Living Life after your Transplant

@contentandwell, It is okay, to ease up on your on your physical activities, and even your social activities. I have discovered that my body, since transplant, seems to take 2-3 times longer than a 'normal' person to recover from anything. I have also learned to treat myself to 'time out' where I will stay home and do nothing except relax. In fact, my husband will encourage this when he sees me wearing down. He will say, "Do you have to keep going, Why don't you stay in tomorrow and take it easy. I don't want you getting sick."

JK, you will learn to listen to your body as time goes on, it will tell you what when you do too much. We transplant recipients have special circumstances that the majority of population does not understand, so continue to be your own best health advocate.

BTW - I can still out walk and outpace most of my friends, and I do love a good hike:-) Life is Good
Rosemary

@rosemarya Rosemary, I actually do have sanitizer in individual packets that I never remember to bring. I will have to be better about that.

Overall my stamina is really good, I just do not enjoy exercise. My son is a real mesomorph and goes almost daily to his gym out in CA and lifts and stuff and then goes home and takes his dog for a run. He teases me that I go to the club more than he goes to his. I do have those days, generally about once a week, when I skip the water class in the morning feeling I would probably keel over and drown if I went. I sleep a bit more and do my own pool thing in the afternoon. My daughter doesn't really go to a gym anymore unfortunately. She lives in NYC though and does get a LOT of walking in.

My husband is the same as yours, thinking I should let up a bit. He used to go about three times a week to a more basic gym and now goes much less frequently but feels pressured to go because I go so much. He won't pay the prices at my club but I do because it is the closest place that has a pool.

Walking is not great for me because of my knees. I have a friend who will go to Boston and walk all over the place. She wears a fitbit and often walks over 10 miles! She says she likes to get exercise because then she can eat more! She is not an ounce overweight.

JK

Hi all,
This discussion came to the attention of my colleagues @kequick and @lisalucier who write the blog posts for the Transplant page on Connect (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/). They'd like to use your tips and life hacks for living well after transplant to create a blog post. I think this is a fabulous idea. Who knows better than you guys, right? For recipients, by recipients. What do you think?

If you're new to this discussion, please take a minute to read through the past suggestions. Add your own. @lupedelarosa12 @skittles25 @chattykathy @cehunt57 @timfair @linda59 @eileenheart @wkary @swordfish @linmarie @maryallard @vacamrc @metallicpea

The post will be written later this summer or early fall. That's gives us time to gather more of your tips. So I'll repeat @rosemarya's original question:

"Share your practical living tips and ideas about how you ‘live’ after your transplant. For example: hand washing and germ prevention, eating out; attending public events; daily medicine reminder. What healthy practices work for you?"

Hi Colleen,
I'm not a recipient but maybe a site for loved ones to share same might be good?
ThxLinda 

@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

Hi, The ASL sign for peace instead of handshaking is a wonderful idea. I am three months out from my kidney transplant and have been bumping arms with people instead of shaking their hands but this is a better alternative.
Thanks

Linda,
Family members who support those receiving and donating an organ are also welcome to this group. We also have a group on Connect dedicated to caregivers https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/ We'd love for you to join us there.

How is your son doing?

@dave12, I want to extend my virtual handshake to you to welcome you to Mayo Connect. It is always a pleasure for me to meet another transplant recipient. Simply reading that you are 3 months out from your transplant is giving me a big smile..
Thank you for sharing how the ASL handshake option is something that you can use as you progress onward to a healthy and active life.go forward to a normal life.

@dave12, I invite you to read and to join into any of our transplant discussions. I know that there are members who would like to meet you. One particular discussion that might interest you is "Celebrate Your Transplant Blessings". What are some blessings that you have realized at 3 months post transplant? Did you receive your kidney from a living donor or a deceased donor? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/celebrate-your-transplant-blessings/

I am looking forward to hearing about your experience.
Rosemary

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