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transplanted

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 3:31 pm
by Dibs
Well it's happened. I telephoned Southmead on Monday 20/2 as I was due to see them for the first time since I went on the list two years ago. The only time I have spoken to them in that time was to order more blood sample tubes. They said it wasn't worth discussing that as they might have a kidney for me, but they would call me back. That gave me chance to tell my work colleagues that I might be disappearing for few weeks and sure enough they rang back to say that I should make my way to Bristol. I work about 30 minutes from home by bus. So I went home, packed, caught the bus back and was planning to catch a train to Bristol. However, it happened that my son's lecturer hadn't turned up at college and he was available to drive me there. That was probably just as well from a time point of view.

Once in hospital, there was concern over some dental problems I had recently been having. My temperature was a little high and so it depended on my blood results as to whether an infection might scupper things. The results showed a slight infection, but not enough to stop the op. I eventually went down to theatre at eight in the evening, some ten hours after the call. When I came round in recovery at around midnight, I asked them to ring my wife as I knew she wouldn't be able to sleep without hearing how it had gone.

I slept ok that first night, even with all the tubes and wires. I was passing bloodied urine into the bag, so I could see something happening. The tubes and wires disappeared over the next few days and the urine cleared. I suffered very little pain, except when I moved. The toothache I had been having was more painful than the kidney transplant. On the Friday they moved me to a private room and removed the last of the tubes. The blood tests were improving and I was able to urinate in a controlled fashion, so they discharged me on the Saturday afternoon. I thought the nursing staff were brilliant.

Since then I have been going to Exeter three times a week. My creatinine has come down from over 700 pre-op to 165. I've walked to the pub for a pint. I'd like to start a staggered return to work next week, it's a desk job. I know things can still go wrong, but I feel very lucky.

Re: transplanted

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 8:18 pm
by Pinkdiamonds14
Congratulations Dibs, so very pleased for you. Glad you got the call so soon after the last one, proves you made the right decision. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope all continues to progress well, keep us updated as it's so uplifting to read positive stories. Enjoy your freedom! Best wishes.

Re: transplanted

Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2017 4:36 pm
by wagolynn
Best wishes.

Re: transplanted

Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 12:28 pm
by Dixie1
Fantastic news Dibs! So pleased for you. :)

Re: transplanted

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 12:46 pm
by SKM23435
So pleased for you.
Hope all continues to go so well.

Best wishes
Sue

Re: transplanted

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 8:30 pm
by Dibs
Thanks for the support. Since my post, the blood tests have fluctuated a little but not shown any overall improvement. The medical team have thought about an ultrasound scan, but decided against it for now. My Tacro readings have meant a slight reduction in that drug. I'm not in any pain though and getting my mobility back. I'm still on three visits a week to hospital.

Re: transplanted

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 10:30 am
by Rik
Dibs ...
it's really great news!!
long may your partnership reign!!
have you named it??
some of us do...
keats and I are coming up to 15 years partnership this june