I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: American Airman on July 14, 2008, 05:52:34 PM

Title: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on July 14, 2008, 05:52:34 PM
All.

Too puffy andsore to write long or well. 

Got transplnated thursday morning.

should be home friday.


Edited: Moved to proper section - okarol/admin
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: flip on July 14, 2008, 05:55:01 PM
 :thumbup; :2thumbsup; :bow; :clap;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: twirl on July 14, 2008, 05:56:50 PM
 :thumbup;    thank you God
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on July 14, 2008, 05:58:31 PM
Wow, did this happen exactly as you predicted?  Nope, I checked your posts and I think you got called a little early.  Congratulations! :yahoo; :2thumbsup; :clap; :yahoo; :2thumbsup; :clap; :yahoo; :2thumbsup; :clap;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: monrein on July 14, 2008, 06:12:42 PM
Wow, what great (and unexpected from your posts) news.   :clap;  Hope things continue to go well and we'll be reading the whole story here soon.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: lola on July 14, 2008, 06:21:00 PM
OMG :yahoo; :yahoo; :bandance; :bandance; :bestwishes;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: keith on July 14, 2008, 08:49:06 PM
conrats you called it :bestwishes;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Sluff on July 14, 2008, 08:49:55 PM
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: donnia on July 14, 2008, 08:51:54 PM
 :bandance;  YAY!!!!!   :bandance;

I was wondering where you ran off to! 

Very awesome news!!!

Congrats!   :yahoo;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: okarol on July 14, 2008, 08:54:59 PM

Wow that is incredible - looks like your wait paid off!

Congrats and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

 :yahoo;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: xtrememoosetrax on July 14, 2008, 08:58:42 PM
Wonderful news! :yahoo; Congratulations! :clap;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: rose1999 on July 14, 2008, 10:43:16 PM
What a nice surprise to read this post! Congratulations, hope all goes well.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: MIbarra on July 14, 2008, 11:15:47 PM
 :2thumbsup;  How awesome!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: kitkatz on July 15, 2008, 12:06:03 AM
Now aren't you glad you did not tell Walter Reed to stuff it! Recover quickly and good luck!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Ang on July 15, 2008, 12:48:47 AM
 :thumbup; :yahoo; :thumbup;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: kidney4traci on July 15, 2008, 05:54:50 AM
 :bandance; :yahoo;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: boxman55 on July 15, 2008, 06:12:09 AM
awesome!!!!!...Boxman
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: 2_DallasCowboys on July 15, 2008, 06:38:27 AM
Wonderful news, so happy to read this! :clap;

Anne
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: del on July 15, 2008, 08:50:19 AM
Congratulations!!  :clap; :bandance;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: annabanana on July 15, 2008, 09:11:24 AM
FANTASTIC!!!! :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: paris on July 15, 2008, 09:35:16 AM
Wonderful news! :clap;  Keep us posted :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Ginger on July 15, 2008, 12:22:21 PM
Congratulations and Best Wishes for a long and happy life with a working kidney.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: vandie on July 15, 2008, 04:32:22 PM
Fabulous news.    Congratulations.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: peleroja on July 15, 2008, 04:45:23 PM
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: jbeany on July 15, 2008, 07:29:17 PM
Hip Hip Hooray!   :yahoo;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: RichardMEL on July 16, 2008, 02:21:42 AM
Wow!! Amazing stuff American Airman.. and so soon (relatively!)... you might be sore but hopefully that new kidney will work wonders for you! Fantastic!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Romona on July 16, 2008, 05:58:54 PM
 :clap; Can't wait for details.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Chris on July 16, 2008, 07:29:11 PM
I guess it sometimes pays to write about your complaints on the internet. ;D

Congratulations on getting our transplant

And"And now it's time to do the dance" movie - Evan Almighty  :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;
or for you Family Guy fans, It's time for the Peanut Butter and Jelly Dance  :bandance; :bandance;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Mimi on July 16, 2008, 08:08:25 PM
Hot Diggity Dog!!!!!  Now, 1-2-3 lets ALL do the happy dance.  Best Wishes.

Mimi
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Lori1851 on July 18, 2008, 08:18:56 PM
I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be waiitng to read your new post!!!!

Lori/Indiana :yahoo;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on July 20, 2008, 05:58:11 AM
A few more details...


I got called wednesday while at work.  I told my boss and went out the door.

Thursday morning was the actual transplant day.

the kidney is working, but a little slow to fully kick in yet.  Good news is that over the past week my creat has gone from 22 to the low 4's.  I'll find out more Monday Morning when I go in for follow up blood tests.

So far though... I'm carrying about 40 lbs of excess water.  I'm told that these next couple of weeks I should pee that off.

Everything is swollen below the waist.  EVERYTHING.  Let me make that clear for you.  EVERYTHING, parts I didn't expect to be swollen... are swollen.  that's something no one told me about....

I'm writing while my wife is trying to sleep, so I have to go.  More later.

Airman out.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: willieandwinnie on July 20, 2008, 06:28:42 AM
Airman,  :yahoo; to to hear more from you. Take care of yourself and keep us updated.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: kitkatz on July 20, 2008, 10:03:11 AM
Take care of yourself and take a pee for me!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Chris on July 20, 2008, 04:11:29 PM
I didn't have that problem you are having after transplant, but hope it goes away soon. Goes to show that we all react differently.
Goo Luck with you blood work Monday, I have to do that also. :banghead;
Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on July 20, 2008, 05:42:19 PM
Our clinic told us that sometimes kidneys just need a bit of patience, especially if they come from a non-living donor.  We know of someone who had to wait for six weeks for his to "turn on".  They kept him in the hospital the entire time.  Sounds like yours is starting up.

There are things they didn't tell my husband, either.  He turned all sorts of different shades in places we won't mention.  It goes away, eventually...

Rest and heal and enjoy the new kidney.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: kidney4traci on July 21, 2008, 05:38:52 AM
Why would you turn colors?
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on July 21, 2008, 01:53:16 PM
Purples, reds and eventually a yellowish tinge -- from blood collecting.  Think about the colors of a bruise.  Apparently it's not uncommon for that to happen to men when they have surgery in the groin area.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: MIbarra on July 21, 2008, 02:36:24 PM
Hang in there Airman.. Mine took a few weeks to work too. The doctors said it was sleeping. I'm glad it woke up!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: angela515 on July 21, 2008, 02:46:09 PM
Congrats!  :grouphug;

Hope to hear all good things when your able to tell us about it.  :clap;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on July 24, 2008, 04:42:19 AM
Here is the complete story.

I got the call Wednesday at work.  I headed to Walter Reed and got checked in.

I was a good match for the kidney, and I was number one this time (YEAH!!!)  The donar was a young soldier that had just gotten back from Iraq, and was killed in a car crash.  My heart goes out to his family. 

They wheeled me into surgery at close to midnight.  I remember a couple of the doctors looking over the kidney they were about to place in me.
I never did see it, but I did see the metal tub I'm sure was full of ice and the donar kidney.

The next thing I remember was being in SICU.  I felt generally ok after the operation, and friday morning I was able to see my daughter for a short time.  She couldn't come near me, but she was being held by my wife and kept saying "Hi Daddy."  She did very well seeing me with all kinds of iv's and such in me.

As far as the kidney goes, it began working right away.  I started making urine fairly quickly.  And before I left Walter Reed my creatinine had gone from 22 to 1.8 or so. 

The biggest thing for me was being so swollen and full of fluids.  No one told me that EVERYTHING would be swollen.  EVERYTHING. 

Monday was the first day I was at home.  I'd say wednesday morning the kidney started to pick up.  since early wednesday morning, I've peed about every hour.  The swelling is now starting to go down too.  My hands and arms look normal, and my lower legs are just about better.  my upper thighs and torso are still swollen, but they are getting better, ever so slightly. 

I'm still a bit grumpy, but I can feel a some energy coming back to me.  I'm looking forward to feeling like a human being again. 

It weird, but I think my left side is more swollen than my right, but the left is where they put the kidney.  So I guess that's normal. 

I've also ate cheese again.  (In my best Homer Simpson voice )  - CHHEEEEESSSEEEE, AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH.   

I think in a future post I'll talk about the medications I'm taking. 

I'll answer any questions if anyone has any...


Airman
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: annabanana on July 24, 2008, 06:55:41 AM
So fantastic, Airman! Sounds like you're doing really well. I'm so glad for you!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: willieandwinnie on July 24, 2008, 09:20:54 AM
 :yahoo; :2thumbsup; :clap; Airman, so glad to hear you are doing well. Keep it up and drink, drink and drink more.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: angela515 on July 24, 2008, 03:30:36 PM
Glad everything went well. Yes, it always goes on the left side unless for some reason it can't or a previous transplant is there. I have one on my left and now right, if I have another they will most likely take out the left and put it there.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: monrein on July 24, 2008, 03:43:31 PM
My first and so far only transplant is on the right side.  Does it perhaps depend on whether it's a right or left kidney that's put in??
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on July 24, 2008, 03:52:26 PM
 :yahoo; so happy to hear that all is well.

I think they don't tell men about the swelling EVERYWHERE because it would worry them too much  ;).  My hubby had swelling and turned black and blue!

Stephen's transplant is on the right side, too.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Chris on July 24, 2008, 06:30:15 PM
My first and so far only transplant is on the right side.  Does it perhaps depend on whether it's a right or left kidney that's put in??

Only thing I have seen mentioned is about the adrenal gland. The left kidney adrenal gland is removed while the right side is left on. There is some sort of medical reason, ie plumbing that has to do with it. I have also seen diagrams showing the transplant being done on the left and the right. Maybe it depends on if the doctor is right handed or left handed :urcrazy; :rofl;

Now I wonder what the real answer is.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: angela515 on July 24, 2008, 08:28:13 PM
My first and so far only transplant is on the right side.  Does it perhaps depend on whether it's a right or left kidney that's put in??

Maybe your doctor had reasons he seen on your catscans and so on, or maybe he just felt like it? LOL, No it don't matter what side the donor kidney is from as to what side you put it on. My kidney from my mom was her left kidney, and is on my left, and my kidney from my perfect match was his left's and is on my right's since my left is full. :)

I always tell ppl I have 4 kidneys in me, but only 1 works. They look at me like,  :urcrazy; :)
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: KT0930 on July 27, 2008, 04:05:39 AM
My first and so far only transplant is on the right side.  Does it perhaps depend on whether it's a right or left kidney that's put in??

My first was put on my right, second on the left, and third right in the center just to the left of my belly button. The way it was explained to me that they generally go right to left unless there's some reason with your own renal arteries or veins that prevent them from doing it that way. After the second one, it's the surgeon's preference once he gets in and sees what shape your insides are in.

Congratulations, Airman! I hope everything continues to go well for you!!
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: angela515 on July 27, 2008, 09:16:00 AM
My first and so far only transplant is on the right side.  Does it perhaps depend on whether it's a right or left kidney that's put in??

My first was put on my right, second on the left, and third right in the center just to the left of my belly button. The way it was explained to me that they generally go right to left unless there's some reason with your own renal arteries or veins that prevent them from doing it that way. After the second one, it's the surgeon's preference once he gets in and sees what shape your insides are in.

Congratulations, Airman! I hope everything continues to go well for you!!

It's explianed differently obviously, because I was explained it goes left to right. ;)
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: MyRenalRomance on July 27, 2008, 10:07:01 AM
    :bandance;  Congratulations on your transplant!!!  Best wishes for a speedy recovery!  :bandance;

 :flower;  :yahoo;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on August 11, 2008, 11:30:06 AM

Its weird, but I think my left side is more swollen than my right, but the left is where they put the kidney.  So I guess that's normal. 


I think some of you might have not quite understood what I ment.  When they put in the kidney... was the side they put it in more swollen than the other???
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on August 11, 2008, 01:03:20 PM
Stephen stayed more swollen on the side where the kidney was placed for at least a month or two after the surgery.  In fact, his skin is still faintly discolored wherever he had bruising from the surgery, and he is just about to the three month anniversary.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: okarol on August 11, 2008, 04:49:09 PM

Its weird, but I think my left side is more swollen than my right, but the left is where they put the kidney.  So I guess that's normal. 


I think some of you might have not quite understood what I ment.  When they put in the kidney... was the side they put it in more swollen than the other???

Jenna had no swelling, her incision was flat and glued together, no staples, so very little trauma. It is possible to have fluid build up around the kidney and if this is the case they should see it on ultrasound. I hope you're doing better.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Lori1851 on August 12, 2008, 07:16:54 AM
 :yahoo; :yahoo; :2thumbsup;
Airman,
Praise the Lord you got your transplant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lori/Indiana
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: vandie on August 12, 2008, 12:33:16 PM
My new kidney is on the right side.   When I lie down, I can still see it and feel it.   It's not swollen.  It's just there.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Chris on August 12, 2008, 04:02:24 PM
My new kidney is on the right side.   When I lie down, I can still see it and feel it.   It's not swollen.  It's just there.
Maybe it's just me or maybe other k/p tx recipients, but I can't tell mine is there and I am underweight. The doctors can feel it when they press down on it if I let them (I hate my abdomen pressed or touched). Might be because of a more intense surgery,don't know, but glad I don't see it.  I probably be to self conscious about it and the way it looks and then over protecting it.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: monrein on August 12, 2008, 05:06:19 PM
When I lie down I can see and feel mine too.  Actually I massage and "talk" to it regularly.  I think a little encouragement never hurt anyone or anything, even a kidney.  No one else would notice it though unless I pointed it out or let them feel it. 


Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: okarol on September 17, 2008, 10:53:57 AM

How are you doing Airman?
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on September 25, 2008, 12:16:12 PM
Hi,

It's been a while since I've posted.  My computer went down.  very down. 

I'm using my wife's that her mom sent us from kentucky.

I got the pd cathiter out.  I for the life of me can't remember how to spell cathater...

doesn't matter now.  I'm doing very well.  I'm on 5 mg of Prograph and 1000 mg of cell cept
both two times a day.  The only downside I can see so far is um... not solid bowel movements...
They may switch me to the coated version of cellcept.

Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: willieandwinnie on September 25, 2008, 12:23:16 PM
:waving; American Airman. Sorry about your computer. My husband is only on prograf because of all the bowel problems that Cellcept causes. Good to hear from you.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: okarol on September 25, 2008, 02:40:22 PM

Despite the bowel issue it sounds as if you're doing well - glad to hear it!  :clap;
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on September 25, 2008, 04:11:31 PM
Thanks for giving us an update.  It's great to hear that you are doing well.   :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;

Hopefully they will cut down on the meds a bit in the future.  Are you taking any prednisone?
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on September 28, 2008, 12:40:59 PM
I started on 20 milligrams of prednisone, but was slowly taken off of it.  Good thing too, I'd be 300 lbs by now if they hadn't stopped.

Does anyone have any tips on how to work around the cellcept diarhea thing?  Would like any help.

What seems to work best for me is to not eat in the morning at all (I get up at 0400 or 4am for you non military types) and usually eat a bowl of cereal.  then I take my meds at 0800 or 8am.  I think I do better when I don't eat untill after I've taken the pills.

But when you're up at 0400, 5 hours is a long time to wait before you eat.

Any other suggestions?
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: pelagia on September 28, 2008, 12:49:30 PM
well, cheese and bagels are two foods that have the opposite effects on me, but of course I'm not on cellcept...

do you eat much fiber?  like whole grains?  could be that would help regulate your system a little bit.  maybe some oatmeal for breakfast, or whole grain toast (not the stuff that says "wheat bread, but the 100% whole wheat kind).

Stephen doesn't have any problems, but he is on 750 mg cellcept 2x a day, but also takes prograf and predinisone.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: American Airman on September 28, 2008, 05:49:27 PM
All,

Are there any military members who have retired due to kidney failure like myself?

I have several questions about the va and such.

Please send me a message here at the boards.

Thanks.

Please put this out there in the ihatedialysis boards.  I don't really know where else to post, so everyone please see that this gets around.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Here we go. I got a transplant
Post by: Romona on September 28, 2008, 05:57:37 PM
You could try the BRAT diet that is recommended for kids with diarrhea Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast.