Here we go. I got a transplant

[American Airman]

Its weird, but I think my left side is more swollen than my right, but the left is where they put the kidney.  So I guess that's normal. 

I think some of you might have not quite understood what I ment.  When they put in the kidney... was the side they put it in more swollen than the other???

[pelagia]

Stephen stayed more swollen on the side where the kidney was placed for at least a month or two after the surgery.  In fact, his skin is still faintly discolored wherever he had bruising from the surgery, and he is just about to the three month anniversary.

[okarol]

Its weird, but I think my left side is more swollen than my right, but the left is where they put the kidney.  So I guess that's normal. 

I think some of you might have not quite understood what I ment.  When they put in the kidney... was the side they put it in more swollen than the other???

Jenna had no swelling, her incision was flat and glued together, no staples, so very little trauma. It is possible to have fluid build up around the kidney and if this is the case they should see it on ultrasound. I hope you're doing better.

[Lori1851]

 
Airman,
Praise the Lord you got your transplant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lori/Indiana

[vandie]

My new kidney is on the right side.   When I lie down, I can still see it and feel it.   It's not swollen.  It's just there.

[Chris]

My new kidney is on the right side.   When I lie down, I can still see it and feel it.   It's not swollen.  It's just there.

Maybe it's just me or maybe other k/p tx recipients, but I can't tell mine is there and I am underweight. The doctors can feel it when they press down on it if I let them (I hate my abdomen pressed or touched). Might be because of a more intense surgery,don't know, but glad I don't see it.  I probably be to self conscious about it and the way it looks and then over protecting it.

[monrein]

When I lie down I can see and feel mine too.  Actually I massage and "talk" to it regularly.  I think a little encouragement never hurt anyone or anything, even a kidney.  No one else would notice it though unless I pointed it out or let them feel it. 

[okarol]

How are you doing Airman?

[American Airman]

Hi,

It's been a while since I've posted.  My computer went down.  very down. 

I'm using my wife's that her mom sent us from kentucky.

I got the pd cathiter out.  I for the life of me can't remember how to spell cathater...

doesn't matter now.  I'm doing very well.  I'm on 5 mg of Prograph and 1000 mg of cell cept
both two times a day.  The only downside I can see so far is um... not solid bowel movements...
They may switch me to the coated version of cellcept.

[willieandwinnie]

American Airman. Sorry about your computer. My husband is only on prograf because of all the bowel problems that Cellcept causes. Good to hear from you. 

[okarol]

Despite the bowel issue it sounds as if you're doing well - glad to hear it! 

[pelagia]

Thanks for giving us an update.  It's great to hear that you are doing well.   

Hopefully they will cut down on the meds a bit in the future.  Are you taking any prednisone?

[American Airman]

I started on 20 milligrams of prednisone, but was slowly taken off of it.  Good thing too, I'd be 300 lbs by now if they hadn't stopped.

Does anyone have any tips on how to work around the cellcept diarhea thing?  Would like any help.

What seems to work best for me is to not eat in the morning at all (I get up at 0400 or 4am for you non military types) and usually eat a bowl of cereal.  then I take my meds at 0800 or 8am.  I think I do better when I don't eat untill after I've taken the pills.

But when you're up at 0400, 5 hours is a long time to wait before you eat.

Any other suggestions?

[pelagia]

well, cheese and bagels are two foods that have the opposite effects on me, but of course I'm not on cellcept...

do you eat much fiber?  like whole grains?  could be that would help regulate your system a little bit.  maybe some oatmeal for breakfast, or whole grain toast (not the stuff that says "wheat bread, but the 100% whole wheat kind).

Stephen doesn't have any problems, but he is on 750 mg cellcept 2x a day, but also takes prograf and predinisone.

[American Airman]

All,

Are there any military members who have retired due to kidney failure like myself?

I have several questions about the va and such.

Please send me a message here at the boards.

Thanks.

Please put this out there in the ihatedialysis boards.  I don't really know where else to post, so everyone please see that this gets around.

Thanks again.

[Romona]

You could try the BRAT diet that is recommended for kids with diarrhea Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast.