Kidney recipient

Thanks so much Rosemary, happy I found your group. To your first question, I was absolutely not prepared. I was gearing up to start peritoneal training the following week and awaiting the supplies to arrive at my home. Remember all of the research, reading, webinars, support groups were mainly focused on dialysis because of the anticipated time frame. When the call came at 10pm the nurse asked if I was interested. As at that point it was a virtual match, there was a chance I could come home without a kidney. I first asked her could I sleep on it and get back to her tomorrow—WHAT WAS I THINKING? Of course I came to my senses quickly when I was told to be at the Transplant Institute by 1:30am, which was 1.5 hours away. So I packed my bathing suit and cover up—where was I going? Along with a bunch of unnecessary items. And the rest is history. My advice, make a list of what you will want and need to bring to the hospital and have those items ready to go. Who knows how long you will be there, you will want a few personal items. Thanks for listening.

Hi, @beanie2024,

Congratulations on your recent transplant and having completed the first six months on this new incredible journey! And I'm glad that things are going well. My experience is similar to yours in that I also didn't have time to do much research on kidney transplants. I received my first call just 26 days after being listed and was put on standby. I didn't get that kidney but that was okay because in no way was I ready. I received the final call 3 months later (which was 4 months after being listed). I still wasn't ready and had just touched the tip of the iceberg as far as my research was concerned. But I was thankful for this wonderful blessing. I am now 15 months post transplant, and am so grateful to a kind and generous donor and donor family for this awesome gift of life. After that first call, I made a list of things I'd need to take to the hospital with me if and when the next call came but had only packed a few of them.

What especially caught my attention in your post was your saying: "...her name is Beanie!" This struck me because I named my new kidney Maisha (which means life). I originally thought that I was the only person who named their transplanted organ but have been pleasantly surprised to learn that there are others...like you. I am thrilled every time I meet someone else who has named their organ. I could be wrong, but did you name her Beanie because of kidney bean? I think that's pretty cool if you did. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, Maisha and I wish you and Beanie all the best as you continue on this journey. 😊

Hi @my44, Congrats to you and Maisha also. I can’t believe our journeys have been quite similar. Beanie was absolutely named after a kidney bean with the encouragement of my granddaughters. Prior to my transplant I was certified as a Kidney Coach so now I am trying to find ways to share my story hoping to somehow be of service to someone. I would like to focus on something other than myself.

Anyone experience hair thinning, apparently due to the medication?

Hi, @beanie2024

Thanks for the congrats.

I 'm amazed, too, at how our stories parallel each other.

You have some smart and witty granddaughters. Kudos to them for thinking up the name Beanie.

I think you will be absolutely awesome at being of service to others...you already are. Just by sharing your story here on Connect, you've helped an unknown number of people already. I pray that your reach will be very broad, because you definitely have a story to tell. Blessings!

Don’t give my granddaughters too much credit, their first choice was Doodie Poo. They are 7, 6, 3, 1 and 6weeks!
Have a great day,
Tyra [I would like to use my real name]

@future - Congratulations on your recent kidney transplant. And Welcome to Connect. It is good to hear that you are at home and able to sleep in your own bed!

My experience is as others have shared - that this is a normal part of recovery during your body's adjustment to the new organ and to tour medication. Take comfort in having frequent labs because your transplant team will be monitoring for any pattern or out of range results that could indicate a concern or a need for a medication adjustment. During the early months after my transplant, I needed to add an iron supplement until after my levels stabilized. I'll also add that it is OK to grab a nap when you are tired. I actually needed a daily nap after my liver/kidney transplant almost 15 years ago, because my body was so worn out after a complicated pre transplant experience. I feel that I could almost copy the comments by @my44, @lngnglr, @maggieinfp because they are similar to my own experience.

Here is a support discussion that I want to share with all of you.
- It's just one of those days: Share your transplant recovery tips
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/its-just-one-of-those-days/
.
@maggieinfp, I'm happy that you have found support and have felt comfortable to ask questions on Connect. I wish that Connect had been available when I was going thru my transplant journey.
@lngnglr - I want to emphasize your statement, "Be kind to yourself and try to do things you enjoy."
@my44 - You've got it! We learn to 'listen' to our bodies because they do tell us when something is just not right. That is when I contact my nurse coordinator!
@future, I love your online name! What are you looking forward to doin g in the future?