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What are your post kidney transplant lab and follow-up schedules?
Transplants | Last Active: Aug 11, 2022 | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
I can understand fully & sympathize with what you are going through, (My kidney transplant was out of state too)
I went through the same dilemma - with lot of turmoil in my head !
Try to find a Transplant nephrologist (some one who has done a fellowship in transplant nephrology). In my area lot of General Nephrologists claim to be Transplant nephrologist too... I went to one immediately after my transplant... it was a horror story.. ( Nephrologist was recommending enhanced version of medication ( i was taking the lowest version medication as I had no viral infections which I had been specifically been told to stop after 90 days by the Transplant center ). at that point I just walked out of the Doctor's office.
Finally in talking to my Son (Dr) / Cardiologist / pre transplant nephrologist .. I was able to find a Transplant nephrologist - to whom I am grateful for accepting me.
btw: I did go to a local Transplant center .. they were willing to accept me BUT wanted me to transfer the UNOS credit after 3 years... I JUST could not do that on moral grounds besides I owe my life to my transplant center for reviving me after 10 hrs ( had some issues) and a successful Kidney Transplant.
I sincerely wish well in your efforts & I am sure you will find a Kidney Transplant Nephrologist
First Year Labs every month
Second/Third Year: labs every 2 months
I also think the frequency of labs is dependent upon issues that you encounter. Suggest you use the portal and keep the Transplant Center in loop. ( I do that)
Best Wishes
Replies to "I can understand fully & sympathize with what you are going through, (My kidney transplant was..."
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I'm glad you're able to relate my frustrations! Unfortunately in our area, the only way to find a transplant nephrologist is to transfer care to another transplant center. And I'm not sure we are ready to transfer care at this point. Does your transplant nephrologist have his private office, or is he an employee of an institution with a transplant center? I'm not able to find a transplant nephrologist with his own private practice in my state of California.
Can you please explain to me what "transfer the UNOS credit after 3 years" mean? Do you have to do that when you transfer kidney transplant care?
I think labs can be spaced out once the patient is stable but at 5 months post I'm not confident that drawing labs every 2-3 months is going to catch things early. Tac level can fluctuate at any time when there is a change in manufacturer which we really don't have control over. Tac too high can damage kidney, too low risks rejection, liver enzymes can fluctuate due to meds, etc. Labs need to be more frequent during the first year post transplant. When the patient is stable, I think I would be more confident to do labs once a month.