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Realistic recovery period??

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:50 am
by christineDC
It looks like I have a date for a transplant...my wonderful aunt who is so completely unfazed about this...Transplant is set for 9/21. Of course I have been down this road before (nearly a year ago) so I am keeping my fingers crossed and not counting on anything!!!

What do you think is a realistic recovery period? The reason I ask is that I am about to be offered my 'dream job". They are willing to wait but I need to be realistic about what I tell them. IT is very much a desk job with little travel.

thoughts?

thanks ya'll!

Cheryl CT - where the heck have you been???

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:27 am
by Anne in Va
Hi Christine,

Congratulations on your upcoming transplant. You know that all on the board will be sending both you and your Aunt prayers and positive thoughts.

A difficult question to answer, as I'm sure you know, because everyone is different. Some sail through the post transplant period while others have a few hiccups along the way. That being said, the first thing that pops to mind is driving. Usually you are ordered not to drive for six weeks. So if you have to drive to your new job that might be a problem. Remember you will have new connections to artery, vein and ureter and want to make sure those are well healed. I think six weeks is the time frame that most surgeons use before they declare you fit for work. If all is well and you are not going to be doing anything physically demanding then you may be released earlier. I would suggest that you ask either the surgeon or coordinator what the general policy is. Again, because each surgeon and facility is different.

Sorry I cannot be more specific.

Best Wishes,

Anne

Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 9:35 pm
by bluemoon
It is a difficult question because I dont think it can be predicted. I was driving after about a month. Driving is sitting down after all so I felt OK with that. But I didnt feel 100% for about six months, But take heart: Two years post transplant. I feel great
:D

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:26 pm
by JMan
If everything goes smoothly then 1 - 2 months post transplant realistic. Could be more could be less, its unpredictable.

Driving is a problem because you place pressure over the kidney with seatbelts etc. (not good if you have to stop suddenly) and any lifting is not recommended immediatly post transplant either.. However if its your dream job and youa re qualified then go for it.. If you have to take time off then so be it, (no different to getting a job and taking time off to have a baby IMO) both are neccessities to life under the circumstances.