I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: livecam on August 05, 2007, 06:57:22 PM

Title: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: livecam on August 05, 2007, 06:57:22 PM

Vandie continues to recover well about 36 hours after her transplant. 

She looks and feels great as she prepares to leave the hospital for home later this week.

The nurses on the transplant floor were panting after Vandie finished chasing them up and down the hallways.  One asked what she is like when she hasn't had surgery.

Wishing her a continued speedy recovery!

Oh..in the picture she's the pretty one.

 

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on August 05, 2007, 07:22:26 PM

Vans you look amazing can't wait to hear from you, luv ya girl xoxo Amy  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: charee on August 05, 2007, 07:27:36 PM

wow you look fabulous vandie and livecam you don't look too bad either . ;D.take care

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Laurie on August 05, 2007, 07:33:26 PM

WOW Vandie, you look amazing.  :yahoo;
I hope things continue to go well for you.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on August 05, 2007, 07:43:44 PM

Who IS that masked man??

Vandie - so happy to see your smile!
 :)

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tubes on August 05, 2007, 07:53:35 PM

glad ur doing well vandie, i look good

 :2thumbsup;


OMG I just caught that...LMAO  :rofl; ......U look good....we already know I do!    ;)

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on August 05, 2007, 08:03:40 PM

Thanks for the update Livecam, Vandie you are looking outstanding!!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on August 05, 2007, 08:31:53 PM

Sister!!!  You look so beautiful and happy,  :yahoo;  now hurry up and come and tell us all about it  :clap;  :popcorn;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: glitter on August 05, 2007, 08:43:04 PM

you look beautiful!  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: angela515 on August 05, 2007, 09:05:32 PM

You look AMAZING! :)

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Wattle on August 05, 2007, 11:16:08 PM

 :bandance; :bandance;  "You look fabulous darling".......    :yahoo;


Thank you Livecam for keeping us up to date and the great photo.    :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Joe Paul on August 05, 2007, 11:21:31 PM

 :thumbup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on August 06, 2007, 12:39:55 AM

 :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo;

You look wonderful vandie! So happy to hear you are doing so well! Can;t wait to hear all about it.

Jeff  :cuddle;

Amanda
xxoo

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: KT0930 on August 06, 2007, 05:33:38 AM

Yay, Vandie!! Hope you feel half as great as you look! Take care of yourself and hurry back and tell us all about it. Thanks LC for keeping us updated.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: BigSky on August 06, 2007, 06:11:24 AM

Your looking great!   :thumbup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Jill D. on August 07, 2007, 08:57:30 PM

Great pic...you look fabulous!!!! :bandance;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: kitkatz on August 07, 2007, 09:46:57 PM

My goodness, it is a transplant explosion around here! Way to go Vandie!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: keefer51 on August 08, 2007, 02:55:41 AM

 :welcomesign; to the club Vandie! You look wonderful.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on August 08, 2007, 03:36:48 AM

Congratulations Vandie !

Here's to a continued Speedy Recovery !  :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on August 08, 2007, 05:56:23 PM

Oh my goodness!!  You all warmed my heart.  I can't tell you what it means you have you in my corner.
Thank you Jeff, for keeping everyone updated, not sure that photo was necessary, but. . . . . . . . .. . . . .  :D

I just got home this afternoon.  I feel better than I have  in -- well, I can't tell you how long. 

This was an amazing gift that I never expected.  I knew that eventually something would happen for me, but who would have thought a
zero mismatch kidney?!?   Not in my wildest dreams.  It makes me weepy, I am so grateful. 

I got a call from a coordinator on August 2nd.  She informed me that I was number three in line for a perfectly matched kidney.   She said the chances of me getting it were slim, but if I was interested that I should not eat or drink anything until I heard from her.   I shaved my legs, took a sleeping pill and went to bed with my cell phone in hand.  When I awoke for work with no news, I figured it went to one of the first two.  I got ready for work and started my 1 hour drive in.  At 6:30 a.m., halfway to work, I got the call.  She said it was mine if I wanted it.   I turned around and busted a move getting home.   On the way, I was stopped for speeding.  I told the gal my plight, still not sure if she believed me, but she let me go.  I got home, told my eldest daughter and we cried together.   She called in sick to work. 
I got another call that they needed to biopsy the kidney and that I was on standby.  They would call me when it was time to go to Loma Linda.   Kourtney and I drove to my best friend's house, which was closer to the hospital ,and we waited.  By the time they called at 10:30, I was on pins and needles.  But that baby was mine.
We got to the hospital about 11:00 on Friday.  My other two friends were waiting for me there.  I checked in and we waited some more. 

We went into surgery about 12:30 a.m. on Saturday.  I was out my 7:00 am.   I had some pain, but mainly in my neck due to that catheter I needed for plasmapharesis.  I did the pharesis on day 0 and day 1 post op, and IVIg on day 4.  I will do another course of IVIg at home tomorrow.  Because of the high PRA issues, I couldn't pin them down as to whether or not I will have to do them down the road.   

My scar is uncomfortable, but not horrible.  My surgeons and nurses were fantastic.  Loma Linda really pulled through. 

When I left today my creatinine was 1.9, and I felt great; tired of course, but much better than before.

Thank you again.  You are all fabulous and I love you.  I would have been in touch sooner, but no wireless at the hospital.   :urcrazy;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on August 08, 2007, 06:06:44 PM

YAY, VANDIE'S HOME!!!  Welcome home girlfriend,  Hope your up and at 'em in no time  :bandance; :bandance;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Black on August 08, 2007, 06:13:43 PM

WONDERFUL  :yahoo;  you look great and glad you're home.  :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: livecam on August 08, 2007, 06:14:54 PM

Welcome back Vandie...good job!

You know she's always talking about her good cooking.  Ok Vandie, since you have all that good energy...we're all coming on Saturday...Italian?

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on August 08, 2007, 06:21:39 PM

Welcome home Vans can't wait to chat with you  :cuddle; xoxox Amy

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Wattle on August 08, 2007, 06:55:07 PM

 :clap;  Welcome Home!    :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Earlinda on August 08, 2007, 07:06:16 PM

Vandie I didn't even know you were getting a transplant!  Way to go girl!  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.   :cuddle;

Way to go!! 
I love ya girlfriend,
Earlinda

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on August 08, 2007, 07:13:56 PM

:yahoo; Great to hear your home and doing well.

 :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup;

Amanda
xxoo

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on August 08, 2007, 07:45:33 PM

 :clap; Yay Vandie! So glad you're home now!
Take care and get some rest, and drink lots! (water, that is!)
 :cuddle;  :cuddle;  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: charee on August 08, 2007, 07:47:07 PM

 :yahoo; Thats great your home vandie , and going so welll Take Care :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on August 08, 2007, 08:05:22 PM

Wow, Vandie, sounds like you are doing great.
I know it is good to be home.
Take care.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on August 08, 2007, 08:25:12 PM

Vandie sounds like things are improving quick,  :yahoo; take it easy as long as you can.  Enjoy your new found freedom. :thumbup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: kimcanada on August 09, 2007, 08:52:35 AM

I have to say that "Vandie" has been someone that I have enjoyed reading since I started in this site, ...  last weekend my hubbie and I went  away for the weekend and got a hotel, the next morning while Andrew was sleeping I decided to brush up on my IHD, and read that Vandie was on her way to the hospital and getting a kidney, I was sitting in my hotel room in Sydney NS Canada so happy for Vandie in Cali USA I could have burst!  All my best to you Vandie, you look awesome  CHEERS!!!!!! :wine; :wine; :wine;

Kim

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on August 09, 2007, 09:01:17 AM

Vandie was in the chat room last night so i was lucky to get to chat with her and she sounds great.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: jbeany on August 09, 2007, 10:39:08 AM

I love reading these success stories!  Glad you're doing great, Vandie!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: angela515 on August 09, 2007, 02:42:52 PM

Yay Vandie.. so glad for you.  :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: rimbo74 on August 09, 2007, 03:52:36 PM

Welcome back Vandie, glad everything went great for you!  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Falkenbach on August 09, 2007, 04:06:50 PM

Thanks for sharing your story vandie. I found my scar uncomfortable too, and still do sometimes, but it's not real bad. As soon as the staples come out (which was at the 2-week mark for me) it is a whole HEAP better. Just avoid tight or uncomfortable waist bands, such as jeans.

Wow, you had a zero-match kidney? It's so great to hear of this success. You go girl!  :boxing;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on August 14, 2007, 10:28:00 PM

Great to hear Vandie !

Keep on Keepin On !

Take Care Girl

Tamara xxx ooo  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: thegrammalady on August 15, 2007, 12:20:49 AM

better late than never, i've been away. glad you're home and all is going well    :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Romona on August 15, 2007, 01:45:13 PM

So happy for you. You look great in the photo.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on August 20, 2007, 06:11:52 PM

And so it goes. . . . . .

Went to clinic today; creat up to 2.0.  Has been slowly increasing since I was released.  I'm 16 days post transplant.

I have a UTI, most likely from Foley.  Taking antibiotics for that.   I have been feeling pretty good, was surprised my creat was up.

Cross match came back negative from last week, so that is a good thing.  Ran another one today, cross those fingers it's negative.

They stopped two bp meds; Diovan and Hydrochlorithiazide (sp).  Hopefully they were making me dry and the creat will come down.

They are concerned but on top of it, so I am concerned but not stressing.  I will know more on Thursday morning.

 :cuddle; 

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on August 20, 2007, 06:19:00 PM

Here's an order for thing to settle down for Thursday!

Take Care Tamara xxx ooo  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on August 20, 2007, 06:30:57 PM

 :2thumbsup; Glad things are going well. Here's to continued success  :beer1;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on August 20, 2007, 07:53:16 PM

Hey Vandie, i hope them taking you off those meds helps that creat. come down and the best thing you can do is NO STRESSING :)  Love ya girlfriend,  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Jill D. on August 21, 2007, 04:30:50 PM

Way to go with the positive thoughts...I'm sending 'em your way too! Keep pumping the water!  :beer1;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on August 21, 2007, 04:36:03 PM

I hope things settle soon.

Thinking of you.

Amanda
xxoo
 :beer1;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: jbeany on August 22, 2007, 07:24:12 PM

Hang in there, Vandie!   :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: glitter on August 22, 2007, 08:42:27 PM

so happy for you.. :waving; :clap; :cookie; :wine;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on August 23, 2007, 07:50:35 AM

Hope all the test results today turn out to your liking.  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on August 23, 2007, 04:41:03 PM

Whew!
Creat back down; 1.5.  Seems the change in meds was the ticket.  Cross match was negative again. 

I felt great yesterday, so I went in there optimstic.   

Back on track. . . . .  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: charee on August 23, 2007, 04:42:44 PM

great news vandie ,  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on August 23, 2007, 06:18:44 PM

  :cuddle;  :clap;   :cuddle;  :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on August 23, 2007, 07:00:36 PM

 :yahoo; :yahoo; :bandance; :bandance;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Jill D. on August 23, 2007, 08:10:00 PM

Wooooo :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; Hoooo!





EDITED: Fixed  :bandance; icon - Sluff/ Admin

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on August 23, 2007, 08:35:53 PM

Thank you for the update Vandie, you just keep doing what your doing girlfriend, glad to hear this are getting better for you  :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on August 23, 2007, 08:39:52 PM

Great news!!  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: livecam on August 23, 2007, 08:42:48 PM

Great news Vandie...you have it all back.  Life is good!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on August 23, 2007, 09:44:45 PM

Quote from: vandie on August 23, 2007, 04:41:03 PM

Whew!
Creat back down; 1.5.  Seems the change in meds was the ticket.  Cross match was negative again. 

I felt great yesterday, so I went in there optimstic.   

Back on track. . . . .  :yahoo;

Yeah baby yeah!!! That's what I like to hear!!!  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Wattle on August 23, 2007, 11:44:54 PM

 :yahoo;  Yipppeeeeee    :clap;    :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: angela515 on August 25, 2007, 08:39:13 PM

 :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on August 26, 2007, 04:51:29 AM

Great News!!  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Rose From OZ on August 29, 2007, 02:48:46 AM

Congratulations on your Transplant and good results. I hope your kidney last FOREVER.  :thumbup;   Rose

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on September 25, 2007, 04:52:24 PM

I am 7 weeks post transplant and feeling groovy.  My creatinine is at 1.1, and all of my counts have been great.  I would love to go back to work, but my surgeon thinks that three months is what I need off of work, so I will listen to him.
I go to clinic every two weeks, and I do labs once a week.  I wear a mask when I go out anywhere.  He suggests I wear that for three months as well.  I have been following their orders to the letter.  I haven't felt this good in years. 

I love my new kidney.   

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Jill D. on September 25, 2007, 05:37:27 PM

That is so awesome Vandie! I'm sooooo glad you are being extra careful about not exposing yourself to germs. I did the same thing...since it was winter I just stayed cozy in my house and tried a bunch of new recipes! Hard as it was, I also requested that I not have visitors or have food brought over. For one thing, I was cooking up a storm and more important was I was secure in where it came from and how it was handled. I am convinced that being super careful the first 3 - 4 months made a huge difference. I haven't even had a snifffle and I am coming up on 10 months since my transplant!!! You go girl!!! :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tubes on September 25, 2007, 06:17:27 PM

That is great to hear Vandie.  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: angela515 on September 25, 2007, 06:20:30 PM

Awesome vandie :)

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: paris on September 25, 2007, 06:46:23 PM

So glad you are doing so good! :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on September 25, 2007, 09:57:04 PM

You Go Girl!!!  :yahoo;  Keep doing what your doing and your kidney will love you just as much as you love it ;)  Glad to hear your doing so well  :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Joe Paul on September 26, 2007, 12:23:40 AM

So happy to hear all is well  :thumbup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Rose From OZ on September 26, 2007, 12:53:43 AM

Thats great news Vandie...  :bandance;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Falkenbach on September 26, 2007, 01:19:31 AM

Quote from: vandie on September 25, 2007, 04:52:24 PM

I love my new kidney.

I love mine too - know just how you feel. Congrats Vandie.  :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Wattle on September 26, 2007, 01:26:34 AM

 :cuddle;  Great news Vandie. I hope it lasts forever.   :thumbup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on September 26, 2007, 02:01:22 AM

Great news Vandie. So glad everything is going so well.  :cuddle;

Amanda
xxoo

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on September 26, 2007, 04:36:20 AM

 :2thumbsup; have you named it yet?

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on September 26, 2007, 05:52:33 AM

 :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo; :bandance; :bandance; you go Vans xoxoxo






EDITED: Fixed  :bandance; icon error - Sluff/ Admin

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on September 26, 2007, 09:19:23 AM

YAY Vandie! So happy you're doing well! I hope that kidney gives you many, many years of health! :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: paddbear0000 on September 26, 2007, 02:08:21 PM

 :bandance; :2thumbsup; :bandance; :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Romona on September 26, 2007, 06:15:39 PM

 :yahoo;
Good for you!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on November 03, 2007, 08:41:51 PM

Three months post op and doing great.  I start back to work on Monday.  I am so ready.  My counts are great.  Creat is still 1.0.  A little amemic, but I am working on that with epo shots.  Prograf levels remain low, so we are still doing labs weekly and adjusting the Prograf doses.

My friends from work had a welcome back party for me last night.  Here are a few pics.  xoxo


 

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: charee on November 03, 2007, 08:45:41 PM

wow vandie you look fantastic glad everything is going so well :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: angela515 on November 03, 2007, 09:18:10 PM

You look amazing!  :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Jill D. on November 03, 2007, 09:53:07 PM

Congrats Vandie! So happy things are going well - you look great! Good luck with your return to work - it looks like you have a great bunch of co-workers.  :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on November 03, 2007, 09:58:58 PM

 :bandance; Wonderful!! You look mahvelous!  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on November 03, 2007, 10:38:05 PM

Vandieeeee, my sistah, you look absolutely MAHVELOUS DAHLING  :bandance;  So glad you are doing good and you are returning to work, looks like a fun bunch, i am sure they missed you.   Love ya  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on November 04, 2007, 01:16:30 AM

YOU GO GIRL  :yahoo;  :clap;  :yahoo;  :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Amanda From OZ on November 04, 2007, 04:27:59 AM

Vandie you look beautiful. Glad to hear all is going back to normal.   :cuddle;

Amanda
xxoo

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: paris on November 04, 2007, 02:00:27 PM

Vandie, you look so healthy and happy!  We are thrilled you are doing so well. :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Falkenbach on November 04, 2007, 06:39:01 PM

Awesome  :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: KR Cincy on November 05, 2007, 05:51:32 AM

GREAT smile!!!!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on November 05, 2007, 10:13:25 AM

You look just awesome Vandie, but then again you always have.  ;)

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: livecam on November 05, 2007, 11:19:29 AM

Congratulations on a successful transplant, recovery, and your return to a normal life! 

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Romona on November 05, 2007, 03:06:44 PM

 :bandance; Best Wishes as you return to work.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Zach on November 05, 2007, 03:31:22 PM

Outstanding!
 8)

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on November 11, 2007, 08:08:15 AM

I finished my first full work week.  It was so much fun.  Just as dramatic supervising 30 women now as it was before transplant. . .  :banghead;

I have to say it does make me a bit nervous when there is a felon in the cage and it sounds as if he's coughing up a lung. 

I am so fortunate to have had such an incredible support group.  My friends at work and my IHD family have been amazing.

I love you all.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: oswald on November 11, 2007, 08:39:05 AM

 :grouphug;   :grouphug;   :grouphug;   :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: MyssAnne on November 11, 2007, 09:26:24 AM

You look WONDERFUL!!! Congrats on a good first week back!!  I am so happy it is all working out so well for you!!! YAY!!!!!! :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :clap; :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Zach on November 11, 2007, 11:59:30 AM

Quote from: vandie on November 11, 2007, 08:08:15 AM

Just as dramatic supervising 30 women now as it was before transplant. . .  :banghead;

I'd like to supervise 30 women ...
 :bow;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on November 11, 2007, 04:15:12 PM

Quote from: Zach on November 11, 2007, 11:59:30 AM

Quote from: vandie on November 11, 2007, 08:08:15 AM

Just as dramatic supervising 30 women now as it was before transplant. . .  :banghead;

I'd like to supervise 30 women ...
 :bow;

Now Zach, you know the saying...."Watch what you wish for" lol >:D

Vandie, welcome back (to work that is)  I bet your friends are just as happy to have you back as you are to be back, you are an amazing woman and as i have said before, i am honored to be able to call you my Sistah  :cuddle;  Love you back my friend  :waving;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on November 11, 2007, 05:30:49 PM

Quote from: Zach on November 05, 2007, 03:31:22 PM

Outstanding!
 8)

Oh Zach. . . Dominating and supervising are two totally different things.

 :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on November 11, 2007, 06:24:19 PM

 :rofl;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on November 11, 2007, 07:17:29 PM

Quote from: Zach on November 11, 2007, 11:59:30 AM

Quote from: vandie on November 11, 2007, 08:08:15 AM

Just as dramatic supervising 30 women now as it was before transplant. . .  :banghead;

I'd like to supervise 30 women ...
 :bow;

Hey Zach how about you and I get together and do a documentary on supervising women in the work place. or Any place for that matter.  :rofl;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on November 11, 2007, 08:06:32 PM

 :bandance; Glad everything is going well!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Wattle on November 11, 2007, 10:27:53 PM

:bandance;  Go Vandie Go   :clap;

You look fantastic. Congratulations on such a smooth return to work. Just stay away from those felons!!  8)     :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on January 15, 2008, 07:36:29 AM

My neph changed one of my bp meds.  On day two I started to feel like I was getting the flu.  It's going around so I didn't think anything of it.  I stayed home for three days, in bed, totally useless.  I couldn't get into either my primary or my neph so they sent me to waste my time at urgent care.  I explained my post transplant situation and my concerns.  He gave me an antibiotic and sent me on my way.  I knew after a few days of symptoms that it was more than the flu.   

On day 7 in bed, my neph calls with my latest labs.  My Prograf levels were at 32.6.  It seems the new bp med interacted with the Prograf to the point I was toxic.   I didn't take the Prograf for a day and a half and started a lower dose on day three.  I started to feel better a few days later.  The new med was Cardizem.

I am a little embarrassed by it all.  I am usually so on top of my care that it's irritating.  Had I researched it myself I may have been able to avoid being so sick. 

I don't want anyone else to go through this.  Please be aware of reactions between meds.  You can't always count on the doctors to do it for you.

xoxo

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: paris on January 15, 2008, 07:58:27 AM

Vandie, hope things are getting better.  Take care of yourself :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on January 15, 2008, 08:59:51 AM

I was wondering where you've been Vandie - I hope you're feeling better.

Jenna's docs took her off BP meds for a couple weeks to see how she would do, and her BP has been normal since. What has your's been?

It's hard not to just rely on the doctors that hand you a prescription, assuming that they will be aware of the complications it might cause!

I appreciate you posting this. Good reminder!!

 :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on January 15, 2008, 09:25:12 AM

Glad to hear from you Vandiegirl, Hope things will smoothen out for you.  :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: willieandwinnie on January 15, 2008, 09:33:54 AM

Thanks Vandie for the heads up on Cardizem. Len was also on it right after his transplant and things went horrible. They stopped the Cardizem at the same time they stopped the Cellcept. You just never know with all these medications, and the doctors get pissed at me when I ask about side affects. They tell me all drugs have side affects. Well no shit, but they should be able to tell me what to look out for, after all, I'm with him 24/7. It is so frustrating sometimes. Good to see you posting and hope you feel much better soon.  :grouphug;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: KT0930 on January 15, 2008, 10:37:03 AM

Glad you're starting to feel better and that the source was found. Thanks for the update on the interaction...we've gotta help each other out, that's only one reason this site was started, right?  :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: goofynina on January 15, 2008, 02:02:07 PM

Aye yi yi Muchacha :)   What are we going to do with you?  I hope your feeling better by now and this doesnt happen again,  ::) we need our strength for whenever we meet up at Olvera Street  ;D :yahoo;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on January 28, 2008, 12:31:51 PM

Six-month clinic visit

I had my check up this morning.  Everything is back on track.  Creatinine is 1.1 and Prograf levels are where they should be.   They reduced my prednisone to 5, which is great.  And also stopped the Valcyte.  Any fewer medications and I am a happy girl. 

During my little Prograf OD, my creatinine went up to 1.5, which was a little hinky.  Docs and I were pleased to see things back on track.

My h/h counts are still a tad low, but I had a bone marrow biopsy and it showed nothing serious.  My insurance will not approve the epo shots any longer because my hemoglobin is over 10.  I'm feeling great so I will make 10.9 work.

Meds I'm still on:

Cellcept
Prograf 
Prednisone
Septra
magnesium
2 BP meds

xoxo


EDITED: Fixed format tags - okarol/moderator

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Joe Paul on January 28, 2008, 12:46:37 PM

Sounds great Vandie, hoping all continues to go well for you  :thumbup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on January 28, 2008, 01:47:30 PM

 :clap; That's great Vandie - so happy for you!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: KT0930 on January 28, 2008, 02:56:40 PM

Sounds great, Vandie. Congrats on 6 wonderful months - keep it up for a long time!  :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: charee on January 28, 2008, 02:57:04 PM

so happy for you vandie  :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: paris on January 28, 2008, 04:37:51 PM

Vandie, so glad things are on track.  I told my co-ordinator your transplant journey and how I want to walk the same path!  I can't believe it has already been six months.   :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on January 28, 2008, 04:58:00 PM

Vans so glad things are back on track

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on January 28, 2008, 06:59:46 PM

So Vandie girl will I see you this year at the IHD 2nd Annual?  :waving;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on January 28, 2008, 07:50:25 PM

Quote from: Sluff on January 28, 2008, 06:59:46 PM

So Vandie girl will I see you this year at the IHD 2nd Annual?  :waving;

Absolutely.  Wouldn't miss it.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Wattle on January 28, 2008, 10:58:57 PM

 :cuddle;  Great news Vandie!! I hope it continues like this for years and years to come.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Sluff on January 29, 2008, 03:49:48 AM

Quote from: vandie on January 28, 2008, 07:50:25 PM

Quote from: Sluff on January 28, 2008, 06:59:46 PM

So Vandie girl will I see you this year at the IHD 2nd Annual?  :waving;

Absolutely.  Wouldn't miss it.

WooHoo!!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: Bajanne on January 29, 2008, 05:52:31 AM

Because of my horrible computer experiences  :banghead; these days they are some important thread that I am coming in on late.  So I have had to read this from the first page.  I am so pleased with your transplant journey so far, Vandie.  This is wonderful!  My caring thoughts are with you as you continue to do well.  I also appreciate your using your experiences to be a help to others on this site.  :cuddle;  Keep on keeping on.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tamara on February 01, 2008, 11:02:17 AM

Go Vandie Go !  :clap;  :yahoo;  :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: tweetykiss on February 11, 2008, 09:22:37 AM

 :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;

Congratulations Vandie.  I am so glad you got it and hope you are feeling much better. 

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: vandie on July 31, 2008, 11:57:03 AM

One Year Update.
All I have to say is RIGHT ON!!

I had my one year check up today.  My counts are perfect.  Everything is going along famously. 
This has been the most humbling experience for me.   To be able to hang out with my daughters and be a good mom, to be able to be productive and on the ball at work, and to again be the good friend I was before I got sick is such an amazing and incredible feeling.

If anyone has any doubts about getting a transplant, please, please reconsider.   It has changed my life and the lives of all the people I love so much for the better. 

Much love to all

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: MyRenalRomance on July 31, 2008, 01:10:31 PM

 :yahoo;  CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 1 YEAR KIDNEY-VERSARY VANDIE!  :yahoo;

May you continue to have a lifetime of continued success! 

I am 6 weeks out from my transplant, and I LOVE hearing stories such as yours. 
All my best!   :cuddle;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: rookiegirl on July 31, 2008, 04:41:01 PM

Vandie,

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family. :clap; :clap;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: KT0930 on July 31, 2008, 04:57:08 PM

So happy to hear how much better you feel, and how much better your life is! Thanks for sharing.

Quote from: vandie on July 31, 2008, 11:57:03 AM

If anyone has any doubts about getting a transplant, please, please reconsider. It has changed my life and the lives of all the people I love so much for the better.

I couldn't agree more!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: monrein on July 31, 2008, 06:12:22 PM

So glad things are going so well for you.  It really is an amazing feeling to have one's life back after dialysis and I had actually forgotten what it felt like to be properly healthy when I had my transplant.  I wish you all the best Vandie and many many more years of renal bliss.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: boxman55 on July 31, 2008, 06:20:08 PM

Vandie, you are awesome! so glad to hear you are doing great...Boxman

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: lola on July 31, 2008, 06:20:59 PM

Vandie my Friend I can't get over how time fly's when your having fun. CONGRATULATIONS      I am so happy for you (miss ya in chat) :cuddle; :flower;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: pelagia on July 31, 2008, 06:32:49 PM

Thanks for the update Vandie.  :flower;

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: okarol on August 01, 2008, 09:31:43 AM

 :yahoo;

 ;musicalnote;  ;musicalnote;  Happy Kidneyversary to you!  ;musicalnote; ;musicalnote;

Great news vandie girl! I am so happy you're healthy!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: jbeany on August 01, 2008, 10:56:11 AM

One year already?  Happy Kidney-versary!

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: kellyt on August 01, 2008, 03:02:41 PM

Quote from: tubes on August 05, 2007, 07:53:35 PM

glad ur doing well vandie, i look good

 :2thumbsup;


OMG I just caught that...LMAO  :rofl; ......U look good....we already know I do!    ;)

 :rofl; :rofl;  lol Tubes!!!                        You do look good, though.

Title: Re: Status Report..Vandie!
Post by: kitkatz on August 11, 2008, 03:07:24 PM

 :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower;
 :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower;
 :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower;
 :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower; :flower;

Happy kidneyversary Vandie!