What can I share about my recovery from returning home from the hospital and now?
I had a pancreas only transplant, which entailed splitting me open "stem to stern", as the surgeon said. In other words, my scar began at the base of my breastbone and extended to the bottom of my belly. It was neither an easy surgery, nor an easy recovery for me.
Following surgery, we spent several weeks at the Transplant House before we were able to leave Rochester. We tried using the bus system, but I found the roughness of the ride painful and after one experience we used our own vehicle. Home is a minimum of a ten-hour drive, and I still felt pain at every bump and jostle on the road.
Once home I spent most of my life on the couch. Follow-up difficulties required multiple trips back to Rochester through the first two years. I was finally able to reduce trips to twice a year, just before I reached Stage 3 kidney disease and was referred to the Kidney Transplant Department.

How did I transition?
My father died in 2017, mother died in 2028, and I was able to fulfill their wishes for their funerals and internments. I am still guardian for my multiply handicapped son and an active mother for both of my children. I have taught myself to knit, not well, and streamlined many household duties to manageable tasks. I took each day as it came and did the best I could each day. I made sure essentials were done and left everything else go when I needed to. Most days I walk without assistance and for the others I have a cane, walker and wheelchair. I now contend with chronic fatigue, five limiting diets, continued monitoring of medications and lab work, orthostatic hypotension, intermittent incontinence, increased damage to my teeth, ongoing PT, autonomic neuropathy, Stage 3/4 kidney disease, and arthritis.

Neither I nor the physicians thought I would be able to improve/stabilize my kidneys, but here I am; still with my native kidneys, no edema, no dialysis, and few kidney meds. I never expected to be the way I am now, content to stay at home and putter at my own things, whatever I feel like for the day. My faith has carried me through and will sustain me to the end.

Pointers or Suggestions?
Take each day as it comes.
Do what you can and leave the rest.
Ask for help.
Accept help.
Focus on your recovery and health.
Rely on your faith. God will provide.