New transplant date: August 12th
Moderator: administrator
New transplant date: August 12th
just two weeks from today!!!
I go for my final cross-matching and meeting with the anesthesiologist on Tuesday of next week. After that, it's all done. Did all the last tests in the last few weeks. This is a new unit, for those of you who remember that I had to change units. Originally today was going to be my transplant date.
I am going to Rogosin Institute. It's a steroid-free unit. They use thymoglobin (in hospital) then Prograf and CellCept. When possible, the prograf is later changed to Rappamune.
So, this is it. I'm super excited. It's going to my first surgery of any kind. I picked a real doozy to start with huh?
Natalie
I go for my final cross-matching and meeting with the anesthesiologist on Tuesday of next week. After that, it's all done. Did all the last tests in the last few weeks. This is a new unit, for those of you who remember that I had to change units. Originally today was going to be my transplant date.
I am going to Rogosin Institute. It's a steroid-free unit. They use thymoglobin (in hospital) then Prograf and CellCept. When possible, the prograf is later changed to Rappamune.
So, this is it. I'm super excited. It's going to my first surgery of any kind. I picked a real doozy to start with huh?
Natalie
Good luck Natalie ;)
Gr8 news 4 u Natalie
Lifes such a roleercoaster eh? lets hope u on the upward slope
best wishes Elaine UK
Lifes such a roleercoaster eh? lets hope u on the upward slope
best wishes Elaine UK
-
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2004 11:28 am
- Location: Virginia
Oh my
How could I be so silly!! Anne completely reminded me of the most important person in all of this, my stepdad!!!
He stepped forward to be tested way back when, and neither my Mom nor myself really thought he'd be a match. Turns out he is!! He is only 8 years older than me (I'm 34 and he's just turned 43) and as we now joke, the reason my mom married a younger man is evident now!!! (actually, that is what HE says).
He was also fortunate in that there were some of the more evasive tests that he was able to avoid, being in good health. The complete selflessness of his act is really a boost for me since I do have some fears for surgery. I've never had anything "wrong" with me before, so knowing my donor is going into this relatively "unfazed" is a confidence booster for me.
Additionally, I feel confidence in this transplant unit, whereas I really didn't with the last place.
My birthday is August 20th, so the kidney on August 12th is truly a great present, the best one I could ever ask for!!!
He stepped forward to be tested way back when, and neither my Mom nor myself really thought he'd be a match. Turns out he is!! He is only 8 years older than me (I'm 34 and he's just turned 43) and as we now joke, the reason my mom married a younger man is evident now!!! (actually, that is what HE says).
He was also fortunate in that there were some of the more evasive tests that he was able to avoid, being in good health. The complete selflessness of his act is really a boost for me since I do have some fears for surgery. I've never had anything "wrong" with me before, so knowing my donor is going into this relatively "unfazed" is a confidence booster for me.
Additionally, I feel confidence in this transplant unit, whereas I really didn't with the last place.
My birthday is August 20th, so the kidney on August 12th is truly a great present, the best one I could ever ask for!!!
-
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2004 11:28 am
- Location: Virginia
Natalie you are not silly. This is a board where we come for answers, support, and to voice our concerns. Here we have permission to think about OURSELVES. I love your Stepdad's sense of humor and he sounds like a wonderful person. You are very blessed he came into your life.
I too, was very concerned about the surgery as I only had minor surgery to place a PD catheter in the past. I actually discovered that the surgery compared well with that. The surgeon did a curved 'L' shaped inscision from mid pubic bone, around and up to my pelvic bone. The only part that really was uncomfortable was the inch or so close to the pelvic bone. Seemingly when they cut this way instead of up across the stomach, it is less painful. They will give you enough pain meds to make sure you are comfortable. Do not be afraid to ask for some when you need them. I had a reaction to the morphine they used for the first couple of days - lowered my oxygen level. They had to be very sparing with what they gave me. I did OK and, believe me, I am a WIMP!
When they wanted me to get up, I insisted I do it myself on my own time. I raised the head of the bed to make it easier then was able to deal with my legs - wimp again!
Your Stepdad sounds a lot like my donor. She was so confident and excited. When they came for her on the morning of surgery, she insisted on sitting up on the gurney. She looked like Ben Hur on a chariot! Of to conquer the world!
Natalie you and your donor will do just fine. Remember you have all the good wishes and prayers of your friends on this board as you take this step to a new life.
Anne
I too, was very concerned about the surgery as I only had minor surgery to place a PD catheter in the past. I actually discovered that the surgery compared well with that. The surgeon did a curved 'L' shaped inscision from mid pubic bone, around and up to my pelvic bone. The only part that really was uncomfortable was the inch or so close to the pelvic bone. Seemingly when they cut this way instead of up across the stomach, it is less painful. They will give you enough pain meds to make sure you are comfortable. Do not be afraid to ask for some when you need them. I had a reaction to the morphine they used for the first couple of days - lowered my oxygen level. They had to be very sparing with what they gave me. I did OK and, believe me, I am a WIMP!
When they wanted me to get up, I insisted I do it myself on my own time. I raised the head of the bed to make it easier then was able to deal with my legs - wimp again!
Your Stepdad sounds a lot like my donor. She was so confident and excited. When they came for her on the morning of surgery, she insisted on sitting up on the gurney. She looked like Ben Hur on a chariot! Of to conquer the world!
Natalie you and your donor will do just fine. Remember you have all the good wishes and prayers of your friends on this board as you take this step to a new life.
Anne
-
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:19 pm
- Location: Livermore, CA
-
- Posts: 3473
- Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:21 am
- Location: Lives in a slightly weird bit of Shropshire called Telford!
Superb news:D
"Dialysis! What is this? The dark ages!"
L. 'Bones' McCoy, ST"
Read my blog:)
Live to Fly
http://www.flickr.com/cybercast
L. 'Bones' McCoy, ST"
Read my blog:)
Live to Fly
http://www.flickr.com/cybercast