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Transplants | Last Active: Mar 9, 2019 | Replies (13)
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Amy, Congratulations!
I am happy to hear of your experience. I know that you have had a difficult journey, and your effort and dedication have proven to be your strength. Thank you for returning and sharing on Connect, and Thank you for the donor who has given a new life to you.
Looking back, is there anything that you wish you would have known prior to your surgery that would have been helpful to you, or to your husband?
I look forward to learning more of your perspective and experience.
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What do I wish I had known ahead of time?
-While I was in the hospital, they weighed me each day and I couldn't believe that I was gaining weight (up 15 lbs from when I was admitted), especially as I was eating very little. I probably spent way too much time worrying about it instead of resting. The nurses tried to reassure me that it was water and would go away, which of course it did.
-I never realized the connection between the liver and kidney - that I could have kidney problems post surgery. When my GFR went to 20 they were talking about the possibility of dialysis but it did start moving back up. It's still low and I am concerned but they are monitoring it.
-We were under the impression that once released from the hospital we would need to be in the area for another 4-6 weeks. Turned out including the hospital stay, we were away from our Tucson home for 1-month. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled to get back home and I am glad we chose to stay at the Residence Inn on the Mayo campus. If we had done a short-term apartment rental, we would have paid for at least a 2-month stay and paid out more money - the hotel was on a day-by-day basis.
Amy