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This and That and Talk - My Transplant
As our Mayo Connect community grows, I am constantly meeting organ transplant members on a wide variety of forums with a wide range of issues that are not directly transplant specific. However, because we are all transplant recipients, we have a special connection: a unique journey and best of all - a new life! We don't always need help or advice. Many times we just want to chat with someone like us! That is my purpose in starting This and That and Talk.
Drop in and say 'Hi'. You are welcome anytime.
What do you want t to talk about? What words can you offer to someone who is on the journey? Do you have any questions for another recipient?
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@rosemarya and @contentandwell - Oh I"m learning so much from you guys and appreciate all I can take in now before I'm overwhelmed with the entire transplant process. Thank you so much for sharing!
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2 Reactions@rosemarya - No idea if kidney failure causes thinning hair. I never thought of it until this discussion. I have always had fine hair and knew thinning hair was a part of aging for some so I never really questioned it. A very quick search tells me that I could have nail and hair issues if I was on dialysis so that means my kidneys were not doing their job/keeping everything balanced and filtering waste. Although my kidney function is still poor they are working enough that my labs, other than poor kidney function, are fine (mineral levels good etc.). The search also said age, stress, and hereditary can cause thinning hair and I think at this moment all of the three probably apply to me ; - )
@hopeful33250 - It helps that the medicine makes me thirsty but the side effects have lessened and I still drink a lot because it has become a habit. When I first started the study med I was drinking 1 1 /2 gallons so now my gallon is thirst and habit. Keep in mind that I used to drink 3-4 glasses of liquid a day so if I can learn to do this anyone can. Mind you, I would not go to my extreme unless really necessary because your sleep is very interrupted, road trips become long (lots of stops), can't get through a movie at a theatre without running to the bathroom etc. so it does impact your daily life to drink that much.
@contentandwell - When we go through life's trials they change us, usually no avoiding it. I believe it is our goal to try to make sure those changes are for the better. What I have learned is that some people will adjust to me changing and others won't. Sometimes that hat can hurt but I can only share my experiences, not make people understand what I have gone through and accept my new perspectives on life. Honestly, even if someone went through the exact same experiences as I have does not mean they would come out of the experiences with the same viewpoint as myself because we are all so different. It is what makes life interesting...and sometimes frustrating.
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2 Reactions@contentandwell - You are worth every cent!
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2 Reactions@contentandwell I agree with Rosemary - you have a lot invested in your health - take all the precautions you need to in order to take care of yourself. Teresa
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2 Reactions@contentandwell, I get the same feeling when I wake up at 2 AM with a rising temperature and uncontrolled shivering. Do I go to ER...at 2 AM??? Yikes. Yes, Hubby and I go...it's just not worth taking any chances.
Don't be so hard on yourself for taking care of you 🙂
Hugs,
Rosemary
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3 Reactions@lcamino, You are smart to be cautious. I think that you are dealing with bigger issues now than hair thinning! Do you know if thinning hair is a symptom of poor kidney function?
I was limited in taking Tylenol, too. Now it is still limited, though I can use it if needed as long as I stay under the daily recommended dose. That is only because my liver is doing well.
Rosemary
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2 ReactionsI have been a real big water drinker since my kidney transplant. I can still remember when I was being tapered off the IV fluids in the days after my transplant. And I still can remember being told that I was going to be disconnected - and it was "my job" to keep my new kidney hydrated. I feared that new responsibility! This was compounded for me because prior to my transplant surgery, while experiencing both edema and ascites, and dialysis, I had to limit my fluid intake. But I had lots of support and encouragement, plus the fact that my hospital discharge depended on it.
My husband bought me a Mayo Clinic water bottle when I was released from the hospital. And I take it everywhere, even today. It is my favorite: no leak, handy carry loop, fits in my car cup holder. It is extra special because it is blue with the 'Mayo' logo - and best of all - I have customized it with a green Donate Life wrist band. Besides water, it contains so many memories 🙂
I've recently been told to drink 3L daily (96 0z.) I keep a measured pitcher in refrigerator so I can monitor my intake. With this conscious effort to consistently drink that amount, it, I do believe that my appetite for snacking is diminishing.
Try a little crystal lite type flavoring in your water for a varied taste. Also try a lemon or lime slice - makes it look special and adds a little taste. Remember that it is okay to treat yourself to a soda or lemonade, too. I've also learned to drink diluted unsweet ice tea. But my favorite still remains water.
Rosemary
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3 Reactions@hopeful33250 - I've often wanted to double like some comments too!
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