Hershey med transplants

[sammie8450]

I know a few people had transplants at Hershey med and was wondering if you could share some things. We are having our surgery July 17 and wondered how long surgery was for both donor and recipient. How long was your stay there? Anything else to prepare us at Hershey would be great. Thanks so much,Val

[jeannea]

Hershey has been unbelievably good to me. Dr Uemura did my surgery. He's really good. Dr Shah helped with my last admission for a virus. Also very good. I don't know Dr Khan as well. Who is doing your surgery?

My surgery was about 4 hours. Then it was another hour or so before my family could see me. I had a transplant there in 1998 as well but this time was easier. They've changed some things with the induction therapy and the anaesthesia. I was in the hospital Tues to Mon but that was longer than usual because they were giving me Prograf slowly because of a previous problem. I was in ICU overnight and by supper the next day I was in a regular room. I'm not sure how long donor surgery is these days. Prob about 3 hours then there's a break while they clean the room for you. 14 years ago my mom donated. She was in a regular room right away.

I like all the coordinators I've met. They've been very helpful when I had problems. You'll get your first month's medicines before you leave. Someone needs to have a credit card for the co pays.

When you go home you'll get a paper for your blood tests for the next year. Just keep making copies of it. Twice a week at first. You'll go to clinic once a week for 6 weeks then once every 2 weeks. I'm on once a month now since I'm 3 months out. They'll draw blood and ask for a urine sample. Then you'll see a coordinator and a doctor. At first you'll see a surgeon then after you're healed a nephrologist. Or both if you have questions. I love Dr Gahramani and Dr Farooq. Dr Kwon is not my favorite. She's kind of lacking in bedside manner.

You'll have a Foley catheter for a few days. You'll have a central line and maybe another IV. The morning after surgery you should start on clear liquids and then work your way up to food. Unfortunately the food isn't that good. They have put in a new ordering system where someone comes to your room and takes your order but I don't know if it tastes any better. The bad part is you have to poop before you're allowed to go home and that hurts after surgery.

Three years ago I was helicoptered to Hershey, on a ventilator and in a coma. They saved my life. They take good care of me.

Did I write a book yet? If you have any other questions I'll answer them. If they're too personal send me a message.

[sammie8450]

Thanks so much for the info. We are having the same drs you had. I am donating to my daughter that has other issues, Joubert syndrome, so hoping they keep us somewhat close on the floor. The only thing I am dreading is the foley. We ate lunch in the cafeteria yesterday before dialysis and it was very good. Hope it's the same food they serve to patients. Did you have dialysis at Hersey?  Thanks again .

[jeannea]

I only had dialysis at Hershey when I was really ill 3 yrs ago and my transplant failed. I woke up from my coma already on dialysis and I was mad and confused. But everyone in the dialysis center was nice to me. I got dialysis in Reading.

I misunderstood that you were donating. You won't get the Foley, your daughter will. You should be on the same floor after she leaves ICU, prob 5th floor, but possibly different wings. If you walk past the center nurse's desk you can visit each other. And you will both be encouraged to walk. Might be easier for you to walk to her because of her Foley and possible IV meds.

I hope everything goes really well for you. Let me know!

[sammie8450]

Sorry for the confusion. I seem to type to fast and can even confuse myself . We meet with the drs on Wednesday to discuss surgery, just wanted to make sure I did not miss anything. As some might say I am overprotective with my daughter and want to make sure I know what to expect with her. Her pain level is nowhere near ours., she would probably never ask for pain meds until shes at a level 10. Thanks again