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This and That and Talk - My Transplant
Transplants | Last Active: Feb 14, 2023 | Replies (1670)Comment receiving replies
Hello - I am scheduled to have my kidney transplant surgery in December. My husband will be donating his kidney to me. I have a toddler who will be 2.5 years old at the time of my surgery. I understand that my immunity will be at the lowest for the first 3 months after my surgery and after few months, they will adjust the medicines to a "maintenance mode" where my immunity will still be suppressed but not as low as it was during the first 3 months. I worry about my risks of infection especially from my toddler during the winter time. My daughter goes to daycare but we have decided to keep her home starting December through March in hopes that she would then not bring him as many infections home as she would if she went to daycare. But I am sure she will still fall sick given that it is going to winter. I don't know how I am going to prevent infections from her this winter. I do plan to wash my hands often, wear a mask and be anal about avoiding germs but I cannot always stay away from my daughter 🙁 I feel so confused, guilty and emotional about this as I also think about how much my daughter is going to miss being with me this winter. My worst nightmare is me getting a bad infection and losing my kidney this winter. Can someone please share your experience and give me advise on how best I can handle this winter? Thanks in advance for your response.
Replies to "Hello - I am scheduled to have my kidney transplant surgery in December. My husband will..."
@taarthi Pose these questions to your nephrologist and the transplant team. They have the experience and knowledge to steer you right. Like @chetfreeman said, follow their instructions to the letter!
Ginger
taarthi @taarthi I want to say Welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a liver/kidney (2009) recipient and I am happy to meet you. I honor your husband for his decision to be your donor.
As transplant recipients, we learn how to take precautions against infections, and all we can do it to try our best to avoid germs. As others have so wisely shared, talk with your transplant team.
Please, I beg you, put the fear and guilt out of your mind. My advice is to follow the protocol precautions, and enjoy your new life! Infections and colds will most likely occur, but by taking care of yourself and by taking precautions and avoiding crowds you will be at an advantage. My granddaughter knows that grandma doesn't lip kiss or share her cup or spoon etc.
In my experience, a fever is my own sign of infection. So anytime I don't feel 100%, the thermometer is handy.
I want to share this link with you because in this discussion there are members who are talking about living donation as domors and as recipients, You (and husband) might enjoy reading how well they are doing. I know that anyone of those members would be willing to chat with you.
Kidney transplant - The Journey from the Donor's Side
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-transplant-from-the-donor-side/
@taarthi as others have commented, check everything with your transplant team. You are obviously doing the best thing in not sending your child to daycare. If she is primarily at home with you she can't possibly bring germs back to you. Hopefully, by the time she resumes going to daycare your body will have a bit more immunity than it did initially with all of the drugs. If I recall, after my liver transplant they discontinued one of the immunosuppressants and decreased the dosage of prednisone.
You are very fortunate that your husband can donate a kidney to you. I hope you have a great recovery, we will be looking forward to hearing more.
JK
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You will be just fine. Follow the doctors orders to the "T". Take your anti rejection meds as prescribed. Should you get an infection, the doctors will be able to handle it with meds. Congratulations and prayers to you and your husband. Heart/Liver here....