New Transplant Blog Posts

@rosemarya - Sorry I must be missing something. I scrolled up and could not find the blog re mental health that you referenced. Do you have a link for that?

Lynn

@rosemarya - Forget it. I found the link, just had to look harder and go to a previous page. Sorry for being lazy.

Lynn

@contentandwell

That is sad to hear that someone who worked so hard to get in shape would have a stroke - perhaps all the work she put into her health will give her a good recovery. Hope so at least. Keep us posted as you hear more.

Teresa

@lcamino Lynn, I had little time this weekend and my devices were being ornery so I haven't much time to respond to things.
I just googled that kidney -- holy cow, I never realized they could be that big! You say " (cysts will keep growing) after I get a transplant unless they remove my kidneys." If you get a transplant will they not definitely remove your own kidneys?

As far as weight problems are concerned we should start some one-on-one messages encouraging and comparing how we are doing in weight loss. I have gained 10 pounds -- they gotta go, this after just eating a handful of M&Ms. 🙁

JK

@rosemarya Thanks, Rosemary. You are very dear to say that. We try, for sure.
I am still reeling from the news about the other water aerobics woman. The latest updates have said she is improving somewhat and was able to sit in a chair today. She is at MGH, same hospital where I had my transplant so when she is ready for visitors I plan to visit her. To me that ride is old hat at this point, but to many up here the hour+ ride to Boston is unimaginable so I doubt many will do that. I know how much short visits can brighten up your day.
JK

@hopeful33250 Thanks Teresa. It really wake you up to how fragile life is at our ages. She is 68.
JK

@contentandwell, Yes, I think she will enjoy your short visit:-) I really think/believe that this is the 'new life' that we feel after transplant and recovery. We really know how much the 'little' things mean.
Do you go back to that hospital ever? I mean have you been there since your transplant? I don't know if your visits to your MGH surgeon are in same or different building. Just be prepared because it might be emotional for you if it is your first time back.
I do hope that she continues to recover.
Plan to go on a nice day. And treat yourself to a lite lunch 🙂
Rosemary

@contentandwell

Yes, I hear you!

Teresa

@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