Looks like I'm getting one!!

[robertscz]

Aaaaand we have #6 getting denied!! Woo-hoo, this has to be a ihd record no? Unreal, this one totally healthy but has small kidneys... Going back Monday for additional testing but not sure why they even drag this on when they get denied if there's even the SLIGHTEST issue... Anyone know the ihd record for denied live donors? I'm on 6 going on 7 and can't do anything but laugh at this point!

[Simon Dog]

This sort of thing is why I got nervous when the surgeon said "We're almost ready, I have to go unpack the kidney and inspect to make sure it's a go".

[robertscz]

You seem like u are back up and at them just days after getting yours am I correct?! Is it like night and day difference in how u feel? I feel fantastic now as it is, still working out hard, running, playing sports w kids at school (I'm a pe teacher)  I can't imagine feeling better than I do now but from what I've heard u don't realize how bad u feel until u get the Transplant and feel amazing... 

This sort of thing is why I got nervous when the surgeon said "We're almost ready, I have to go unpack the kidney and inspect to make sure it's a go".

[iolaire]

Is it like night and day difference in how u feel? I feel fantastic now as it is, still working out hard, running, playing sports w kids at school (I'm a pe teacher)  I can't imagine feeling better than I do now but from what I've heard u don't realize how bad u feel until u get the Transplant and feel amazing... 

I went into my transplant feeling good and came out feeling good. But I expect after more years on dialysis I would have been feeling less good. At some point I would have lost my ability to urinate and had a harder time keeping my labs ok. I guess I do feel like at some point dialysis would have had more of a negative effect on me.

[Simon Dog]

I did not get a xplant to get off D - that was a bonus.   I got it because every source I checked said it would extend my life, and my wife needs her adjutant.   

The only serious pain I had was the foley.   Imaging having to go "Really bad", but actually have an empty bladder and can do nothing to relive that feeling for three days.

Not feeling better yet, since I am cooped up at home on no-drive status and not getting as much exercise as usual.    JP drain put out too much to pull at the hospital so I have it 3 weeks later.   The surgeon prescribed 25% betadine injection into drain line with 10-minute hold - shut that flow off like a valve.  Have an appointment to have it pulled (I hope) Monday.

Very happy with my progress so far.

The surgeon was great.  There was this incident where he prescribed the PCA (pain pump); RN found a resident to cancel the order because she didn't think I needed it; another resident reinstated the order and she found yet another MD to cancel it.   Surgeon was pissed.  I told him I did not need the pump, and he told me "If you change your mind have me paged and you WILL get the pump".   The surgeon was an egomaniac, but he had a level of skill that justified that feeling.  Like they say, self-confidence is often mistaken as arrogance by lesser men.

One interesting thing about the Xplant center I used - LOTS of contact with the two surgeons after the operation.  One has been present at every follow appointment since, and this continues until II am transferred from surgery to nephrology for the follow-up. They even answer email.

[robertscz]

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!    some good news!!   just heard from the most recent donor, she was approved last wednesday!!!   we are going to wait for another donor to go back for a ct scan dec 1 and if she shows no signs of stones on that scan she will also be approved and then we will decide which direction to go.  but regardless, i have a donor who has been approved!!!  so im assuming surgery will be december at some point.  maybe a great xmas gift!!   loooooong roller coaster of a ride this has been but such a weight lifted off of me knowing that at least there is an end in sight! 

[iolaire]

Good luck, I hope it continues on the positive track.

[cassandra]

Good news!!!


Good luck. 

[Xplantdad]

Robert, I am finally back online....thanks for the text messages today. Great to hear that you are scheduled for your transplant and have a date. Please stay in touch (I know that you will). This is awesome news!!