Please do not use condescending comments, I'm a four time kidney transplant and had my first surgery when I was four years old, I know plenty.....there is nothing amateur hour about me!

@scottij, you're quite right that when seeking medical advice, it is best to consult with a medical professional.

However, I strongly disagree with labelling the knowledge and experience exchange of transplant patients, donors and caregivers as "amateur hour." There is nothing amateur about first-hand experience with organ transplant. Recipients, donors and caregivers have knowledge and expertise to share that only someone "who has been there" can impart. I know you know this as a heart transplant recipient and someone who is moved to share their knowledge here in this forum and in a book. Instead, I refer to you and others who contribute to the collective knowledge of Mayo Clinic Connect as experts by experience.

It is possible that you made the statement with a wink and tongue in cheek. It is good to keep in mind that without tone of voice or body language, humor and irony can be easily misinterpreted in a discussion forum where we only have the written word. For that reason, we caution about the use of sarcasm and humor in the Community Guidelines. See item 2 here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/