Total tiredness and complete exhaustion after kidney-transplant ?

[kristina]

Hello,
I would like to know whether anyone has suffered or does also suffer from total tiredness and exhaustion after their kidney-transplant?
How long did it last and how did they deal with it ? Did it take weeks or months ?
Did or do they, just like myself, just lie down and "park themselves on the sofa" and "sit it all out" ?
Is there any way to treat it or "hasten it away" ?
Many thanks for your kind answers from Kristina.

[UkrainianTracksuit]

Hi kristina,

I am very sorry to hear this problem persists for you. That’s no fun. As I’ve said on other threads on the same topic, everyone’s situations are different. There are many variables to post-transplant recovery time.

I had a double organ transplant and did not endure this severe exhaustion you are currently experiencing. Obviously, I would feel “beat” if I did too much or would gauge my activities according to how I felt that day. But honestly, I had a lot of energy.

Your body has been through a major surgery and must make adjustments to its new situation. It must heal as well. Healing requires your body to use up its energy stores as well.

I was on a vegan/vegetarian diet prior to transplant and the nutritionist highly suggested I add more protein and calcium. This was to “fuel” my body during its healing processes since it requires more energy.

I am a younger patient and do not have other conditions, such as your SLE, to consider. So, my energy and healing would be different than your situation. We can tell how much you want to feel well and enjoy this new life. Honestly, just have patience and be kind to your body. There is no rush to heal although, I understand being exhausted is a frustration.

If your transplant doctors say that your blood work looks fine and they are satisfied with your recovery, take their word. If you are not suffering from severe anemia or low blood pressure, I’m not sure what could be treated here.

I don’t think there are any little tricks for energy. It is common sense of good nutrition, good rest and patience. Sometimes if I felt too tired to do something, but felt good, I’d push myself anyway. Small goals led to bigger accomplishments. For example, from walking the halls of our hotel for 5 laps into 10, etc. When exhausted, we can get stuck in a rut and feel it is too hard to attempt smaller tasks. But, if we generally feel good, with no pain, light exercises help in “mind over matter.”

A lot of this comes down to physical condition prior to surgery, nutrition, rest and lots of patience.

Take care and hoping your recovery continues to go well!

[cassandra]

Hi Kristina and I can only agree with everything UT said. I only thought of maybe taking some extra vit.B12 if drs aprove. And: give yourself a break plse. Small steps, play some piano, kiss yr hubby 




Lots of love, luck, strength and patience, Cas

[kristina]

Many thanks for your thoughtful comments, Ukrainian Tracksuit and Cassandra, I do appreciate your kind thoughts very much.
... And ... you are quite right, I should not be too impatient about not being able to run around right now, when my recovery takes time and instead I should slowly start to take little steps forward bit by bit to give myself a break and a fair chance for the future and also start taking it much more easy ...
Many thanks again from Kristina.

[MooseMom]

Kristina, is it at all possible that you are not eating enough?  I know you've always been really careful about your diet, but I'm wondering if, since your body is working so hard to heal, maybe you need more calories?  We get our energy from food, and it is easy to lose your appetite after all you've been through.  Is your weight staying about the same, ie, are you losing weight?

If your doctors are happy with your progress, then I would guess that all you need is a bit more time, rest, good food, healthy sleep and gentle exercise.    

[kristina]

Dear MooseMom,
Many thanks for your kind letter, your thoughts are very much appreciated.
My husband convinced me yesterday that it might be a good idea to go for a little walk "around the block" and he was right. The fresh air and gentle walk helped me a lot and I already feel a little bit better today, not quite myself yet, but certainly very slowly on my way. I just take it now very easy and won't get "worked up" about anything any longer; much better for me to slowly and carefully walk forward step by step ...
Many thanks again MooseMom for your kind encouragement and caring thoughts from Kristina.   

[Simon Dog]

walk forward step by step ...

inch by inch, Niagara Falls, slowly you turned....