Possible biopsy this week.

[kellyt]

I've posted earlier that my creatinine has been creeping up.  My last labs three weeks ago showed a decrease from 1.89 to 1.85.  Lab results from the 13th apparently show my creatinine has jumped to 3.0.  I was sent today for an ultrasound and another renal panel.  I should know something by tomorrow morning.  To my knowledge nothing else in my labs is strange, except for my WBC (which I also mentioned in earlier posts had been high, as well).

Anyway, I'm a little freaked out, but I'm hoping it's a treatable undetected virus and not rejection.  I have been having some bowel issues, so maybe I have a "bug".   Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks ya'll.   

[chris73]

 It seems like its always something to worry about after a transplant.  Will be thinking about you as you are going through this.God Bless!...Chris

[cariad]

Oh, kelly, I am sorry to hear this, but strongly believe that whatever it is, they have caught it in time and your creatinine will settle soon.

I´ve only had two official rejection episodes in my life. The last one was almost 25 years ago, and my creatinine was at least as high as yours - and I was still a kid. My kidney was thought to be about 50% scarred from the biopsy results. I guess my point is even if it is rejection, your kidney could still be with you for the long haul. I´ve got fingers crossed for you. 

[paris]

Kelly,  I need to live closer!  I want to be there if you need a biopsy.  Just to hold your hand.  I will say lots and lots of prayers for good results.  We'll think positive thoughts.  Sending you love      

[okarol]

Hi Kelly,
I hope they can figure out what's happening and help bring your creatinine back down. 

...........

Along with fighting infection, white blood cells also help produce, transport and distribute antibodies to build the body’s immune system. If you are not getting enough immunosuppressant the white blood cells can attack the foreign object (transplanted kidney.)

A high WBC could mean infection, inflammation or allergy.  Do you get urinalysis each month?

The Signs of Infection Include:
-  Fever: a temperature greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
-  Shortness of breath
-  A productive or persistent cough
-  Persistent pain such as an earache, stomachache or headache
-  Chills
-  Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
-  Swelling, redness or tenderness in an area of skin
-  Skin blisters or sores
-  Wound drainage
-  Neck or joint stiffness
-  Confusion, lethargy or alteredmental state
-  Progressive weakness
-  Sore throat

A high WBC could mean a worsening of insulin sensitivity. Have they been checking your blood sugar levels?

I know you've read all this before, but here it is again.

Rejection
The body recognizes the transplanted organ as a foreign body and tries to destroy it
through a process called rejection. Rejection can be broken into 3 types:
1. Hyperacute- this occurs within 24 hours of the transplant. This is
rarely seen with today’s blood tests done before transplant (crossmatches)
2. Acute Rejection- usually occurs after the fist week. The greatest risk occurs
during the first 3 months after transplant
3. Chronic Rejection- can occur months to years after transplant.
The anti-rejection medications will help to prevent and control this process.The
transplant team carefully monitors you for the signs and symptoms of rejection.
Early diagnosis is important because rejection episodes can be treated and reversed.
Generally, you will be admitted to the hospital for part or all of the treatment.
Medications such as prednisone or thymoglobulin are given in your vein. You may
be able to finish your treatment as an outpatient.
Signs and Symptoms of Rejection:
-  Abnormal laboratory test; an elevated serum creatinine and BUN.
-  Fatigue, lethargy
-  Pain over the transplant
-  Decreasing urine output
-  Fever
-  Weight Gain

[kellyt]

Thanks Karol.  And Paris, I wish you and I lived closer, as well.  I would have been there for you during your IVIG treatments in a heartbeat! 

I received a call from my doctor's office roughly 15 minutes ago and, of course, only spoke with a nurse who was unwilling to give me answers to my questions.  Apparently, I have (basically) Post-Transplant Nephrotic Syndrome.  I'm holding fluid around the new kidney.      That's all she would tell me.

My Neph has scheduled me for an 8 a.m. visit with a post-transplant Nephrologist at the clinic and basically he is "putting me in her hands", as she is a part of the post transplant team.  She will discuss with me my recent labs, the ultrasound, treatment/prognosis.

Anyone have this post transplant?  Any information would be appreciated.  I'm Googleing, but I keep getting stuff that I don't understand and/or find helpful.  I'll continue to search though.     

[willowtreewren]

Healing thoughts for you Kelly.

Let's hope that this is just a bump in the road.

[monrein]

Kelly, I hope you get more answers tomorrow and also that they can treat it and stop it.  You'll have many of us there tomorrow with you in spirit and also back here waiting for news.   

[Wenchie58]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you Kelly.   Hope all works out well. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

We got a meeting in Vegas planned!!!

[kellyt]

Thanks Friends.   I appreciate the good thoughts.  I should know something by noon.

[rose1999]

Good luck Kelly 

[Romona]

Kelly, I had a pocket of fluid around one of the kidneys I got. I had gotten two pediatric kidneys. I was told that one might have to come out. They did a proceedure, I can't remember the name. They can put a drain in to relieve the fluid. When they did mine they found that the smaller of the two kidneys was draining slowly. I didn't have to have the drain kept in. Good Luck to you. Transplants are certainly a roller coaster ride. 

[Romona]

Kelly I bumped the thread of when I went through what I did. 

[kellyt]

Thanks Ramona.  Was it considered a "rejection episode"?  I'm still very confused and mad my doctor didn't speak to me directly.  That leads me to believe it's not "serious", as I do believe he would have talked to me. 

[MIbarra]

I am hoping for the best for you! 

[Wattle]

   Hi Kelly. I have just caught this tread.

Your Doctor is probably transferring you to the Post Team as they are more experienced with the problem you are having. Maybe he didn't have the answers he knew you would ask!   

I am sure they will be able to treat the fluid issue and reverse the problem. It is amazing what they can do these days. I will be think ing of you.   

[Hanify]

Thinking of you.

[Jean]

Hope it all turns out well for you Kelly. Please let us know as soon as you can, we will all be thinking of you.

[draven]

Hope everything works out for you. i have been going through some issues lately as well. im sure they will get to the bottom of it.

[Romona]

Thanks Ramona.  Was it considered a "rejection episode"?  I'm still very confused and mad my doctor didn't speak to me directly.  That leads me to believe it's not "serious", as I do believe he would have talked to me. 

No, they were just confused about the fluid and where it was coming from.

[paris]

You have been in my thoughts all day.  Waiting for good news        

[Wenchie58]

Kelly..
   As you know I had more than one "rejection episode".  I still fear that more will come.  I had to have fluid "tapped" from my belly near the new kidney about 4 months post transplant.  The pressure from the fluid did effect my creatinine.  I haven't had any issues with fluid since.  They tapped and drained it (painless procedure) and sent it to pathology to make sure it wasn't a leak of urine.

[Meinuk]

Thinking of you Kelly.   

[MIbarra]

Waiting for news and hoping for the best, Kelly!!!

[paris]

Kelly, saying lots of prayers