This and That and Talk - My Transplant

Hi Im a 13 month post Heart tansplant receipent. Im here to say hi and maybe be of help to others. I also had a long period prior to my new heart of arritmyas and pacemaker shocks. so please

Hi everyone I had explained before about having a liver transplant 20 years ago . It will be 21 year March 8 and on this years anniversary I will be getting a kidney transplant... my sister is donating and we are all set to go on March 8 .. but I was wondering since it’s been awhile since my last transplant there .. is there anything I would need to bring from home and stuff not to forget ? I’m getting kinda nervous cause I haven’t really heard anything from my coordinator and time is coming so fast .. so any recommendations .. we have an apartment rented and all is set for that but wondering what to even bring to the hospital that I would need ? Slippers and thing ? Thanks just need a little help and assurance

Hi everyone I had explained before about having a liver transplant 20 years ago . It will be 21 year March 8 and on this years anniversary I will be getting a kidney transplant... my sister is donating and we are all set to go on March 8 .. but I was wondering since it’s been awhile since my last transplant there .. is there anything I would need to bring from home and stuff not to forget ? I’m getting kinda nervous cause I haven’t really heard anything from my coordinator and time is coming so fast .. so any recommendations .. we have an apartment rented and all is set for that but wondering what to even bring to the hospital that I would need ? Slippers and thing ? Thanks just need a little help and assurance

Hi @threrrr
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Everyone I have ever met who has gotten a kidney transplant feels so much better afterwards, me included, so this should be an awesome experience for you. Also congrats on have such an amazing sister. 🙂

I had my transplant at Mayo in Rochester and everything I needed while I was in the hospital was provided, even unattractive non-slip sock slippers. In my opinion you really don't need much as far as clothing while you are there. I kept all of my clothes in the small duffel bag I brought until I was ready to leave which was good because I certainly didn't want them coming home with hospital germs on them. I knew in advance that my incision was going to be on my lower right abdomen so based on that I brought a pair of comfy high waisted sweatpants to wear home (and by "home" I mean the ultra sterile Kidney Transplant House).

My only advice and I give it to everyone is whatever you (and your sister) do DON'T get constipated. Bowels have a tendency to sleep for several days after surgery so be very careful what you eat just before and after surgery. Your incisions will need time to mend without added strain. Walking a few times a day also helps.

My donors advice is that she wished she had gotten her incision side-to-side not up-and-down because it sometimes dents in slightly and she thinks if she had chosen sideways it wouldn't be visible at all.

Good luck. I'm so thrilled for you and your sister!

Hi everyone I had explained before about having a liver transplant 20 years ago . It will be 21 year March 8 and on this years anniversary I will be getting a kidney transplant... my sister is donating and we are all set to go on March 8 .. but I was wondering since it’s been awhile since my last transplant there .. is there anything I would need to bring from home and stuff not to forget ? I’m getting kinda nervous cause I haven’t really heard anything from my coordinator and time is coming so fast .. so any recommendations .. we have an apartment rented and all is set for that but wondering what to even bring to the hospital that I would need ? Slippers and thing ? Thanks just need a little help and assurance

@threerrr3 I found it nice to have a lightweight fleece jacket to wear in bed. I always find hospital rooms cold. I used that instead of a bathrobe also when walking around the halls.
I prefer real slippers to the non-slip socks the hospitals all give to patients, but don't bring expensive ones. I had some taken off my feet and apparently stolen when I was having an endoscopy! They were brand new Uggs too, so fairly expensive.
They do give you soaps and shampoos but generally not conditioner if you use that in your hair. Also, if you do use a body cream and want a better one than they have, bring your own. Some hospitals insist on non-scented. I did not bother with any makeup of course but I do like a facial moisturizer.
The only other thing I can think of right now is some form of lip balm. My lips were incredibly dry in the hospital. They did give me one when I mentioned it and what they gave me was fine, but I don't know if that's something all hospitals have on hand.
It's nice to have some hand wipes too.
JK

Hi @threrrr
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Everyone I have ever met who has gotten a kidney transplant feels so much better afterwards, me included, so this should be an awesome experience for you. Also congrats on have such an amazing sister. 🙂

I had my transplant at Mayo in Rochester and everything I needed while I was in the hospital was provided, even unattractive non-slip sock slippers. In my opinion you really don't need much as far as clothing while you are there. I kept all of my clothes in the small duffel bag I brought until I was ready to leave which was good because I certainly didn't want them coming home with hospital germs on them. I knew in advance that my incision was going to be on my lower right abdomen so based on that I brought a pair of comfy high waisted sweatpants to wear home (and by "home" I mean the ultra sterile Kidney Transplant House).

My only advice and I give it to everyone is whatever you (and your sister) do DON'T get constipated. Bowels have a tendency to sleep for several days after surgery so be very careful what you eat just before and after surgery. Your incisions will need time to mend without added strain. Walking a few times a day also helps.

My donors advice is that she wished she had gotten her incision side-to-side not up-and-down because it sometimes dents in slightly and she thinks if she had chosen sideways it wouldn't be visible at all.

Good luck. I'm so thrilled for you and your sister!

@threerrr3 I had my kidney transplant 10 mos ago with my daughter as donor. The only thing I used at the hospital from home was my phone and a bag with toiletries. We rented a home for me, my daughter and the family that were caretaking. I brought comfortable pj’s and loose pants. You’ll have a support to wear for your abdomen. It took me about 7 weeks for the abdominal pain to leave when I was on my feet, walking etc. I didn’t wear the support for that long, though. Feel free to call your coordinator anytime with questions. My daughter and I did. Wishing you a good recovery. 🙏🏻