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Looking for what to expect as I consider Kidney Transplant
Transplants | Last Active: Apr 17, 2023 | Replies (201)Comment receiving replies
I was told in 1999 I had end stage renal failure, at that time you would be on dialysis in the next 6-9 months. I was able to start my HEMO dialysis in 2003 because the only way I knew I could help my kidneys stay well was by what I put in my mouth. Some foods are your kidneys friends and some foods destroy your kidneys. I live alone so it was easier to change my diet. Once I was on HEMO dialysis I had to change my diet again. I received HEMO dialysis 4 days a week, not the usual 3, in the evening. I was home by midnight, ate - so I could take my meds, went to bed, and felt great in the morning. In 2008 I received a transplant and my diet had to change again. If your family and friends will not help you and honor the changes in your life that you will have to make, I would never eat at their table. I have blood work every 6 weeks now, had my annual check-up less than a month ago and my kidney is doing very well. (I think I had 4 matches, I do not remember it has been so long.)
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Thank you for your interest, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in 1975. I had 4+ years of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation on my lower abdomen. (I am now cancer free.) The radiation damaged part of my bladder, my kidneys and bladder share everything including the radiation. Because of the radiation I was diagnosed with ESRD in 1999. Animal protein and organ meats can destroy kidneys, so I went to a vegetable diet, getting my protein from plants, some fish, eggs and yogurt. At that time I had been on a low sodium, low sugar and low fat diet for over 10 years. I have never liked coffee and gave up alcohol about the time I was having chemo or shortly there after. My donor was in one hospital when she died and I had my transplant in another hospital about an hour away, both are well known university hospitals. If I was unable to answer all of your questions, I will try to do better next time.
mlmcg
@mlmcg - Thank you for sharing. You answered all my questions. You have had a long road and hopefully it is all behind you. The best of health to you.
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@mlmcg - May I ask why you were in ESRD and what foods are bad for your kidneys? I am also in ESRD (stage 4a) and am on a low protein and low sodium diet. I avoid caffeine and alcohol also. PKD has a slow progression but mine has increased in speed the past few years. Thanks for sharing your story and I'm pleased to hear that your transplant is doing well. Did you receive a kidney from a living or deceased donor?