What to do before transplant

[TLJ911]

First time posting since my intro but I do admit I've been lurking and on PD for about a year now. Just got the call that they may have a paired exchange match for me. We're just waiting for the final cross matches. Still in shock and my brain is running over what needs to be done. The other couple wants to wait until after the holidays so I have a little bit of time but feel like I should be DOING SOMETHING. I read the post on getting the house ready and will definitely work on that.

I have a three year old and have already arranged for my mom to come stay with us for a while to help out. But does anyone know about vaccines? They say you shouldn't be around anyone who gets a live vaccine but does that mean I don't vaccinate my child? Not being around him for 2 weeks just ins't possible. He's due for the MMR booster next year as well as the chicken pox. Should I ask his pediatrician about giving them to him early so he's all set for a while?

What else do you do in the meantime? I know my husband and I need to make a will. Someone suggested cooking a bunch of frozen meals (OOh... do I get to cook with phosphorous and potassium!?!)

[okarol]

It's great that your mom can come, because you shouldn't lift anything that could risk a hernia (laundry basket, groceries, 3-year-old, etc.)
You also will have many clinic visits afterward, but are not allowed to drive, so you'll need help with that.
Good question about vaccinations - I would ask the pediatrician for advice.
Very exciting news! Hope all progresses forward!

[amanda100wilson]

Your transplant unit will be the best people to advise you on this.  After receiving live vaccine, it is shed out of the body and I was always advised to stay away from live vaccines when I had my transplant. Not sure how you deal with this issue with a little one.  You may need to,hold off on the vaccination if it is soon after your transplant.   I guess this is the downside of live donation!    In years gone by, when there was not live donation (at least in the UK), your deceased donor kidney came along and you just took it.  No time to consider the practicalities! An exciting if nerve-wracking time I am sure 
 

[jeannea]

I used to stay away from my nieces for 2 weeks after most vaccines. Talk to the pediatrician and the transplant team. I think some others on this board have dealt with this. I think they used gloves for diaper changes and that sort of thing. Some vaccines shed through the skin, some shed through urine/feces, some don't really shed. I think the chicken pox vaccine is the most dangerous for after transplant. You need advice from the docs.

I hope the exchange works great! Who is donating on your behalf?

Yes you can cook with potassium and phosphorus. Don't go overboard in case the kidney is a little slow to eake up. Try to watch the salt a little bit because you'll already swell up a bit on steroids.

[TLJ911]

Thanks for your responses.

Yes, I'm so thankful my mom is able to come stay with us. She came up for 2 weeks after my PD catheter surgery as well since I had lifting restrictions and it drove me crazy but I knew I needed the help. Now that he's a little older, I think I could get away with not lifting him but still need someone to drive me back and forth to the clinic and just generally help out so he doesn't end up sitting on the couch with me all day.

I have an appointment with my coordinator on Monday so I'll ask her about vaccines then. I should have time to get him vaccinated if my pediatrician agrees to do it ahead of schedule.

Jeannea - it's my cousin who is donating on my behalf. Almost everyone else in my family was ruled out for one reason or another (mostly high blood pressure) so I'm very very thankful she volunteered.

It's so much easier to make casseroles/ frozen foods with cheese!