those left behind is to have everything clear. Good work!