COVID-19 and Transplant Patients

Yes I had the team at Mayo Rochester. Transplant was 6-22-18, I have been working part time as an office manager at a farm supply business, but of late I have been home in fear of the virus. I have written short detail of my last 3 years that I would share. I have had two rejections early post transplant but since have been doing fine with limitations. My meld started out at 19 and ended up 33. I had 12 ERCP procedures that placed a stent in the bile duct to ease flow prior to transplant. MY physical strength has lessened as I try to be as active as I once was but have accepted the common sense approach to do what I can. I am blessed. It is a struggle but faith, family and a great medical team has given me new life after a long run of dark days. Thank you for asking.

Thanks, just traveling to and from to take care of my dad. Other than that just doing jobs around the house, exercising, and reading the Word.

Hang in there! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as it is no fun to be depressed in any situation. I have found lately, however, that just going to sit outside in the sun a short period of time each day helps my mood immensely as I don't feel like I'm living out a prison sentence inside!

@joyces My heart goes out to you. My cousin is in the same situation, lives with her daughter in a tiny town where she has no personal history or connections, and is housebound all the time unless accompanied out by her daughter and son-in-law. We keep in touch often by Facebook Messenger and text - not ideal, but the best we can manage. And when I'm nearby, I try to get to her town about monthly.

@dshaver, recognizing that you may a bit depressed is a good first step. It's a frightening time with all the unknowns and frankly, it's a real challenge to be a break from all the news. There are a few discussions in the COVID-19 group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/) where members are offering a reprise from all that. They are intended to keep us socially connected and doing things that are good for the mind and body.

Here's a sampling:
- Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
You don't even have to post to get the benefits of this discussion. Members are sharing lovely pictures as a welcome reprieve. My favorites are the bird pictures and the stories that go along with them.

- Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lets-go-walking-join-me-for-a-virtual-walking-support-group/
If it's hard to get up and get moving, try this group. Members are walking "together" across the country and reporting in. It's a simple walking program to do with others virtually. @gingerw chose to clean up the yard the other day instead of walking. All activity welcome.

- My plans to lessen the stress of Self imposed quarantine https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-plans-to-lessen-the-stress-of-self-imposed-quarantine/
Want to travel? Join this group as they visit their favorite places around the world and share special spots and discover new corners of the earth, virtually.

- Music Helps Me https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/music-helps-me/
The title of this one says it all. As a musician myself, it's a place I like to hang out with fellow music lovers.

Dshaver, what helps you?

@jolinda. @cehunt57 We do have to be careful of things that increase our immunity such as echinacea, the lozenges many take before flying, etc., but I think eating healthy foods such as mentioned by @joyces just strengthens us and makes us healthier. It’s not really a case of increasing immunity, it’s more not decreasing immunity by eating non-healthy foods.

@joyces and @dshaver I think many of us are battling some depression. I hate being shut in and the weather on most days has not made going out appealing. I think that @beckyy39 is on the right track though - getting some sunshine and fresh air does help.

@lisamb it sounds as if you are progressing well. Unless your transplant team feels otherwise, just try to do a little more every two or three days. My transplant was in September 2016. When I was able to return to my water aerobics class, initially I went a little late to not have to do the whole hour but I quickly increased the time until I did the whole hour plus another half hour on my own. The more you can do, the better you feel, or at least that’s true for me.
JK

Specific questions and answers about COVID-19 for transplant patients https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/covid-19-faqs/transplant

@jolinda, @danab, @estrada53, @jodeej, @contentandwell, @gingerw, @des46893, @cmael, @gaylea1, @annmariaa, @beckyy39, @astaingegerdm, @livertrex, @manuelhsilva, @genocurt, @blueridgegal7, @mollyv, @almula, @dshaver, @naturegirl5, @dfenderso, @sueinmn, @amyintucson, @mayofeb2020, @cehunt57, @joyces, @lisamb, @lizzy102, @wildcat

Thank you! I just found out that there is a confirmed case in our town. We have a population of about 900. So scary.

I hope that there will not be any more cases, take care and be safe.

Yes doing all of it already, i have treatments next week and have already confirmed any special instructions with my care team.