New Transplant Blog Posts

@sandyblair I adore both my son and my daughter but there is something special about the mother-son relationship. He is my biggest support and my inspiration to get fit. He volunteered to be a live liver donor for me but I didn't want him to because I felt it would impact his job a lot, whereas my daughter is a freelancer and can telecommute.
I know if my condition worsened to a point where it was imperative for me to get a transplant he would have been on the next plane across the country -- we are east coast, he is west coast. Thank God, it did not come to that.
JK

@contentandwell

Your kids sound amazing!

Teresa

@hopeful33250 Teresa, of course I may be a tiny bit biased but to me they are. My son's girlfriend, whom he has been dating for about a year now, is so appreciative of him. She is forever putting things on Facebook about how great he is, they are really a good couple. She's a nurse at UCLA and I would imagine she is a wonderful nurse, so caring and good natured. One of his strongest traits that others see is that he is the ultimate gentleman. He has been that way always.
JK

Hello everyone!
In today's blog post, meet Matt, a firefighter in need of a kidney transplant who received his gift from a stranger who found his story in the news. Sometimes the goodness in strangers is the best gift we could receive.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/meet-matt-you-never-think-about-a-living-donor-until-someone-you-love-needs-one/
Happy Tuesday everyone!
-Kristin

Good morning everyone!
It's definitely not warm here in Minnesota anymore, but the trees are beautiful. I hope you are all enjoying this fall season. Be sure to try some new apples or some fall pumpkin drinks or desserts before this season comes to an end!
In this week's blog post, we are introducing Jeff Welch. Jeff is one of our social workers from Mayo Clinic in Arizona and was instrumental in the development of our Hispanic Transplant Program. We hope you enjoy learning more about Jeff today!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/meet-the-expert-jeff-welsh-msw-lmsw/
Have a wonderful day, and if you are in the north, stay warm!
- Kristin

@keggebraaten, Thank you for another introduction to one of the amazing transplant team members! I am happy to have the opportunity to meet Jeff Welch.

Unless you have experienced the transplant process, I think it is nearly impossible to realize how many dedicated individuals are working together as a team for you, both before and after transplant. Each one has such a unique and vital role that they provide.

I "vividly" remember my social worker who visited me when I was hospitalized for 3 weeks. And she always was dressed in pretty springtime colors - I remember that! Her personality and those cheerful colors meant a lot to me during some long and dark days. And I appreciate the amazing services that she provided, too!
Rosemary

Good morning everyone!
In this week's blog post, we talk about post-transplant weight gain and how to get rid of those extra pounds. I don't know about you, but most everyone I know is trying to maintain or lose weight. These tips can be helpful for any of us to help with those extra unwanted pounds. Let us know if there are some tips you have that have helped you keep off the weight when you are in the midst of recovery and may be struggling with your new lifestyle.
Have a wonderful fall week!
-Kristin
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/weight-gain-after-transplant-where-does-it-come-from-and-how-to-get-rid-of-it-2/

Hello everyone!
Today's blog post touches on a topic that no one really wants to do - get a shot. As transplant patients, you all are thoroughly poked at each time you go to the doctor. I am sure the last thing you want to do is see another needle, but the flu vaccine is a crucial part of your health and well-being before and after transplant. Learn more about flu season and the vaccine in our blog today!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/safeguard-your-health-this-flu-season/
- Kristin

Being a Type I diabetic for over 30 years I have no problem with needles and received my annual flu shot last week. That said, this is the story of my most recent injection. I have been having problems with arthritis and/or trigger finger in one of my hand joints and saw an orthopedic recently. He suggested a steroidal shot and I agreed with no trepidation. I held out my hand, palm up, in a relaxed fashion knowing that I should remain as still as possible during the injection. The injection would go in at the base of my first finger. As soon as he began the injection I wish he had warned me that it might be painful. Even though I did not want to move, the injection was so much more painful than I expected that I straightened my fingers and moved away from the needle by pressing the back of my hand down to the table for stability. In hindsight I should have pressed my hand as flat as possible onto the table and grabbed my wrist with my other hand. I still have not figured out why this injection was so painful. It is only the third time in many decades of medical care that I have been surprised by the intensity of pain incurred with no preparation.

Happy Halloween everyone!
Today's blog post isn't about candy....but remember that every little chocolate piece you eat is another trip around the walking track! 🙂
When we answer our emails at Mayo Clinic, one of our most often discussed topics is transplant eligibility. People want to know if they or their loved ones are eligible for an organ transplant. As some of you know, there are a lot of factors that go into making sure someone is able to have a successful organ transplant, so we thought we would write a blog post about this topic to help people understand the criteria a little bit better.
If you are going through the evaluation process, have you encountered some of these consultations/tests and questions? Which criteria surprised you the most?
http://mayocl.in/2hstsOC
I wish everyone a safe Halloween,
-Kristin