Living Life after your Transplant

Since my transplant I spent one summer digging weeds in the back yard and over a year remodeling our kitchen/dining/living room. When it came time to rip down and construct, we closed everything off with plastic. Some of the dust still seeped through, but it was nothing like if we had left everything open. The workers came in the front door into their work area and left the same way. They cleaned up after themselves and my husband did a better cleaning before I returned to the area. I did not have any problems with paint fumes, but the wood finish was strong and took longer to dissipate. We opened windows and ran fans to keep the odors from our living areas until we were able to move back into the construction area. I guess I just wasn't worried that the construction would make me sick. After all, I knew I wouldn't be in the middle of the work, mess and fumes. If you are doing your entire home, I recommend renting a suite or B&B for the time they will be there and maybe a week following. If it is just one room (or a few) that you can close the door to, that is what I would do. Most workers will respect your home and try to leave it in better condition that it was when they got there. Perhaps they could bring their supplies in through a window rather than traipsing through the house with everything. Hire someone to come in for a thorough clean up if you think you need to. One of my friends stayed in their camper parked in the drive for the duration. Maybe that could be an option for you.

Thank you for reply. Painting is going well. The tarps are magnificent and cover everything. My biggest fear was if someone would bring in flu or something. But the only coughing from crew is asthma and smoking related. We are having a mild weather spell and we are able to let some fresh air in during the sunny days. When they have gone home at end of day, I let loose with the disinfectant aerosol and wipe all surfaces with disinfectant wipes or cleaner. Rosemary

Thank you Rosemary. This is an area I have tried to be conscious of but some of what has been mentioned would never occurred to me, such as people working in my home, if I stay out of contact with them. My biggest concern about infection is my concern with germs when I eventually fly somewhere for a vacation. I know I am to wear a face mask, I presume that is forever when flying, but even so it does concern me. My other germ concern is church. In my church people shake hands during the service. I doubt many would understand the sign language "peace" sign, so I do shake hands and then make sure I do not touch my face of anything until I have disinfected my hands.
JK

@contentandwell, I wasn't able to respond yesterday, because hubby and I went to a concert. One of my concerns is where to sit in a cramped concert hall. We try to select aisle seats. But last evening, we were in a long aisle of 70+ seats. And we were directly in middle. (terrific seats). To my delight - the 6 seats directly in front of us remained vacant. Not only did I, a short person, have a good view, but relief from my fears during flu season!... In my church I have a "safe seat" with my musical ensemble. And if one of them is not feeling well, they email me so I can decide whether or not to be there.
I have flown with no problem. But I let my husband sit in the middle seat and I get the window. Lots of hand sanitizer and my own water bottle work for me. I also like the air vent to be blowing to keep air moving - don't know if that has any effect other than in my head though! I bring my own puzzles and do not touch the airplane ones.
Another thing to try when handshaking is expected, and the sign language 'peace' doesn't work for you is to simply smile, and kindly say, " I have a transplant and my doctors do not want me to shake hands". You might be surprised at the conversation that it can begin. A big plus is that you have an opportunity to promote organ donation by your witness! JK it wont be too long until these 'awkward' situations become your new normal.
Rosemary

Rosemary, thank you for your suggestions. I am magazine-phobic at this point. Whenever I go somewhere like a doctor's office or anywhere where I may have to wait, I bring my Nexus Tablet with me to occupy myself so as to not touch magazines. Heck, especially in a doctor's office some people there are sick of course. I have mentioned that to a number of doctors and all thought that was smart of me, and this was well before my transplant.
I read a few years back that the most unsanitary place in a restaurant is the menu! Of course when you think of it, how many people have handled it?

JK

@rosemarya, First is that the way this group addresses each other, their name with an @sign? I just noticed that.

Also, you say you take the window seat. From a germ standpoint do you think that is preferable to an aisle seat? I was figuring on an aisle seat because they told me I should get up and walk about every half hour, and also because I make frequent trips to the bathroom, a whole different problem of course.

I guess in church I will just smile and say "peace", there really is not time for an explanation since you generally share the sign of peach with people on either side of you, in front of you, and behind you.

@contentandwell, JK, I like to include the @name because user will receive email notice if they choose. Simply highlight the @name, copy, paste. There is no right or wrong way. I like to use name if it is shared. I think that makes it more like friends chatting. It is your choice.
As far as the airplane, that is a personal, and a necessity choice. I am now 7+ years post transplant, so my needs are different than they were at the beginning, and different from yours due to our varying health issues. I want to assure you that my choices as to how to live after transplant are just that, mine. We can become friends, chat, share ideas on how to live our lives - but ultimately your own post transplant care team is your primary judge and jury on your important issues
You will find what is comfortable and what works for you as you move forward.

Have you returned to your transplant facility for your 4-5 month evaluation?
Rosemary

@contentandwell I am a knitter. So I always have some small knitting thing with me/or pattern book. And always some hand sanitizer for things like menus! I find it interesting that the 'world' gets into germ phobias around flu time, then forgets it rest of year. We just have to remain vigilant.
I have some acquaintances who are transplant recipients, and some of them are not as careful as me, and some who are more careful.
I remember being told that it is all about choices and risks involved.
Rosemary

@rosemarya, I realized after responding I hadn't answered fully. I wondered about you taking the window seat because I thought that perhaps you felt that would have fewer germs floating around, and I suppose maybe it does. As I think I said though, I get up frequently, partly for bathroom trips and I will also because the transplant team told me I should get up an walk every half hour or so when flying. I read somewhere that if you are wearing a mask to prevent getting germs you should change it every 20 minutes. Anyone else hear that? I have an appointment with my transplant surgeon in a few weeks so I will ask about then.

I go in for an appointment with him every two months at this point. Initially it was weekly, then bi-weekly, then in November he said I didn't need to return until January and at that appointment he once again scheduled my next appointment in two months. When I go there, to the "transplant clinic" I see a nurse first then the doctor. Sometimes a NP sees me then the doctor comes in but the last few times he has covered it himself. It will be a bit more than 5 months at that point, but as I said, I have been having pretty regular appointments.

I have never been much of a knitter, I did do crewel and cross stitch for a while but now those things are difficult due to changing vision.

JK

@contentandwell Jk, I am no expert on air travel because my exposure is a round trip vacation adventure within US once a year. During the 1st transplant year, I did fly to/from Mayo Rochester (because my insurance paid for it). And I do not remember how I handled that. After my original discharge though, we faced an 800 mile drive home, and we took many frequent travel breaks. That was quite a trip!
I was not directed to wear a mask, but I do carry one, just in case I feel the need.. I think that the transplant centers must have different directives, or maybe the rules are patient specific.
I have an annual review with my transplant dept. in Rochester every year near my anniversary month. With a combined liver and kidney transplant, it is usually a 2-3 days appointment marathon! My PCP manages my care here at home. At first, I had labs every 2 weeks, too. But as time passed that has spread to every 3 months. My PCP knows that he can communicate with my transplant team when necessary. I also have an online link to my nurse coordinator.

I think that is awesome that you are doing so well. And rewarded with a 'no appointment ' month! I think your doctor will be thrilled to answer your travel questions. Let me know what he/she advises.

Rosemary