Transplant: No or Few Antibodies after COVID Vaccination

Wow! Great to hear from you! How are you doing? Are you back to walking? How’s BooBoo 🐕? Sorry about the lack of antibodies…yup, invest in stylish mask attire. A friend got me one with flamingos on it, my new favorite. It’s getting cold in the mornings here, so I had my black mask on with my black beanie…definitely ninja 🥷 like.

I sent an email to the head of a different rheumatology department than the one I gave up on. They said they’d see me, I just need to get a referral. So, I requested one. I remain hopeful.

Let me know how things are with you.

@jackie421blfdgurl, It is good to hear from you. I am happy that you have had your 3 Covid19 shots. I have not been a participant in one of the clinical trials, so I do not know my antibody level.

For us transplant recipients, masking, and safe distancing, and hand washing are a must. Myself, a 12 year transplant veteran, I continue to follow the CDC guidelines for a nonvaccinated individual. I am taking no chances.
I sometimes wonder if you or other newer transplant recipients are aware that all transplant recipients, before Covid, have ALWAYS practiced safe distancing and hand washing? Some of us wore masks during flu season - or at least avoided many indoor activities when flu was rampant in our regions. Did you know that?

Hi hi hi nice to hear from you. Prior to surgery I have been lucky ..no flu..no colds..but since my diagnose which will b two years this November I was careful. Even now don't go in any big crowds stay away from close contact even at grocery store..always wear my mask.and since no antibodies probably wear them a long time.!.new way of the world..take care have a great day.

@rosemarya: I did sent you a reply hope you got it.....

@athenalee hi hi. Still walking my dog try for ten thousand steps a day. Was back in physical therapy but Dr. Said to cool it for awhile ease up on my tummy since my hernia surgery. I wear a wide stretchy
Like girdle band around my waist makes my tummy feel better !!! Here in N.J. we look forward to fall....I said fall not
Winter, but living in Los Angeles for 17 years. I always missed the four seasons...been back here in Jersey over 15 years and happy to b back especially spent the time with my parents before they passed.did my daughter duties and would do it again.miss them soo much...
Good luck with the new doctor let me know. Pray for our team...have a great day..J

You’re amazing Jackie…10,000 steps! New research shows you however, that you don’t gain anything health wise after 7,000 steps, so I’m sticking with that! Enjoy the fall colors, trees are already turning in Vermont. Be well, Athena

Hi! I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy almost 20 years ago. I followed strict diet, almost vegetarian and was cautious with sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein intake. Although, fruits and vegetables are generally good for the body, some of them are high in potassium. Knowing what you can and cannot eat is very important. My friends and family suggested that I eat this and take that, they’re good for you, but with kidney disease, it’s different. There’s a lot of dietary restrictions.
I was blessed with kidney transplant 4 months ago. My body is still adjusting to immunosuppressant medications. My doctor recommended that I get the third vaccine 8 months after my second dose, which will be in November. I’ve read several articles the transplant recipients develop zero or low antibodies to protect from Covid. For the time being, I’m staying safe at home.

@leahdrose Congratulations on your recent transplant! And, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am Stage 4 [almost Stage 5] kidney disease, and have had 3 doses of vaccine. My husband is a kidney recipient and also has had 3 doses of Pfizer vaccine. Your body has a lot to get used to now, with new medications and the adjustments that come along with them. How are you feeling? Will you get tested for antibody levels after your third dose in November?
Ginger

Thank you 😊
I’m almost back to normal with certain limitations. I’m having hot flashes, mild tremors, and my hair is falling out a lot. Hopefully, my immunosuppressants dosage will be decreased, and the side effects will be minimal or completely go away.
I will request my nephrologist to get me tested for antibodies after my third vaccine in November.

Congratulations on your transplant! I’m a liver transplant recipient just over a year ago. I still have minor tremors, although mine may be related to an autoimmune disease I have, or both. They did decline, however, after I was able to reduce Tacrolimus. If you haven’t tried biotin for hair loss, it’s a blessing! Pretty much immediately after I started taking it my hair loss declined and it’s no longer an issue. I started with 5,000-10,000 mcg. Another thing that helps is to use a light amount of argan oil along your hair roots, let it sit, and then wash it as normal.

I was reading a recent post which had some good dietary input. If you are interested and have time, we’re starting a transplant recipient culinary arts webinar series. We’d like to feature different recipes and tips which pertain to the health needs of transplant recipients and those on transplant wait lists.

Here’s the original post -https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-culinary-arts-zoom-sessions/

Our first event will be on Thursday, October 7 at 4 pm western / 6 pm central / 7 pm eastern.

To your continued post transplant health!