My father is 80 years old and just received a cadaver kidney. What is

Posted by sarahdemare04 @sarahdemare04, 6 hours ago

I am currently caring for my father who got a cadaver kidney about 2 weeks ago. Although my father is a primary care physician, this is unlike anything he has ever experienced. He doesn't understand much of what is going on. He has had wonderful care, but he is experiencing a great deal of diarrhea and nausea. If you have any experience as someone who is older and has received a kidney, I would love to know any suggestions or experiential anecdotes. I just want my fathers to know that he is okay.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

ErnestBrandt1980 | @ernestbrandt1980 | 3 hours ago

I'm not a doctor but if he's taking CellCept It could be that but I would ask his transplant team because it could be a gastrointestinal infection. My team is always available for me and answers all my questions. I normally get a response message in just a few hours or sooner if it's during working hours.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | 2 hours ago

@sarahdemare04, I want to extend a welcome to Mayo Connect. I am happy to hear that your dad has received a kidney transplant and is beginning his recovery.
You and your dad are right to be concerned because this entire post surgery/post transplant period is new for both of you. I received a liver and kidney transplant in 2009, and remember what it was like. Your dad is taking lots of powerful medications to prevent rejection of his kidney, and sometimes these medications can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea. Your dad has a transplant team who will want to know when anything seems unusual or abnormal for him, especially with recent kidney transplant. As
@ernestbrandt1980 has already shared, it could even be the start of gastrointestional infection. It is always best to refer to dad's transplant team first. They transplant team will be able to advise him about a remedy or treatment if needed.

Here is some information about caregiving that I want to share with you:
-What to Expect as a Transplant Caregiver
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/what-to-expect-as-a-transplant-caregiver/
-Transplant Caregiver Advice: Got Tips to Share?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-caregiver-advice-got-tips-to-share/
.
@sarahdemare04 Overall, how is your dad's recovery coming along? How are you handling the caregiving part of his journey?