@kidney09, I want to welcome you to Mayo Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. That is the reason that Connect exists - for us, the patients, to share our experiences and to learn from each other, and to support and to encourage each other.
WoW! Congratulations on your 8 years of transplant history:-) I celebrate with you, because I am currently 8 years also! (will be 9 years in April).

What was the underlying condition that caused your need for dialysis and the transplant?
Rosemary

Is there a long recovery? Much pain? I really don't know what I face yet. I see doctors next week. I know I don't have cancer but I should get information on my Kidney next week.

@oregongirl My husband's transplant took place on October 23, 2012. We had to stay near Mayo for 30 days for daily labs to tweak the immuno-suppressant drugs. You may not know that if your natural kidneys are not causing pain, they are left alone. The transplant is installed in the groin area right above the fold of your leg (when sitting). There was not a great deal of pain, other than what would be expected from a surgery in that area. He was walking with assistance the next day. We came back home (6 hours away) on the 23rd of November, and he went back to work on November 26.

Thank you. I am such a wimp when it comes to surgery. I had my gall bladder take out a year ago and before I went in, I told surgeon I did not even know that I was on my way to surgery. He complied. I am wondering if the Gall Bladder surgery caused my issue with the Kidney.

I will more than likely have the surgery (if I need it) either at the University of Texas or Mayo Clinic in Arizona or Minnesota. Does Mayo have family housing if we are coming from another state?

@oregongirl Once again, seems you don't have enough information to be concerned about dialysis or transplants or anything else until you find out you need them.

@oregongirl, I wish you well on your appointment this week. I hope you find answers from your nephrologist. Holidays are good, but they have really caused you a lot of worry while you have had to wait for your results, haven't they!

Keep in touch. We will be waiting to hear from you:-)
Hugs and prayers,
Rosemary

Best of Luck, Oregon Girl. Rosemary -- just got blood test results. Most everything was good and Red Blood Cell count was very good at 11.1.
One situation, though, is FE. ferritin. On 12/4/17, the. Fe was 248. On today, 1/13/18 it has gone up to 386. I have had a cold and took an an antibiotic. Would this explain it ? My sodium level was also highest ever at 147. Will be starting blood pressure mediciine tomorrow.

Also given a steroid pack. Don't know if this may impact Ferritin or Sodium levels

@oregongirl, I'm not sure about family housing. We have the transplant house. @rosemarya- Who can all stay at the transplant house in Rochester?