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Wanted: Organ Transplant Recipients Who Have Been Hit By a Car
Transplants | Last Active: Apr 26, 2021 | Replies (296)Comment receiving replies
Hello,
It was 1 yr. after I had lost my 2nd kidney transplant when I was side swiped by another car back in 2014. The accident wasn't that bad and after giving the police our statements we all went our separate ways. I went home and told my wife about what had happened. After a shower I notice a thin abrasion over the area of the transplant. I told my wife that it was most likely from the seat belt. After a couple of hours a began to feel a very slight pain where the abrasion was and we decided that I should got to the ER. After a cat scan it was determined that my Gal Bladder had been badly damaged and had to be removed ASAP. After a 4 hour surgery and one week in the hospital I went home. I began to have some mild abdominal pain that got worse day after day. I told my wife that something wasn't right. After a week of this pain getting worse I ended up in the ER again. Another cat scan showed severe internal bleeding. Now the same surgeon that did the 1st surgery was doing this one. The 1st one was done Lapcriscopically, but not this time. This surgery was akin to a liver transplant as far as the incision goes. I was in the hospital for another 2 weeks. When having a transplant that goes anywhere in the abdomen you have to be vary mindful of seat belts whether you're the driver or passenger. There is no way to get around this other than not wearing a seat belt. I had a doctor give me a note stating that it was too dangerous for me to wear one. This was supposed to get me off the hook if I ever got pulled over, but I wouldn't recommend doing that. In the end the kidney wasn't damaged, but it didn't matter because I was back on dialysis anyway. I hope this helps, good luck......Andy
Replies to "Hello, It was 1 yr. after I had lost my 2nd kidney transplant when I was..."
@anntandtridd63 What a lot to go through! I can't imagine why the incision is so big, there must have been bleeding from multiple places, or perhaps they weren't sure exactly what was bleeding in there. I am glad your kidney was not damaged. Seatbelts are something most of us would not even think about being potentially dangerous to an transplant. I wonder if liver transplants are as susceptible to injury. I would sure hate for them to have to make another incision, the one I have already is 25".
If you were off dialysis and the kidney was not damaged why did you have to resume dialysis?
JK
I wonder if you got one of those sheepskin covers for your seatbelt. Several years ago I had a driver tbone me then push me into two other cars. I am very short so the seatbelt was high. It slit my neck open. My head broke the windshield and driver’s window. The seatbelt probably saved my life but didn’t keep me in place well. I now have a cushion and the seatbelt covers. I don’t plan on testing it, though. But if I were you, I would do something to cushion that incision.
@rose999 I was wondering the same thing, if those sheepskin covers might help. It could be worth a try.
JK
@contentandwell, I just noticed - I think you meant your earlier reply to be addressed to @andtridd63.
@rosemarya actually I should have put both of them there because I was responding to Rose999's post where she mentioned the sheepskin covers. I will repost, thanks.
JK
@andtridd63 I posted this originally as a response to rose999 but I am reposting it with your name so you will get notified of it also.
I was wondering the same thing as Rose mentioned, if those sheepskin steering wheel covers might help. It could be worth a try. I hope you find some way to be able to wear your seatbelt, they really do save lives.
JK
You have been through so much. I'm going to have a kidney transplant in the next few months. I never even thought about a seatbelt issue. Do you think putting a pillow over the wound before putting on your seat belt will help. I'll I've to think of something because I don't feel safe driving without one. Goodness I hope you will start to recover and feel better soon. Thank you for letting us know.
Yes that's my question too. Why dud you have to go back on dyalisis?
@glinda, @rosemarya, @andtridd63, @rose999, @contentandwell,
This is an interesting exchange on the importance of seatbelts. I asked our abdominal transplant surgeons if there's anything special they would recommend considering seatbelts and transplant recipients. They didn't have any special recommendations other than to say that they strongly recommend wearing your seatbelt even if you are concerned about damaging your new organ in an accident. The damage caused by not wearing one could be much, much worse. If you use one of the sheepskin covers or anything else to cushion your seatbelt, just be sure they don't interfere with proper use and fit of the seatbelt.
Stay safe everyone!
-Kristin
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Thank you it does help me a lot glinda