This and That and Talk - My Transplant

@threerrr3,
As I read through the recommendations by other transplant patients, I can sense that you are going to be the best prepared patient in the transplant department! I like all of these suggestions because they don't add bulk to your suitcase. One small item that I found helpful was a package of ear plugs which were handy for getting a nap or some sleep on a busy hospital floor.

@des46893, Pill organizers are the handiest thing ever! When I received my transplant, my husband purchased one in the patient medical supply shop at the hospital. I would like add that an alarm on phone or watch is a good way to keep up with medication schedule.

@danab, Great reminder about the phone charger!

@contentandwell, I could not have used a fleece jacket because it would not have fit over my IV's. I settled for the ever stylish hospital gown and robe (I'm not sure that all hospitals have robes, though) Sometimes a gown frontwards, and another one backwards does work though.

@cmael, I remember being so embarrassed when this happened to me. I wanted to apologize to my nurses, but they said have none of that. I think that the nurses and aide are unsung heroes.

@jolinda, I didn't know there was an option for direction of the incision.

@threerrr3, Will you share this information with your sister?

@threerrr3,
As I read through the recommendations by other transplant patients, I can sense that you are going to be the best prepared patient in the transplant department! I like all of these suggestions because they don't add bulk to your suitcase. One small item that I found helpful was a package of ear plugs which were handy for getting a nap or some sleep on a busy hospital floor.

@des46893, Pill organizers are the handiest thing ever! When I received my transplant, my husband purchased one in the patient medical supply shop at the hospital. I would like add that an alarm on phone or watch is a good way to keep up with medication schedule.

@danab, Great reminder about the phone charger!

@contentandwell, I could not have used a fleece jacket because it would not have fit over my IV's. I settled for the ever stylish hospital gown and robe (I'm not sure that all hospitals have robes, though) Sometimes a gown frontwards, and another one backwards does work though.

@cmael, I remember being so embarrassed when this happened to me. I wanted to apologize to my nurses, but they said have none of that. I think that the nurses and aide are unsung heroes.

@jolinda, I didn't know there was an option for direction of the incision.

@threerrr3, Will you share this information with your sister?

@threerrr3 congratulations on your upcoming transplant! When my husband's had his liver transplant last July he was on lifting restrictions for 4 months. He is still careful now with lifting if he is turning with the weight.
Best of luck and blessings,
JoDee

Hi, I had my liver transplant last September but I started lifting after 4 months. They told me I must make some exercises to return back my muscles. I like to share the post-transplant experience. Best lucks and have a nice weekend. Jasem

@threerrr3, I am happy that you will soon receive your kidney. Your sister is an angel on earth.

I have both a transplanted liver, and kidney. I got them both at the same time from same donor. What you said about medications being hard on our organs is something does concern me. Was your kidney monitored after your liver transplant? When did you (or doctors)first notice that your kidneys were affected? How did they know?

Hi, I had my liver transplant last September but I started lifting after 4 months. They told me I must make some exercises to return back my muscles. I like to share the post-transplant experience. Best lucks and have a nice weekend. Jasem

They monitor it and every year the creatine level and gift clearance got worse by a few points but after 20 years the clearance had gotten real bad ..so it’s all about the numbers .. but I think now more then back then when I had my liver transplant I was on high doses of prograf and imuran and prednisone .. today I don’t think they start you and leave you on such high doses..they tapered them down to 1/4 of what o was taking and I’m good with that but it was to late on my kidneys .. so we all have to monitor our own blood test also .. we know our bodies more then anyone and if something doesn’t feel right ask and get checked .. all in all I think if you watch your creatine level it will go up but point that out to the doctors or ask ..I would like to thank everyone for all the messages and advice and tips so greatly appreciated..
Thank you Rose

@threerrr3 My creatinine levels went up from the immunosuppressants after my liver transplant too. I have to have lab work monthly. I have been directed to drink 80 - 100 ounces of non-caffeinated beverages a day, and doing that my creatinine is under control.
JK

I have had a total of three transplants. My first was a liver transplant in April of 1995 (age 22). My second one was another liver transplant in May 2007(age 34) due to failure of the first transplant due to unclear cause. I then had a kidney transplant in November 2012 (age 39) due to the antirejection meds taking their toll on my kidneys. I was fortunate enough to have my mom be my living donor for my kidney transplant. I am coming up on my 46th birthday this coming Tuesday (December 4). I am thankful for all my donors and being able to still be here. Prior to receiving my kidney I spent 2 years and 3 months on dialysis, which is definitely not a fun way to live.