Hip replacement after having had kidney transplant

Hello, I have had both, same as you, tears ago. Also, kidney lasted 14 years. Hip replacement also and it is a gem. Zero pain. I wish you success, just di exactly what they tell you. Kathy

Blood work was follow up on my kidney. Making sure no issues after surgery. No real extra precautions needed although I felt much better going into the hip replacement knowing if an issue arose the kidney team was on another floor. The healing process is going better than I expected and they all continue to remind me to drink water.

Hey, I'm late to this discussion,and I have already gained some helpful information by reading this discussion. But now it is my turn, as a transplant recipient, for a hip replacement. And I have some questons of my own.

Are you a transplant recipient? Have you received a joint replacement? What was the surgical procedure and recovery like for you? Did you receive any 'special' instructions or have any additional precautions because of your transplant status? Was infection a concern? Were you required to have additional labs afterwards to check on your transplant status?
What are some tips that you might want to share with me or with anyone else who is in need of a joint replacement?

I had a total knee replacement 7 months ago. Infection is definitely a concern, I was instructed to have antibiotics for every dental appointment (including cleaning) for the rest of my life. That consists of 4 pills of Amoxicillin one time one hour prior to the dental appointment. That was approved by Mayo Phoenix. Otherwise, no other special considerations due to transplant, pretty straight forward. No extra labs. Outside of transplant, I did one month of pre-surgery rehab then 5 months of post surgery rehab. Everything is top notch now, no pain, no issues. I strongly recommend you get a toilet raiser like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Hyten-Elevated-Quiet-Close-Elongated-toilet/dp/B09RG3M5ZS
Your quality of life will be so much better after you recover, I am now sorry I did not have the surgery sooner.
Hoping this is helpful, thank you for all your wonderful posts, we love ya!

Yes and Thank you! Your reply Is very helpful. And encouraging, too!
I have talked to people, and have read experiences from other members who are not transplant recipients, so your experience is exactly what I needed/wanted to hear. I was really impressed with my surgeon who began my first visit/consult with acknowledging that I am a transplant recipient and am taking immunosuppressant meds. My surgery is scheduled, but listed as pending, until after my annual transplant visit in a few weeks. My husband and I will be attending a pre-surgery class next week so that we know what to expect. I expect to learn the specifics for in-home supplies and I appreciate your advice and information about recovery and aftercare.

Thanks for the compliment. I really enjoy being able to participate on Connect and to meet other transplant patients. And I especially like being able to talk to patients like you who are willing to share your experiences to support and encourage others like me and you.

I am five and a half years out from a heart transplant and have had both hips replaced within two years. It was a combination of years of activity and tacrolimus. All is great now as I average just short of 30,000 steps a day and play basketball weekly. Recovery took time and discipline. Time I had. Discipline has come from years of practice. To be direct, the post surgical discomfort (code for pain) was probably some of the worst I have had. But the long term benefits of overcoming not sleeping or immobility was well worth it.

Best always,
s!

Thanks a bunch, Scott! I appreciate your honesty concerning your post surgery discomfort, and have already planned to discuss that with the surgeon at the pre surgery appointment. I promise that I will do whatever is required in order to get back on some hiking trails again!

A suggestion that applies to all of us with transplants: we might go in for a surgery where the expectation is to go home the same day - well.....stuff happens, sometimes minor, sometimes major, requiring one or more nights of hospitalization. Hospitals that do not do transplants do not have our immuno suppressants at hand and might not be able to order them on time for our strict regimen of 8 am and 8 pm. The best back-up is that your spouse be familiar with your medications and you prepare a small pillbox that contains enough immuno suppression for a couple of days. Also have your spouse be in charge of ensuring that you take that medication on the evening of the surgery and in the morning. We might be able to walk out of recovery and into a car going home but we are a tad dazed(anesthesia leftover) and distracted about the result of the surgery and the upcoming recovery. Be safe and don't miss your immuno suppression medications.