COVID-19 and Transplant Patients
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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@mayofeb2020 Thanks. Homes in NH are much less costly than in MA and many other areas. We really do need to downsize now but I still want room for when my son and daughter visit since they both live away, she in NYC and he in Denver. I can't keep up with cleaning this house though. We did have someone come in to clean every other week but my husband is not OK with that at all.
People having parties are crazy. Your son is considerate to be so cautious. It's such a difficult and miserable situation. I really feel bad for people who live alone, that must be even worse, although I am the type who could probably do it very happily -- no having to cook regular meals!
JK
Like everyone else I was disappointed by the news that transplant patients were not yet approved to receive the vaccine, this was especially shocking because the news was the opposite up until now. I feel like I'm in the movie Groundhog's Day where you repeat everyday over and over... for me that is right down to the sweat pants.
My husband has been VERY protective of me during this time, I think he is still pretty traumatized by how sick I was before transplant and wants to make sure nothing like that happens to me again. I am happy that the vaccine is Messenger RNA and not a live vaccine so at least he can get the shots and one of us can be safe.
Until we are approved for the vaccine I'm determined to keep my beautiful kidney safe at any cost. I'm am beyond blessed to have gotten this second chance at life from my living donor!!! I feel like I've been able to make it this far and trading a few more months in isolation for a chance at long life is a small price to pay.
Dana,
Thank you for sharing this video, very meaningful!
@jolinda
@jolinda I agree, a few months is a small price to pay but by the time we are able to get the vaccine, if ever, it will be well over a year. From the looks of your picture I think I am considerably older than you are so this is taking a year+ out of how many years I have remaining.
At the beginning of this, I was very aware of just how serious this was and I remember saying I wondered if I would ever get to see my son again. It seems to be more and more of a possibility that I may not.
JK
You are so right. Some days I'm in my warm flannel pj all day. Some of my friends who live alone do the same thing. My children who work at home wear dressy tops and sweat pants if they have to be on zoom!
@mayofeb2020 When my daughter visited us for an extended amount of time in the summer I saw her getting all made up one day. I was sort of surprised but it turned out to be because she had an important meeting online.
I think everyone who has to zoom wears nicer things on top than below. I've seen things with people who thought they wouldn't be seen who had no pants on!
JK
I've seen a lot about the vaccine and COVID , and would like to toss a few things out there. First, I'm a four time kidney transplant, I got the virus in March and just had a cough, it surely could have been a lot worse but than so can a bad pneumonia, I have not changed the way I do things, except for the mask wearing indoors. I'm always careful when I go places, always have been and regardless of what they say, virus's are sometimes unavoidable, since I have had it and am producing antibodies, I will not get a vaccine, now I want to say we are responsible for ourselves and should make our own decisions about what's right for you, we can be careful and live without fear.....now if your a brand new transplant patient, your at a higher risk than almost a one out there, so you need to limit your public involvement to a bare minimum, in conclusion stay vigilant, live wisely and not out of fear, ( we are His workmanship) Eph.2:10, God Bless Merry Christmas
@ca426 This is so well written. Thank you for your wise words. I too had COVID--much like yours--a little worse. I'd like t to know how long immunity to the virus lasts. Will be doing some reading about that. I may wait for the vaccine until more is known of its possible side effects.
dear all I am liver transplants guy ..I like to know if the vaccine will be ok for us or we should wait ...please advice..
My advice is to not come here for medical advice. Please contact a medical professional and avoid our "amateur hour"