I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: Fox_nc on July 25, 2007, 10:26:30 PM

Title: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on July 25, 2007, 10:26:30 PM
                   :yahoo;    :yahoo;      :yahoo;     :yahoo;    :yahoo;     :yahoo;     

My boytoy (aka my husband) and I are all set!  Our transplant team works slowly, but they work.  We got final confirmation that we will be in surgery on August 9!!  We didn't want to tell anyone at first, so we didn't jinx it.  It's two weeks away, so it's no longer our secret.  I am a bundle of nerves, but he's as cool as a cucumber.  Most people that find out he's donating to me are amazed by our story.  David says he knew from day 1 that he was a match and he never had a doubt.  I had to explain to him just how lucky we are.  I just can't believe I've been so lucky to have 2 living donors.  I feel blessed and wanted to share. 

It's been a while since I went through this ... any advice from recent recipients? Help!


Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: okarol on July 25, 2007, 11:20:34 PM
 :clap; Wow foxy, that's great to hear!
Best wishes to you both!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Wattle on July 25, 2007, 11:47:26 PM



 :cuddle;  Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy recovery. Can't wait to hear all the details.   :bandance;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: KT0930 on July 26, 2007, 05:21:05 AM
 :bandance;

Fox, that's absoultely wonderful! Best of luck to you both!!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Sluff on July 26, 2007, 05:26:55 AM
Congratulations Foxnc  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Joe Paul on July 26, 2007, 05:53:32 AM
Good for you, hope everything goes well.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: kitkatz on July 26, 2007, 06:04:48 AM
All right Foxy and hubby. Good luck and stay healthy.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: vandie on July 26, 2007, 08:26:05 AM
That's fabulous news.    Congratulations!!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on July 26, 2007, 08:32:33 AM
What great news Fox!  :bandance;  :bandance;  :bandance;
Best wishes to both of you. 
I have been wondering about you as I haven't noticed posts from you recently.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on July 26, 2007, 09:54:04 AM
Thanks for all the good vibes you're sending this way.  I'm going to try and keep everyone updated on our progress.  It may take me a couple days to make it back here, but my mom is going to be updating my Caringbridge site, so you are free to check it out before I can log on here.

I'm trying to get everything in order before both me and my husband are unable to do anything.  I don't think there's enough time, but I'm working at it.  Wish me luck.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sonjafox
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: thegrammalady on July 26, 2007, 09:55:38 AM
:bandance; YEA FOR YOU
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Roxy on July 26, 2007, 10:21:43 AM
  :2thumbsup; yay!! That's awesome news!!! Congrats!   :clap;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: paris on July 26, 2007, 02:49:06 PM
We have missed you,, Foxy!  Is your transplant being done at Duke?  I am very excited for you. Best wishes and keep us posted.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: goofynina on July 26, 2007, 03:24:26 PM
Right on!!!  :2thumbsup;  That is fantastic news Foxy  :clap;  Here's to a successful surgery and a speedy recovery  :wine; :wine; :wine;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: BigSky on July 26, 2007, 04:01:58 PM
Congratulations :thumbup;.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: charee on July 26, 2007, 04:24:44 PM
what fabulous news wishing you both lots of luck :2thumbsup;
and its great to see you back
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Laurie on July 26, 2007, 06:30:32 PM
Congratulations  :clap;
Best wishes to both of you for a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: donnia on July 26, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
AWESOME NEWS!!!  Congrats! :yahoo;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Jill D. on July 27, 2007, 08:43:50 PM
Such great news!!! Stay healthy (keep away from sick people and be careful where you eat!) both now and for the first 2 - 3 months after transplant. What an amzing gift from your husband. Keep us posted!!! :cuddle;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Rerun on July 28, 2007, 11:36:46 PM
Wonderful news!!  Best of luck to all three of you!!!

                                                                             :grouphug;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on July 29, 2007, 12:39:11 AM
What wonderful news! Congrats! Best wishes to the both fo you!  :cuddle;

Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: rimbo74 on July 29, 2007, 08:32:10 AM
Best of luck!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: babi68 on July 29, 2007, 03:11:44 PM
not long to go. :yahoo;  good luck with it all. wishing you a speedy recovery. Liz :beer1;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: kelliOR on July 29, 2007, 06:25:29 PM
So happy to hear your news!   :) 
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: jbeany on July 29, 2007, 08:00:17 PM
That's wonderful news!  wishing you both a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 03, 2007, 08:43:03 PM
Thank you guys for all of your warm wishes.  Keep sending good vibes my way!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: okarol on August 04, 2007, 09:00:25 PM
I just got back in town - signed your caring bridge guestbook but wanted to also post here!
I hope all goes well and you both have a speedy recovery. Wow, only a few days to go!  :cuddle;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: angela515 on August 04, 2007, 09:49:14 PM
 :yahoo; :2thumbsup; So happy for you, I can hardly wait to read your success story.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Jaybird on August 08, 2007, 08:49:58 AM
Wow, looks like we'll be getting transplants the same day! YEAH US!  :clap; :yahoo; :bandance;

Good luck to you!
-Jaybird
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: rimbo74 on August 08, 2007, 11:09:15 AM
Best of luck tomorrow!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: st789 on August 08, 2007, 11:28:42 AM
 :bestwishes; :bandance;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 08, 2007, 02:00:46 PM
Thanks guys!  We got the final crossmatch back about an hour a go.  Nothing can stop us now!  Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow. 

Good luck to you too, Jaybird!  Tomorrow will be a good day!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: goofynina on August 08, 2007, 02:03:26 PM
What is going on here?  Heck, why am i asking, i am just AMAZED  :clap;   Good luck to you Fox,  :wine;  :wine; here is to a successful transplant and a speeeeeeedy recovery ;)  :2thumbsup;   Please come and tell us all about your experience when your feeling better   :popcorn;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: okarol on August 08, 2007, 05:04:07 PM
Godspeed Foxy!!!  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: paris on August 08, 2007, 06:10:41 PM
So excited for you. August is a good month for IHD. Keep us posted. Lots of good wishes being sent your way.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Black on August 08, 2007, 06:19:49 PM
Congrats to you both!!! :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 14, 2007, 04:36:15 AM
Making progress, so I thought I'd check in.  Creatine was at 1.2 yesterday and there's rumors today about getting me out of here.  I had a scare during the surgery involving some blood clots, so I'm sure they'll make sure I'm A-OK before they let me go.  It's kinda scary to realize that the transplant found a blood clot that could have killed me within weeks.  They are being careful not to scare me too bad, but they aren't being too chatty and I'm not sure how I feel about that.  No news is good news?
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Sluff on August 14, 2007, 04:45:37 AM
Thanks for checking in. Glad the blood clots didn't win. Praying for your speedy recovery. :grouphug; :grouphug;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: TynyOne on August 14, 2007, 05:50:31 AM
I do not know yall that well as I have not been on the IHD site long; however, I did want to send you and your hubby well wishes and I pray that all goes well and your recovery will go smoothly with no complications.  Good Luck and may God bless you both!

Tammy from Alabameeee   :bandance;   
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: MyssAnne on August 14, 2007, 08:03:16 AM
Yay!!!!!! :yahoo; :yahoo;  That's for the transplant..as for the blood clot, thank goodness they found that!!  :grouphug;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: donnia on August 14, 2007, 08:26:12 AM
 :bandance;  Yea for the translplant!!!  As for the blood clot, God works in mysterious ways!  I will be praying for a full and speedy recovery for you both!   :cuddle;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: goofynina on August 14, 2007, 12:18:50 PM
Hey Foxy, thank you so much for updating us on your progress  :2thumbsup;  Your in good hands honey, and dont be afraid to ask them questions,  glad your transplant was a success, Looking forward to hearing more from you so keep in touch k ;) ;)
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: okarol on August 14, 2007, 12:30:42 PM
 :yahoo; Yahoo for the transplant AND adios to the blood clot! Wow what a scare - I hope everything else goes well from here on out!
How's your boy toy doing? Best wishes for a speedy recovery for you both!  :cuddle;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: vandie on August 14, 2007, 01:09:09 PM
Great news on your counts.   I am so pleased for you and hubby.  A fabulous nre start.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 15, 2007, 05:58:32 AM
We're doing good so far today.  David feels he was kicked out a little early.  We transplanted on Thursday and he was released Saturday am.   I got 2 more days than Jaybird, but I think that had more to do with the clot than anything else.  Good thing my mom flew in to keep me in line.  Since I've been home, it's been hard to sit still.  When we were meeting with the transplant team to get discharged I had to ask, ASK for pain meds.  WTF!  Since I had the complication, my scar is a little larger than usual and it's not exactly in a spot that doesn't move alot.  I do have a new "JP" drain, which is a little weird.  Looks like I'm carrying around my very own Tell Tale Heart.  It's suppose to cut down on infections, so I'm all for it.  As of discharge yesterday, my creatine was down to 1.0  :bandance; :bandance;  I haven't been that good in a long time.  I still had some output, so peeings not so weird, but I forgot what pee that had actually filtered out something looks like  ;D  I feel like I have a million things to tell you guys, but I'm not sure what .... are there any questions?
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: okarol on August 15, 2007, 10:13:35 AM
After the transplant Jenna was in the hospital 3 days and her donor 2 days! It does seem quick but the surgeon said there is a much greater risk of infection in a hospital than there is at home, so they don't want to make you sick!
What meds are you on?
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 15, 2007, 03:22:30 PM
today I'm on

Cellcept 1000 mg (anti-rejection)
Predisone 40 mg (anti-rejection)
Prograf 2 mg (anti-rejection)
Valcyte (CMV)
Bactrim DS (antibiotic)
Nystatin (prevents Thrush)
Aspirin (bloodclots)
Norvac (blood pressure)
Nexium (reflux)
Pepcid (reflux)
K-phos Neutra (low phos)

The cellcept and prograf will be long term, we'll taper the prednisone down to about 2.5 mg within 6 months.  Everything else is up to change and or discontinue 6-8 months.  I have my first clinic tomorrow, so I imagine I'll get my first change then.

Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on August 15, 2007, 03:28:03 PM
Hope your kidney lasts many many years Fox.
Hoping for a quick recovery for you both.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: angela515 on August 15, 2007, 09:33:02 PM
I think i'm the only one here on Rapamune..

Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Wattle on August 15, 2007, 11:31:44 PM



 :bandance; :bandance;  Yipppeeeee Foxy! I am so glad everything went so smoothly.    :grouphug;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 18, 2007, 01:41:16 AM
I think i'm the only one here on Rapamune..

I was on Rapamune for the past year, but they don't use it here for new kidney transplants anymore.  My neph likes it, but the transplant surgeon doesn't.  I think he said something about tissue degeneration.  It still amazes me what is wonderful in one place is crap somewhere else.   I liked it way better than Neoral and so far it beats the new crap.  I didn't have many side affects from the the Rappa, but they new stuff causes major reflux, yuk!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: TynyOne on August 18, 2007, 01:24:18 PM
How long were each of you in surgery for the transplant?

Tammy
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: angela515 on August 18, 2007, 08:04:12 PM
I think i'm the only one here on Rapamune..

I was on Rapamune for the past year, but they don't use it here for new kidney transplants anymore.  My neph likes it, but the transplant surgeon doesn't.  I think he said something about tissue degeneration.  It still amazes me what is wonderful in one place is crap somewhere else.   I liked it way better than Neoral and so far it beats the new crap.  I didn't have many side affects from the the Rappa, but they new stuff causes major reflux, yuk!

I agree... one city loves one thing another city hates that one thing,  :lol;  My surgeon loves Rapamune, so I remain on it. I have no complaints about it as of yet.. and I agree, better than Neoral.. I was on that first transplant.

Why were you taken off of it? Due to the possibility of tissue degeneration?
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 19, 2007, 06:31:22 AM
How long were each of you in surgery for the transplant?

Tammy
I was in about 4 hours and my donor a little less.  I had complications which made it last a little longer than expected.  They basically had to do the surgery twice from what I hear.

Why were you taken off of it? Due to the possibility of tissue degeneration?
They took me off the Neoral when I went into rejection last summer.  They weren't real sure what caused it - my graft failed after 12 years.  Apparently the Neoral can cause it, so they switched me to the Rappa.  I think they switched me off the Rappa after the surgery just because they think the Prograf and Cellcept work better.  My question is why no one took me off Neoral once they decided it wasn't good enough to give to new transplant patients.  They say 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' but I can't help but wonder if I had been switched earlier if I wouldn't be recovering from surgery right now. . .
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Romona on August 19, 2007, 05:53:19 PM
 :)   Glad to hear things are going well. Your creatin is great so soon!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Jaybird on August 23, 2007, 09:18:33 PM
How'd you feel gettin the JP pump taken out? Mine hurt like HELL! Worst pain i ever had. They didn't trim mine, so it was full length inside me. I got out of the hospital in 3 days, but i had to go back in 2 days later for 5 days because of a complication with my ureter.. I chose not to have a stint placement if possible and it backfired on me. Now i got a stint and i'm feeling much better.

However I am in more pain than normal because I"m going prednizone free. They say that it helps with pain as well as anti-inflammatory. Hope i made the right choice. They say you have a 5% chance of rejection with prednizone, and about an 8% chance without it. So I took the 3% chance to stay off one more med with so many side effects.

Good luck and STAY WELL!

Jaybird
Title: Re: My turn! Two Weeks out!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 24, 2007, 05:18:09 AM
I still have my JP . . . but thanks for the heads up on removal.  I'm only draining about 10cc a day right now, but they want it down to zero before they remove it.  I tried to get out of the stint b/c of another problem I have that makes it painful for me to get a folly.  They still put it in, so they will have to knock me out to get it out.  I am back  on the predizone, but they've already started to taper it down since I'm doing so good. My husband lovingly tell me that they make me cranky, so he can't wait for them to be gone again.  He is doing well and had his staples removed yesterday.  He's still in a little pain b/c they had to remove part of a rib.  The hospital and transplant team haven't exactly made him feel special, so I'm making sure that he knows how special I think he is.  How is your donor doing? 
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Jaybird on August 24, 2007, 06:27:00 AM
If the knock you out to take out the jp drain you will be lucky! Man i wish they did that for me, but it was about a 10 second procedure that felt like hell. heh Short pain, was over quick.. But man it hurt.

My mom only had suture strips instead of staples. She was in a lot of pain initially because of the gas they use for liproscopic.  But she's feeling better than me now.

I also had a hard time peeing. I just started being able to urinate easier last night. Its getting easier everytime now.

Good luck with everything. And tell your hubby that I think he's very special too.

Jaybird
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: goofynina on August 24, 2007, 11:11:29 AM
It is so awesome to read both of your stories, i am so glad your recoveries are going well and your donors are doing fine  :2thumbsup;  Keep up the great work you two and please keep us posted on how your doing, it is very inspirational  :clap;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: George Jung on August 25, 2007, 07:08:17 AM
Congrats and bets wishes to you and your husband.  Did you say what hospital you were at?
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: paris on August 25, 2007, 07:27:56 AM
George--good to see you posting!  Foxy is in our area - her transplant evaluation was at Duke, but don't know if that is where the transplant took place, but I imagine it did. 
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on August 26, 2007, 05:01:11 AM
Congrats on your transplant!!

This has been a good transplant year for IHD Members.  :clap;

Amanda
xxoo
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 26, 2007, 06:06:20 PM
George--good to see you posting! Foxy is in our area - her transplant evaluation was at Duke, but don't know if that is where the transplant took place, but I imagine it did.
I actually wound up doing mine here located here in Eastern, NC - Pitt County Memorial Hospital.  They don't take my insurance, but they had a grant program through East Carolina University called "kidney aquisition" that paid for 100% of my donor's cost and almost 100% of mine.  My insurance company called about a month before hand and nicely "asked" me to go to Duke.  "It's oly 100 miles away" she says.  I told her my date was set, but she thought we were just starting. She couldn't understand how I had a surgery date but no one had submitted a claim.  It took me a minute to get her to understand that no one was gonna ask them to pay for it.  I'm not sure if Duke has the Kidney Aquisition grant thing or not, but since Pitt Memorial is only 10 miles from my house, it worked out best for me.  Now I don't have to drive to Durham twice a week for follow-ups.  Duke is one of the best in the country, so going there wouldn't have been all that bad, but I'm happy.  The only downside is that they don't take the donated kidney with laproscopy here, so my husband has about a 6 inch scar on his side.  He says I'm worth it  :bandance;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Romona on August 26, 2007, 06:22:43 PM
 :clap;
Glad you are doing so well!
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Jaybird on August 27, 2007, 07:00:40 AM
Tell your hubby, Chicks dig scars. My wife likes my new one.  :clap;

Also, he's getting to miss out on all that gas that comes with liproscopy!  :beer1;

Jaybird
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 27, 2007, 08:44:54 AM
Oh he knows I dig his scar  ;)  Just got back from today's checkup and I'm still at 1.1  :yahoo;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: angela515 on August 27, 2007, 12:13:56 PM
 :yahoo; Fox :)
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Fox_nc on August 27, 2007, 01:14:19 PM
I know, right?  I'm suprised it hasn't waved since I was discharged, but David just says "I told you it was gonna work"  His faith suprises me sometimes.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Sluff on August 27, 2007, 02:18:09 PM
Glad your at the 1.1 club FoxNC.
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: tamara on August 27, 2007, 04:47:03 PM
  :yahoo;  :yahoo;   :grouphug;
Title: Re: My turn!
Post by: Jill D. on August 27, 2007, 07:22:53 PM
So happy to hear things are going so well!!!  :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;