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Author Topic: I got the call, I got the kidney--and I just got home  (Read 9469 times)
RightSide
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« on: January 31, 2011, 04:44:53 PM »
Last Wednesday, I had just eaten lunch when I got the call at around 1:15 PM:  A cadaver kidney, very good match, young male, no evident diseases.

So I had no time to do anything but pack a few items and head to the hospital immediately.

The surgery, I learned later, went well.  It took just 2 hours (better than average for that hospital).  My creatinine is down to around 2.0 as of today, and the docs expect it to go lower.

Recuperation has been a problem though.  Much more post-op abdominal pain than I expected.  Actually, the biggest problem I've faced is:  Severe constipation.  I went from a high-fiber diet and exercise on an elliptical trainer before the surgery to lying in bed, sedated, on a liquid diet, after the surgery.  Plus sitting on the toilet to poo isn't easy because of the post-op abdominal pain.

As a result, my bowels have frozen up--and that's causing me almost as much discomfort as the surgery.  But I'm hoping my intestines will loosen up as I get back to my usual routine.

I was discharged from the hospital around 4:30 PM today.

So that's the story!
I'll keep you posted on my progress. 











EDITED:Moved to transplant threads area-kitkatz,Moderator
« Last Edit: February 06, 2011, 06:42:52 PM by kitkatz » Logged
Brightsky69
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« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2011, 04:52:28 PM »
Awesome!!!!!  ;D :bandance; :cheer: :clap; :beer1; :yahoo;

Wow...in and out. I was in for 7 days after my transplant in Oct.
They wanted to make sure my bowels were moving as normal before I left the hospital. They gave me some type of laxative that tasted like orange. Let me tell you after taking that....I didn't have to do "anything" I barely made it to the bathroom if you know what i mean. :o ;)
« Last Edit: January 31, 2011, 04:53:51 PM by Brightsky69 » Logged
Transplant June 11, 1991 (1st time) my mom's kidney
Received my 2nd kidney transplant Oct. 19th 2010.
YLGuy
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« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2011, 05:04:08 PM »
 :bandance;  :yahoo;  :2thumbsup;  :clap;
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boswife
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us and fam easter 2013
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2011, 06:22:57 PM »
holly cow and Praise the Lord Rightside!!!  I cant even believe it!!  im so excited for you and all the same feel so bad for your pain.. Oh my gosh,  im just jumping for joy here!!  your pain WILL lessen, and you will poo...They will have to make sure of that, but joy of joys for the kidney  :bandance;   Please keep us up to date...  im sooooooo increadably happy.............. But again, not for your pains, thats a bit of sadness, but to be expected...  Bless you and your fast healing!! 
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im a california wife and cargiver to my hubby
He started dialysis April 09
We thank God for every day we are blessed to have together.
november 2010, patiently (ha!) waiting our turn for NxStage training
January 14,2011 home with NxStage
galvo
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« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2011, 06:29:38 PM »
Great news, buddy!
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Galvo
RichardMEL
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« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2011, 06:32:54 PM »
Oh wow RS!! This is fantastic!! Absolutely fantastic news!!!

And yes, just like BrightSky they wouldn't stop hassling me about my bowels and wanted them to move before they even considered going forward. It's common to have a lack of action there when you wind up in that bed for such long periods. Can't say it caused me pain though it was just irritating wanting to go and nothing happening! I too was put on a mix of laxitives (Colon Senna comes to mind) to get things moving (pun intended!) and eventually they did (what a relief :) ). Even now though I can have bouts where it comes and goes - as in I'll have regular movements then nothing for a day and a half etc. Think my body is still adjusting. I'm quite surprised they've let you out still suffering constipation though....

Otherwise it all sounds good (apart from the pain) and what a beautiful gift you have and shot at a new life!!!

 :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow; :bow;
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3/1993: Diagnosed with Kidney Failure (FSGS)
25/7/2006: Started hemo 3x/week 5 hour sessions :(
27/11/2010: Cadaveric kidney transplant from my wonderful donor!!! "Danny" currently settling in and working better every day!!! :)

BE POSITIVE * BE INFORMED * BE PROACTIVE * BE IN CONTROL * LIVE LIFE!
Joe Paul
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« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2011, 06:34:14 PM »
That's wonderful!! Welcome to the new treatment for this horrible disease. I hope your new kidney lasts and lasts, congratulations  :thumbup;
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"The history of discovery is completed by those who don't follow rules"
Angels are with us, but don't take GOD for granted
Transplant Jan. 8, 2010
RightSide
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« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2011, 06:38:34 PM »
Thanks for all the support, guys.  I really appreciate it.

One other thing I've noticed is that there is quite a bit of swelling in my groin area.  I can no longer fasten my belt around my waist.  (I just stopped off at the store and bought a bigger belt!) 

And I'm convinced that my testicles, of all things, have increased in size.  Is all that from the prednisone I'm on, or lingering swelling from the surgery, or what?
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RichardMEL
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« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2011, 06:43:01 PM »
no mate, it's because you're a stud!!!  :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;

I'd never heard of preds affecting that area, nor that I had swelling down that far - mine was right around the scar from the surgery (and since then all the food I have been shovelling in :( ).

Have you asked the medicos about it?
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3/1993: Diagnosed with Kidney Failure (FSGS)
25/7/2006: Started hemo 3x/week 5 hour sessions :(
27/11/2010: Cadaveric kidney transplant from my wonderful donor!!! "Danny" currently settling in and working better every day!!! :)

BE POSITIVE * BE INFORMED * BE PROACTIVE * BE IN CONTROL * LIVE LIFE!
Joe Paul
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« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2011, 06:46:02 PM »
Quote from: RightSide on January 31, 2011, 06:38:34 PM
And I'm convinced that my testicles, of all things, have increased in size.  Is all that from the prednisone I'm on, or lingering swelling from the surgery, or what?
Not to be ignorant to the women readers, but I am 1 year post transplant, and, mine are larger as well. I am not on any steroids, so I think it has to do with the placement of the kidney, and the altered blood flow. BTW, my voice has also gone a touch deeper too, which I enjoy, as I sing bass in our church choir, and am now a key lower.
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"The history of discovery is completed by those who don't follow rules"
Angels are with us, but don't take GOD for granted
Transplant Jan. 8, 2010
jbeany
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« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2011, 07:11:15 PM »
ooooooookay... I'm gonna stick with saying Congrats on the kidney!

 :bandance;
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"Asbestos Gelos"  (As-bes-tos yay-lohs) Greek. Literally, "fireproof laughter".  A term used by Homer for invincible laughter in the face of death and mortality.
Sax-O-Trix
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« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2011, 07:25:51 PM »
Great news!  Congrats on the new kidney and be sure to keep us posted on your recovery. :clap;
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Preemptive transplant recipient, living donor (brother)- March 2011
okarol
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« Reply #12 on: January 31, 2011, 07:27:16 PM »
Wow!! Great news!  :yahoo;
I don't want to worry you, but I would be very cautious about the pain and your enlarging waist. There could be a leak (fluid from the ureter stiches) and you need to be checked right away. Yes, it could be related to constipation, but the problem is that a leak can cause fluid to strangulate the kidney. (I think this is similar to what happened to lola's husband Otto.)  I say this because the fluid in your scrotum can be evidence of a leak. I suppose you're going every couple days for clinic, and I would just ask them what they think. As far as the constipation, I have told Jenna for every vicodyn she took, to take 2 stool softeners too (why don't they make it this way lol?) Milk of magnesia also works good, but check with your team if it's safe to take. Also, warm prune juice, drink lots of water, and also try Senna.

Best wishes for each day to get better and better!!  :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: Congrats!!!
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Admin for IHateDialysis 2008 - 2014, retired.
Jenna is our daughter, bad bladder damaged her kidneys.
Was on in-center hemodialysis 2003-2007.
7 yr transplant lost due to rejection.
She did PD Sept. 2013 - July 2017
Found a swap living donor using social media, friends, family.
New kidney in a paired donation swap July 26, 2017.
Her story ---> https://www.facebook.com/WantedKidneyDonor
Please watch her video: http://youtu.be/D9ZuVJ_s80Y
Living Donors Rock! http://www.livingdonorsonline.org -
News video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-7KvgQDWpU
greg10
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« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2011, 07:48:53 PM »
Great news, RightSide  :clap;  :yahoo;  :clap;

I wonder if there is some other hormonal effect produced by the new kidney that is not well understood that is causing the swelling?  Such as the adrenal gland and the corticosteroids.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_gland

Quote from: Joe Paul on January 31, 2011, 06:46:02 PM
Quote from: RightSide on January 31, 2011, 06:38:34 PM
And I'm convinced that my testicles, of all things, have increased in size.  Is all that from the prednisone I'm on, or lingering swelling from the surgery, or what?
Not to be ignorant to the women readers, but I am 1 year post transplant, and, mine are larger as well. I am not on any steroids, so I think it has to do with the placement of the kidney, and the altered blood flow. BTW, my voice has also gone a touch deeper too, which I enjoy, as I sing bass in our church choir, and am now a key lower.
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Newbie caretaker, so I may not know what I am talking about :)
Caretaker for my elderly father who has his first and current graft in March, 2010.
Previously in-center hemodialysis in national chain, now doing NxStage home dialysis training.
End of September 2010: after twelve days of training, we were asked to start dialyzing on our own at home, reluctantly, we agreed.
If you are on HD, did you know that Rapid fluid removal (UF = ultrafiltration) during dialysis is associated with cardiovascular morbidity?  http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=20596
We follow a modified version: UF limit = (weight in kg)  *  10 ml/kg/hr * (130 - age)/100

How do you know you are getting sufficient hemodialysis?  Know your HDP!  Scribner, B. H. and D. G. Oreopoulos (2002). "The Hemodialysis Product (HDP): A Better Index of Dialysis Adequacy than Kt/V." Dialysis & Transplantation 31(1).   http://www.therenalnetwork.org/qi/resources/HDP.pdf
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« Reply #14 on: January 31, 2011, 08:12:58 PM »
Wonderful News....    You will be feeling better in no time....let us know how is goes....
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IgA Nephropathy   April 2009
CKD    May 2009
AV Fistula  June 2009
In-Center Dialysis   Sept 2009
Nxstage    Feb 2010
Extended Nxstage March 2011

Transplant Sept 2, 2011

  Hello from the Oregon Coast.....

I am learning to live close to the lives of my friends without ever seeing them. No miles of any measurement can separate your soul from mine.
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kellyt
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« Reply #15 on: January 31, 2011, 08:15:58 PM »
Congratulatoins!  What wonderful news!!!    :clap;      Just to avoid the whole "constipation" issue after transplant, I got off the pain meds ASAP.  I had them disconnect my morphine like on day two and only took the pain pill when absolutely necessary (when I knew I was going to be moving around a lot).   Good Luck!   I can't wait to hear all about your life change!!!!   :beer1;
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1993 diagnosed with glomerulonephritis.
Oct 41, 2007 - Got fistula placed.
Feb 13, 2008 - Activated on "the list".
Nov 5, 2008 - Received living donor transplant from my sister-in-law, Etta.
Nov 5, 2011 - THREE YEARS POST TRANSPLANT!  :D
YLGuy
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« Reply #16 on: January 31, 2011, 09:19:48 PM »
I am sorry RS & JP but I just can't read your posts and not think of the AC/DC song.
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Jean
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« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2011, 12:15:01 AM »
Right Side, what awesome news. I am so happy for you and I hope your  "other" problems get taken care of. Congratulations on a new you. Did you name your kidney???
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One day at a time, thats all I can do.
Joe Paul
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« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2011, 03:16:02 AM »
Quote from: YLGuy on January 31, 2011, 09:19:48 PM
I am sorry RS & JP but I just can't read your posts and not think of the AC/DC song.
:thumbup;
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"The history of discovery is completed by those who don't follow rules"
Angels are with us, but don't take GOD for granted
Transplant Jan. 8, 2010
billybags
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« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2011, 04:38:28 AM »
Right side I am so pleased for you. We have had a new kidney surgeon in place for the last year and he is doing far more transplants then ever before.Two of the people we know have had one, which is brilliant, one is a woman of 70 and she is over the moon. We thought that age mattered and if you got old they wouldn't want to do it, it just goes to show doesn't it.  Well you take care of your self, you lucky thing.
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« Reply #20 on: February 01, 2011, 05:15:13 AM »
GREAT NEWS!!  :yahoo; :clap; :2thumbsup;  That was quick!  Now you must heal just as quickly, and get on with it!   :grouphug;  I am very pleased with this report.  Looking forward to your updates.  :cuddle;
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"To be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own ...but that which is based on faith"



I LOVE  my IHD family! :grouphug;
carol1987
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« Reply #21 on: February 01, 2011, 05:19:15 AM »
CONGRATULATION!!!!  :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo;
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Diagnosed with  PKD July 2002 (no family history)
Fistula placed April 2009
Placed on Transplant list April 2009
Started HD 10/6/10
Transplanted 1/6/11 (Chain Transplant My altruistic donor was  "Becky from Chicago" , and DH Mike donated on my behalf and the chain continued...)
KarenInWA
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« Reply #22 on: February 01, 2011, 05:41:24 AM »
YAY Rightside!!!!! Congratulations on your new gift!!!!

 :cheer:  :cheer:  :cheer:  :yahoo;  :yahoo;  :yahoo;

KarenInWA
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1996 - Diagnosed with Proteinuria
2000 - Started seeing nephrologist on regular basis
Mar 2010 - Started Aranesp shots - well into CKD4
Dec 1, 2010 - Transplant Eval Appt - Listed on Feb 10, 2012
Apr 18, 2011 - Had fistula placed at GFR 8
April 20, 2011 - Had chest cath placed, GFR 6
April 22, 2011 - Started in-center HD. Continued to work FT and still went out and did things: live theater, concerts, spend time with friends, dine out, etc
May 2011 - My Wonderful Donor offered to get tested!
Oct 2011  - My Wonderful Donor was approved for surgery!
November 23, 2011 - Live-Donor Transplant (Lynette the Kidney gets a new home!)
April 3, 2012 - Routine Post-Tx Biopsy (creatinine went up just a little, from 1.4 to 1.7)
April 7, 2012 - ER admit to hospital, emergency surgery to remove large hematoma caused by biopsy
April 8, 2012 - In hospital dialysis with 2 units of blood
Now: On the mend, getting better! New Goal: No more in-patient hospital stays! More travel and life adventures!
paul.karen
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« Reply #23 on: February 01, 2011, 05:58:20 AM »
 :2thumbsup;

Great news Rightside.  May the healing improve and the pain diminish for you soon.

 :beer1;
P&K
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Operation for PD placement 7-14-09
Training for cycler 7-28-09

Started home dialysis using Baxter homechoice
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monrein
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« Reply #24 on: February 01, 2011, 06:07:21 AM »
So happy to read the news of your transplant.  :flower;

Do ask about the swelling though and keep telling them of every thing that concerns you.  The worst pain for me post trx was also the bowel issue...I would walk the halls doubled over but kept walking to get things moving again.  I hope all is resolved for you and things go from good to better.   :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup;
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Pyelonephritis (began at 8 mos old)
Home haemo 1980-1985 (self-cannulated with 15 gauge sharps)
Cadaveric transplant 1985
New upper-arm fistula April 2008
Uldall-Cook catheter inserted May 2008
Haemo-dialysis, self care unit June 2008
(2 1/2 hours X 5 weekly)
Self-cannulated, 15 gauge blunts, buttonholes.
Living donor transplant (sister-in law Kathy) Feb. 2009
First failed kidney transplant removed Apr.  2009
Second trx doing great so far...all lab values in normal ranges
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