1. < Transplants

COVID-19 and Transplant Patients

Posted by jolinda @jolinda, Mar 14, 2020

As a kidney transplant recipient I have been extra vigilant/worried about protecting myself as COVID-19 spreads. Like most transplant patients I am used to washing my hands, carrying hand-sanitizer, avoiding sick people, getting flu shots, etc. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused me to take additional steps to try to remain safe but I am worried for my health. I would like to hear what you are doing to stay safe and how you are feeling.

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jolinda | @jolinda | May 5, 2020
In reply to @guidant07 "I received my dad's kidney 39 years ago. I am retired and my wife works at..." + (show)
@guidant07

I received my dad's kidney 39 years ago. I am retired and my wife works at the local school district but has been off since March due to the covid-19. We do wear masks when we go out which is not very often. Our daughter does the shopping once a week and we have a meet in the driveway with our grandchildren. We are concerned now that my wife is back at work today to replace staff that were furloughed. We are stepping up cleaning she she comes home and keeping our distancing from each other here at home. Praying she doesn't bring anything home!

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@guidant07
Am I understanding this correctly? Have you had the same transplant for 39 years?

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1 reply
guidant07 | @guidant07 | May 5, 2020

Yes, that is correct. My dad passed away in 2007 so the kidney is 90 years old! I only on Prednisone and imuran for transplant drug's. I am truly blessed.

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mayofeb2020 | @mayofeb2020 | May 5, 2020

@guidant07.. Wow, your kidney is 90 years old. Congratulations. You and your dad must live very healthy lives. Your dad might have passed away but he's always a part of you!

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guidant07 | @guidant07 | May 5, 2020
In reply to @rosemarya "The Mayo Clinic News Network has this information. Well worth reading and watching the videos. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/" + (show)
@rosemarya

The Mayo Clinic News Network has this information. Well worth reading and watching the videos.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/

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I also use the Mayo clinic network for my go to news source for the virus. I stay away from network news!

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jolinda | @jolinda | May 5, 2020

@guidant07 This is the most incredible thing I have ever heard! Your story gives me immeasurable hope. I had no idea this was even possible. PLEASE tell me how you have accomplished this. What is your secret?

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gaylea1 | @gaylea1 | May 5, 2020
In reply to @jolinda "@guidant07 Am I understanding this correctly? Have you had the same transplant for 39 years?" + (show)
@jolinda

@guidant07
Am I understanding this correctly? Have you had the same transplant for 39 years?

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@guidant07 is this rare? I expect my transplant to be a one time only life lasting organ. Nothing otherwise has been indicated to me.

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1 reply
cmael | @cmael | May 5, 2020

We are staying home with only a trip out for groceries every 2 weeks during the early reserved times for elderly and most vulnerable. Otherwise our granddaughter or daughter brings things we need. However, I’ll be going down to Mayo Rochester for my 2 year kidney transplant checkup next week. I’m not much concerned about Mayo, but I’m a bit concerned about the hotel we’ll be staying at. It’s attached to Mayo and mostly Mayo patients use it, so I would think they should be up to date on preparations, etc, but it is still a concern.

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guidant07 | @guidant07 | May 5, 2020
In reply to @gaylea1 "@guidant07 is this rare? I expect my transplant to be a one time only life lasting..." + (show)
@gaylea1

@guidant07 is this rare? I expect my transplant to be a one time only life lasting organ. Nothing otherwise has been indicated to me.

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At my last annual checkup at Mayo in January I asked if I had the longest living donated kidney and to my surprise there is one at 45 years!

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2 replies
jolinda | @jolinda | May 5, 2020
In reply to @guidant07 "At my last annual checkup at Mayo in January I asked if I had the longest..." + (show)
@guidant07

At my last annual checkup at Mayo in January I asked if I had the longest living donated kidney and to my surprise there is one at 45 years!

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@guidant07 You must be doing something right. I think the average graft survival rate is much, much lower. Does anyone know the average graft survival rate for kidneys?

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cmael | @cmael | May 5, 2020
In reply to @guidant07 "At my last annual checkup at Mayo in January I asked if I had the longest..." + (show)
@guidant07

At my last annual checkup at Mayo in January I asked if I had the longest living donated kidney and to my surprise there is one at 45 years!

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Wow! That gives the rest of us a lot of hope.

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