I had a liver/kidney transplant in April 2009. I have found that all recipients have commonalities as far as managing our lives, or "life hacks", as Colleen mentioned. If you have any to share, I invite you to do so. Or if you have any questions, please ask those.
Are you a recipient or on the wait list? How are you doing?

I had a kidney transplant. Underlying problem was inherited PKD.

@coastalgirl - I'm not sure you will get this since you last posted about a year ago but I just found this conversation. I am 50 years old and have PKD also. I will need a transplant in about one year. Did you have a living donor? If so, I have some follow up questions for you. Also, I'm wondering if you had a nephrectomy when you had your transplant and the reason why or why not.

Lynn

I had a Kidney transplant in 2015

@peterm53 - Thanks for responding. Was your transplant from a living or deceased donor? I seeking a living donor. I'm also wondering how quickly you recovered and what your quality of life is post transplant.

Lynn

My brother was a perfect match and donated one of his kidneys. After two months recovering at home I started to work my full-time job and quality of life has been great without any complications to date. The major change to me was keeping a healthy diet and making sure all mess are taken on their schedule. My brother is also doing well and has not had any complications after surgery.

@peterm53 - Sounds like a great success! What was the time commitment for your brother, both in testing, in the hospital, and before he could return to work? Did you have it done at Mayo or another location? Just curious because I know each transplant center is different and I am going to Mayo so I want to make sure the information I share with those who have offered to donate to me is accurate. Thanks for sharing your experience. Even though my uncle and Dad both had kidney transplants I was not around them at the time so I'm in the dark except for what I have read. Also, were your original kidneys removed (nephrectomy)?

Lynn

If I remember correctly, my brother went through a few days maybe a week of testing pre transplant to check compatibility. Then after the results were back he returned a couple of times for additional tests. After the procedure, my brother was able to return to work after 2 weeks although 3 weeks min were required. Transplant was in Mayo in Jacksonville, FL. After the transplant my stay was 3 days, I was walking the same day and we both left the hospital the week of the transplant.

@peterm53 - Thank you for sharing. Anything you recommend that is not taught to you by Mayo about the whole process?

Lynn

I have type 1 dibetes and most of the associated complications. I had a pancreas transplant in 2005. Now I am on the list for a kidney transplant but I'm also looking for a living donor. Rosemary & Colleen I liked the dscription & video of the ASL sign for peace. This is funny (to me) but it is very similar to the sign my grandkids use for "all done" at meal times. "All Done" might indeed be an appropriate expression in some circumstances! When I meet or greet people I often just wave, fist bump, pat their shoulder/arm, high five, nod & smile etc with minimal touching depending on what seems right at the time.