@rosemarya Rosemary, I actually see my transplant surgeon in a different building about a block away. I do see my medical oncologist in that building and recently saw the doctor I see for pulmonary hepatology (I was sort of borderline before transplant but am fine now so no more visits with him), and a dermatologist who specializes in transplant patients there, so yes I have been back numerous times. Honestly, it has not been emotional. The doctors there are not directly with my transplant.

I do feel a rising of gratitude when I see my transplant surgeon. I think he's wonderful and feel so fortunate to have gotten my transplant when he was the one on call for that. I am sure the others are excellent also, I have had dealings with one other whom I saw initially and she visited me a couple of times when I was in the hospital, and she is probably excellent too but to me, Dr. Elias is the best.

Great idea, I love to lunch in Boston. Having traveled alone for both business and pleasure when I was single I don't mind eating alone in restaurants, but of course if anyone else from the class wants to join me they will be welcome to do so. When I go to Boston for appointments my husband insists on coming. I thought great, we could combine dr. visits with a nice lunch but he always wants to get right home. 🙁
JK

@contentandwell - It depends on each person if they remove the kidneys at the time of transplant. My uncle's PKD kidneys were never removed and my Dad's were removed post transplant to manage pain since they were each the size of a football. I don't know the reasoning behind the decision except I do know that doing a nephrectomy at the time of the transplant is a longer and more complicated surgery. I don't think all centers will do a nephrectomy at the time of a transplant. I know the Mayo Clinic will do it but I don't know what goes into that decision. I guess I'll find out!

Lynn

@contentandwell - I can't help but notice you mentioned seeing a "medical oncologist". Is that a result of your transplant? Just want to make sure there is not something else we should be praying for in regards to your health.

Maybe if you suggest a restaurant to your husband as a celebration for something he might make an exception this time. Might be worth a try.

Lynn

@lcamino, Lynn that's interesting. I just assumed if they gave you new kidneys they took the old ones, as they do in liver transplants. I still shudder when I think of how far gone my liver was when they dissected it.
JK

@lcamino I have a medical oncologist because I had malignant lesions in my liver. They removed them with ablation. That happens I think in about 11% of people with cirrhosis. Since they were very close to the edge of my liver it was a tough removal and when they dissected my liver they discovered that there were a few malignant cells still there so now I have to continue to have MRIs and to see her to make sure the cells did not metastasize. For now everything is OK. I am going with the thought that it will continue to be since if not there is nothing I can do about it anyway so why agonize? If it has spread the prognosis is not good apparently so that is not going to happen. You know my slogan, "I'm gonna live forever, so far, so good",
JK

@lcamino, Yes, Lynn, you will learn so much when you are referred to the Kidney transplant dept. Rosemary

@contentandwell
Well, JK, maybe not live forever, but at the very least live it to the fullest !
Rosemary

@contentandwell

Good slogan, JK. You are most blessed by your attitude, it still inspires me and many others!

Teresa

@contentandwell - Wow! I had no idea. I'm learning so much about the liver. And here I thought all your "worries" regarding your health, with the exception of your transplant, were in the past. You are wise to not agonize over the "what ifs" if you are able to. I had to do that after my daughter died instead of thinking "if only I had gone to the doctor sooner" etc. When there is nothing one can do to change an outcome - future or past - it is best to set it aside or it can really get you down. I think your technique, assuming it is working for you, is a wise one.

Lynn