Ginger, my annual transplant evaluation went very well. My next checkup will be next year, and I will continue with my routine labs that are drawn at home. Thank you for asking.
Here is a summary of my 3 day checkup:
Mayo is very thorough in their transplant followup care and screening. Since I have 2 transplanted organs (liver and kidney) my routine exams might be a little different than someone with a different transplant or different health conditions. I had 3 days of tests and consults as an outpatient.
-I began at 6:00 AM first morning with a blood draw that consisted of 14 vials of blood. I also had a 24 hr urine sample to turn in. A dermatology consultation with skin cancer screening, a clean catch urine sample, and a visit with my nurse coordinator were all that I had that day.
-2nd day began with a consult/exam by kidney transplant doctor. I was cleared for my routine 10 yr kidney biopsy. The biopsy proceeded smoothly, but was tense for me - abdomen is numbed with lidocane, and via an ultrasound to guide the doctor takes 3 needle punch samples that are sent to the lab for analysis. Aftterwards there is a 2-3 hour block of time for recovery, to be sure of no internal bleeding or complications. After that I had a bone density scan.
-3rd day began with a renal clearance procedure that took several hours. I then had an EKG, chest x-ray, final consult with Kidney transplant doctor, and a final consult with the liver physicians assistant. At every step of the way, I was presented with education about the procedure and educated about my status and care. I also had ample opportunity for my questions. The amazing thing about Mayo is that the lab and test results were coming thru the patient app as the day proceeded. I really like how everything was explained to me in terms of my own needs. I even had the opportunity to view an on-file CT scan that showed my atrophic native kidneys, my transplanted kidney, my transplanted liver, and all of my other organs! The doctor pointed them out to my husband and me during the consult. Modern medicine is an amazing thing! I can't get over the feeling of seeing inside my own body.
My husband and I were very tired and in bed very early every night. It is nice to be home and to sleep in my own bed.

I know this is more information than you probably wanted, however, my intent is to put it out there, and hope that it can be of use to someone.

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