Finally considering transplant

[Adam_W]

Well, after almost seven months since I was diagnosed with ESRD, I'm looking a little more into transplant. I have my initial evaluation on Sept. 5. There are still a lot of aspects of transplantation that I'm uncomfortable with, such as the surgery itself, and potential problems with the immunosuppressants. But I also know that a successful transplant can give me many years away from the machine, so I'm willing to give it a try. Even if I can only get five years off of dialysis, with no major side effects, then I think it would be worth it. I'll let everyone know how things go.

Adam

[goofynina]

Good choice my dear Adam,  i hope everything goes the way you want it, just keep us posted and remember we are here with you every step of  the way 

[Joe Paul]

Thats great Adam, my 2nd evaluation is the same day !Good luck to you!

[Romona]

Good for you Adam! I celebrated my first anniversary of my transplant June 8th. It is a scary thing. I had support and encouragement from a co-worker who had 2 transplants and the second one working 20 plus years. The drugs haven't been too bad. I am on Prograf, 81 mg Aspirin and an antibiotic 3 times a week. Those are my only transplant drugs. I am on one to keep my blood pressure low from my kidney specialist. And a few supplements.

There are alot of drugs at first, but they are eventually cut. 

If I can answer any questions for you let me know.

[okarol]

Knowledge is power Adam, so learn all you can and you will choose what is best for you!

[Black]

I understand you ambivalent feelings.  Hope it goes well for you and keep us posted.

[angela515]

So glad to hear of another person choosing the transplant route, always makes me smile.

I am so far 7 months post-transplant.. hope to be 30 yrs post transplant down the road.

(This was my 2nd transplant, perfect match)

[KT0930]

That's great, Adam! Having lived most of my life with transplants, I can't understand those who won't consider it (though I will not deny them their right to feel the way they do). Recently I've thought a lot about how lucky I was to get through most of my childhood and all of adolescence with a working transplant...I was able to feel like a normal kid! Best of luck with the journey, keep us posted and if you have any questions, you know where to come!

[stauffenberg]

A transplant is the only sensible option.  Not only do you get back your freedom, energy, and ability to think clearly, but you also greatly extend your life expectancy.  Even though the anti-rejection drugs are toxic, they are not as damaging to the body as continuing on dialysis is.  For example, a diabetic in his forties on dialysis has a life expectancy of only 8 years, but with a transplant his life expectancy goes up to 24 years.