One Week Post-Transplant

One week ago right now we were mid-surgery. Obviously a lot has happened since then, more than I can relate right now. However, here's an overview.

Tom and I are both home (our house at the moment). Both of us are continuing to heal and recover. He and Pattie are taking advantage of the weather and going on long walks as he gets his strength back. He has a follow-up visit with his surgeon on Thursday, and then they fly home on Saturday.

I had my first follow-up with the nephrologist today. He was very pleased with how everything is going, to the point of calling me a boring patient. The new kidney is functioning very well, my body is healing well from the surgery, and the meds are doing their thing. I still have swelling from the massive amounts of fluids they pumped into me after surgery, but it is gradually going down. I also have pain at the surgery site when I move around, but it is manageable. I do tire rather easily, and the doctor wants me to take it easy for the next several weeks, including no driving or lifting anything over ten pounds.

Part of the process is high doses of anti-rejection medications which also suppress my immune system. Therefore, I have to be really careful of any potential sources of infection, including limiting my contact with people to immediate family for several weeks. Hand cleaner is my constant companion these days, and Nancy takes all sorts of precautions with the house and food preparation and such.

I'm having to adapt to a more regimented lifestyle. The meds require maintaining a regular schedule, and there are regular lab tests to keep an eye on things. Not exactly my style, but a small price to pay.

So, things are going great all around, and we're all pleased with the outcomes so far.