How long have you had your transplant?

[SKM23435]

I have had my transplant 2 1/2 years. It has been brilliant allowing me to get on with life and even on occasions forget I am a renal patient. I was talking to a fellow transplantee the other day. She said “I’ve had my kidney for 12 years, I expect it to last for another 8 years. So if I want to do anything I need to do it in the next 8 years”. She was planning holidays and things she wanted to do.

It was quite a thought put like that. I’d never really thought like that. Should I be writing my lifespan of the kidney bucket list? Should I be retiring quickly to go and do things?? Do other people feel like this? That feeling of time running out?

I thought maybe seeing that Chris in a previous post had said he has had his transplant for 36 years maybe a more positive way any looking at things was to ask some of our forumites how long they have had their transplants?

Sue

[suz]

Hi Sue
In a few weeks time I will have had my transplant for 4 years and am grateful to my deceased donor and their family every day.

I don't think there is any way of accurately predicting how long a transplant will last and it depends on so many factors. Taking good care of yourself, taking your meds, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, avoiding people who are unwell when you can are some things that you have control over but there are many factors outside our control. I feel grateful for each day and try to make the most of it. I chose to take early retirement and have no regrets about doing so.

Having lost a relative and a friend (neither had a renal condition and both previously in good health ) suddenly a few days before Christmas, just enforces for me how fragile life can be, no one knows how long they have and should make the most of each day and try not to worry how many days we may or may not have left.

Regards Suz

[AmandaClare]

Hi Sue

The bucket list idea is interesting.

Younger people probably should plan families and careers to take advantage of the transplant, or whatever big life goals are important to them.

I've been extremely lucky. My transplant is coming up for its 30th anniversary and it's just background for me most of the time. I'd say I value not having to think like a sick person and just get on with life. Though I hope I don't ignore reality. My vague 'life plan' from now includes stepping back from work quite early, for example.

Each to their own though - I hope your friend has a fantastic few years.

Amanda

[Chris Wright]

Sue,

Too much thinking about it will cause worry and fret.

Live each day usefully, and purposely, and enjoy.

All a bit Bhuddist, i know!!!

Chris

[rheaybou]

Feb 18th will be 5 years.

In the begining I just wanted to make a year, then two and so on. Now i have no expectations on how long this amazing journey will last. I try to stay healthy and fit, but most importantly spend time with my partner and our amazing daughter (born post TX)

A list of goals or places to travel sounds like a good idea, but I have half a life to live still.....plenty of time

[Johnylefox]

10 weeks tonight.
Still tired.
But bloodwork has been great.
I felt better on dialysis (HD).
I do feel less ill but more tired for sure.
Anyway heres hoping for an improvement.
Good luck folks.

[Daisy4246]

6 weeks now.
Also good blood results.
Still feel tired.
No more dialysis!
Looking forward to more energy and good things.

.

[igor1974]

Had mine for 43 years. Sadly it has finally given up the ghost and I have had my first day of training for PD today. Luckily this went well and paracetamol seemed to control the 'drain pain'. I'm now waiting (not so patiently) for kidney number 2 to turn up.

[AmandaClare]

Had mine for 43 years. Sadly it has finally given up the ghost and I have had my first day of training for PD today. Luckily this went well and paracetamol seemed to control the 'drain pain'. I'm now waiting (not so patiently) for kidney number 2 to turn up.

43 years is astonishing. I hope it's not insensitive to ask, what finally did for that amazing kidney? Was it sudden or a gradual decline over years/decades?

I've just passed the 30-year mark so I'm curious!

I hope the PD goes well and you get that second kidney soon.

Amanda

[igor1974]

Thank you Amanda. It was a steady decline. Basically the kidney got past its prime. I certainly feel I've had my money's worth though.

[Thumps]

9 years and 2 months - here's to many more

[Chris Wright]

Had mine for 43 years. Sadly it has finally given up the ghost and I have had my first day of training for PD today. Luckily this went well and paracetamol seemed to control the 'drain pain'. I'm now waiting (not so patiently) for kidney number 2 to turn up.

Igor, 43 years, that's amazing, and must give hope and inspiration to many readers of this Forum.

Best of luck for your second one. And if that lasts 43 years, that really would be sensational!!!!!!

C

[Johnylefox]

Igor.

43 years is phenomenal.

What is your secret?

Best wishes for number 2.

[igor1974]

No secret I'm afraid. Just extreme good fortune. As I was only 11 at the time of the transplant and it never occurred to me to allow it to influence my life choices. I have always exercised, eaten healthily and got on with my life like everyone else. The majority of people I know /knew never even knew I'd had a transplant. Of course, they do now.

It would be sensational if the next one (which hopefully will happen) last 43 years as that would make me 98 years old.

Wishing you all many many years of excellent health.

[Dixie1]

9 months.