I would like to connect with others who have had a kidney transplant

I use to have a diarrhea problem, but they lowered my Mycophenolate and that improved. Right now my biggest issue is my shaking. I also have hair loss, but I can live with that because I hear it usually gets better.

Recent kidney transplant patient. My surgery was in April. It gave me second chance at life. My GFR was 9 prior to the transplant and now it's 44, A1C 6, and creatinine is 1.6 (it was 4.36 prior to surgery. I feel so much better. My donor was young and I am currently addicted to chicken nuggets and other snacks. Some of the meds are really strong. I'm open to share more.

@ashelbywilliams7, Welcome to Connect. And - Congratulations on your recent kidney transplant! It sounds like you are enjoying benefits of recovery. I am laughing at your addiction for chicken nuggets! I am pleasantly surprised that your stomach is cooperating. I had a liver and kidney transplant 15 years ago, and don't recall any special craving or addictive taste, however I did enjoy getting back to a less restrictive diet due to no more dialysis. My craving/love was and still is ice cream. I have to be careful that it doesn't privide extre pounds, though.
I would love to hear more about your transplant experience! Were you in dialysis before transplant? Afterward? What is something that you wish you had known about kidney transplant before you receivd your kidnyy transplant?

I had a nephrectomy in 2019 and I feel this surgery prepared me for some of the changes I would experience. This surgery was less pain and the recovery was quicker. The kidney woke up immediately. Woke up thinking about toy soldiers. I made so many life style changes and remain compliant with meds. The clinic visits were increased after transplant that was something I wish I knew before transplant. I travel to Ohio and have standing orders when I can't make the drive for labs. The med adjustments was also new. The Tac levels are so important. Social distancing has been so important. The new taste buds enjoy many childhood treats that I never really ate before. I feel such a sense of sweetness and peace I have never experienced before. I know a few people who have taken on some of the traits of the donor. I have been a teacher for 24 years. It was recommended to work with less people as possible after transplant. I cried and struggled with this. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was three years old. I plan to return in the fall and use PPE and caution when the children are sick. The meds and changes to levels was a new experience. I wish I had worked out more before the surgery. The shape of my stomach is very odd shaped now. I did lose 30 pounds prior to transplant and lower some of my levels. I was not on dialysis. I did the courses to decided if home or center treatment would be an option. I prayed that a new kidney would become available. I Michigan my wait time was up to 5 years and in Ohio it was up to 18 months. I evaluated in both states. My wait time was changed when legislation passed and my wait time was taken to August 2021 due to my low GRF. That was one of the things that was something I wish I knew. I have since became an Ambassador with UNOS. Advocacy has always been one of the things I enjoyed. I'm so grateful and share my experiences on social media often. I plan to attend events to support transplant and kidney awareness. I recently wrote my state reps and they responded by joining committees in Michigan. I saved their emails. Thank you for responding.

@ashelbywilliams7, Good morning. I can tell that you are a teacher! Your story is powerful and you have included so many of the issues that are part of the entire world of trnsplantation. I firmly believe that you will do well in whatever you are inspired to accomplish!
I used to teach, but retired early when my liver disease began to interfere with daily living. I chose to not go back to the classroom, but I do know of a teacher nearby, with a liver transplant, who taught successfuy for many years after her transplant in a kindergarten classroom until full retirement.

I believe that you are going to be an asset to Advocacy as an Ambassador with UNOS, and I know that you are going to meet and inspire some amazing people - patients, living donors, and donor families. I was a volunteer anmassador locally until the headquarters and activities moved out of my area. I remember welcoming donor families at annual remembrance ceremonies. I was especially blessed to meet a young family who was there to honor their infant donor son. I remember holding and hugging the baby's 2 year old sister while listening to the mother and grandmother. Sometimes we speak, sometimes we listen.

When does school year begin for you? What age do tou work with?

Good morning! I wanted a red pen and chalkboard since I was 3 years old! I love teaching. I'm excited about the advocacy work. I plan to visit the memorial next year in VA. School will start in September. I'm planning to open a community center with a few classrooms in it soon. I started the license process in Michigan. Thank you for sharing! How are you feeling? Continue to be kind to yourself!