Scared!!!!

[Marilyn stevenson]

HiI'm new to this site so not really sure what to do but I'm due to have my first kidney transplant on 23rd November. My mum is kindly giving me one of hers.I have so many questions going around on my head and it's stopping me from sleeping, eating and even thinking straightI'm scared of staying in hospital and being away from my children ( every time someone has stayed in in my family they come out with another major problem) how long will I have to stay? How long will I be connected to machines? Do I have to have a line in my neck for fluid or can't I just drink loads? Is there any way I can help speed up my stay in hospital and recovery?I know these problems probably sound stupid but I'm so worried about them it's stopping me looking forward to the future.Thanks to anyone who might be able to help me x

[Johnny Cunningham]

Hello ... make sure you walk as much as you can every day ... even twice a day for 2 to 3 miles .. it will help speed up your recovery .. try and be in tip top shape for the TX .. every thing else is a piece of cake .. I was up walking the next day and I had a liver and kidney tx .. 15 hours .. so be in shape .. God bless 

 

 

[Sangeeta Gupta]

Hi there

I am also very new to this site in fact this is my first chat,I got my transplant on November 19. So I can feel what you are feeling.  I am scared too. About what to eat? How much water intake should be. And of course medicines side effects. The only thing I can tell you that please believe in God this time will pass and your happiness is waiting for you.  

Thanks. 

 

[Jeff Cutler]

Welcome.

Your Tx team should give you guidelines, or ask for them.  Water intake for me was 2 Liters daily, until other complications made me have less - it may adjust.  Good food is very important - I stay away from potassium rich foods, personally I cut most sugar, sodium and anything from a can.  

When I said "it may adjust" that goes for everything.  Be positive and enjoy being alive.  You will build up and all the adjustments will just be that.  Whether staying out of sun (which I dislike) or diet or med changes.  Be strong, positive and roll with it - tackle challenges as they come.  Way too many things to worry about if you choose.  Taking care of yourself is job #1.

[Sangeeta Gupta]

Thanks Jeff,

i will sure follow your advice.

[Sangeeta Gupta]

Hi 

Please anybody reply. I am having pressure in the lower abdomen where I have new kidney. Is it normal?? 

Thanks.

[Steve Pearson]

Take a deep breath.  Relax.  

I had a liver TX so don't know about kidneys.  I do know that for all TX patients you should call your coordinator.  

Sorry I cannot offer more.  Be Well!

 

[lynne robitaille]

Hello, being scared is so normal, but you must be feeling so blessed you have such a wonderful mother. Recovery time varies so much on, first how strong your body is going into it.  My daughter had a heart transplant and she hit every obstacle that could come up.  But in time she got stronger.  I published my journal I wrote in while we were living in the hospital.  I t is before during and after the transplant.  Things we did.   It may help you.  You can go to www.strengthinaheartbeat.com to read our story 

Love Lynne

[Kidneyboy]

Keeping a diary/journal is a great idea.  Because this process goes by so fast, it would be helpful to "look back" at events, emotions, and feeling as you reach milestones (1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year....)  I am always amused by my emotions/thoughts especially now that I'm counting in decades.

[Anna Smith]

Are you in the U.S.?  I suppose everyone's different and every transplant center is different!  I received a kidney on June 11, 2017 - a Sunday evening.  I went home the following Wednesday.  I felt so great, and no pain with the surgery! The only machine I had was the one that dispensed all the IV meds and fluids.  I had a line in my neck IN CASE I needed hemodialysis, but I didn't.  You won't need it if your kidney kicks into action right away.

My brother received a kidney in October 2016.  He was in the hospital for 5 days and he did have pain, but oxycodone took care of it.  Plus if in the U.S., you'll be on high doses of prednisone (which made me feel like Super Woman and took away all arthritis pain!). 

Your mom will be in much more pain.  Be SURE to get pain medication for her to take home with her!  Even your mom's pain will be much better after 3-4 days.  But have her take the meds every 4 hours in order to keep on top of it.  Nephrectomy pain r-e-a-l-l-y hurts!

You are about to be reborn.  What a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Blessings and best wishes to you both!

[Kidneyboy]

Hl Marilyn,

First, bless your mom for donating!  Such a selfless act should always be applauded and revered.  You are about to start a second life, free from machines.  You will be able to drink whenever you want, eat almost everything too.  I hope and pray the operation goes well and you enjoy many, many years in good health,

I was so nervous with my first Tx (ya... I did it twice....13 years apart) I almost gave up my chance being so scared and because mine was from a deceased donor, I didn't get much time to think about it.  I'm not sure what's better, having time to form questions or quickly feeling overwhelmed for the first few days.  We all had to go through this and now you have a second family to support and share experiences with.  No matter what happens, just remember to breathe every now and then!

There will be a lot to learn and you friends here can help whenever you need us.  Concentrate on the things you want to do in this new life and those you love, if you get nervous.  Good luck!