I had a kidney transplant during decmeber 2003 and even now (sept 2004) I am still going back and forth to the hospital around every 6- 8 weeks. The appt.S are for life but they will slow, down ever 6 months or some thing in a few years!
The medication is also life long aswell.

All the best
andrea

I had a kidney transplant october 2002. Post-transplant check-ups were twice a week for six weeks with the transplant team. Afterwards, you'll see a nephrologist regularly so meds can be adjusted. You'll see the transplant team after six months and then once a year, but your nephrologist would be in charge of keeping you well. I felt fantastic after the transplant and drove myself home after every checkup. I was back to work in two months. Immunosuppression is life-long and general health is always a major concern, that is, you've gotta watch out for infections and keep on top of the labs and meds. It's really not that hard to do, and I promise you'll feel like a new man right from the start.

Are you on the waiting list? If so, how long have you been waiting? About half the kidney transplants are now from living donors. Good luck!

Do it!!!!!

Dont waste time!!!!!

Dont ask questions!!!!

Dont argue!!!!!

Obey your doctors as if they were gods!!!

Take the meds!!!!!

You will be brand new!!!...........Promise!!!!

Rrr

i recieved my transplant in july of 06 and i was curious if i was able to get a tattoo

I have had my kidney for 13 1/2 years and still have to have a check up every 4 months.

Trendy - I had a tattoo done - i'm not sure what a doctor would advise but I was okay - I think the main worry is with your new tattoo becoming infected - with our weakened immune system etc

I had my kidney transplant in 98 i would like to have a tattoo but i have a lot of concerns. i'm afraid that my kidney will be rejected because of this tattoo.
I wonder how does the after transplant treatment look like in your country. What kind of drugs do you need to take. For example here in Poland i have to take Rapamune and Cell Cept (mykofenolatmofetil).

I like in the U.S. and I take prograf and cell cept. I'm still looking into the tattoo and I'm going to go with it. I am planning on asking my doctor and I will let you know what they say.

I will be more than grateful if you let me know what your doctor said about this idea:). Thank you for your reply.

My mom takes prograph, cell cept and bactrum. somehow she got away with only taking like 3 actual anti rejection meds.

My mom takes prograph, cell cept and bactrum. somehow she got away with only taking like 3 actual anti rejection meds.

[quote= My mom takes prograph, cell cept and bactrum. somehow she got away with only taking like 3 actual anti rejection meds.[/quote]


I see that taking prograf and cellcept is a rather standard treatment in US. Here in Poland prograf gets usually people after liver transplantation. I wonder which medicine is better. I heard that long term rapamune using may damage transplanted organ...:/ . 21th January i have my blood tests to check how my kidney works. Why am i so nervous every time i go ther:///?

What do you mean which one is better?

I meant which one of this two - Prograf or Rapamune is better?
If may ask how long has your mother been living with transplanted organ?

Well about 7 -8 monthes now. I'm not sure which one is better...

wow i'm really amazed that you've had a transplant that long..what is youre secret of having your transplant goin..i've had mine 3 yrs now and i want to be healthy and reached its maximum..

What exactly are your limitations teamxceed? My mother is getting so frustrated.

Hi all

I have tried to read though most of the messages posted and one of the things that keep coming up is that everyone seems to be afraid.

I am two and a half years into my transplant and I want to say this; you have already beaten the odds. Live a little. Stop being afraid of what may go wrong and look at what has gone right.

I run (sprinting), go to the gym, race motorcycles and do every crazy thing out there. If there is an adrenalin rush to be had, I'm there. I admit that I have a wobble every now and then, but that is to be expected.

Just in case someone is wondering, I do look after myself and obey the rules. I avoid contamination from chemicals, etc, but unfortunately it is part of my job, so I do run into an issue or two.

Guys, have fun and enjoy living. One always hears that you only live once, but we have a chance to do it again.

Enjoy

better late than never... I'm new to these forums and thought I'd give my answer to the tattoo question.

My transplant doctor is the one that actually told me to get one to cover the scar and gave me the go ahead. BUT as infection is always a risk, take care of the tattoo site and treat it like any minor deep skin wound.

I didn't end up putting mine over the transplant scar, my abdomin looks like a battle field and I didn't want the tat cut across during yet another surgery. The one thing I would recommend is making sure you are not immediate post surgery. Your meds have leveled out and you are in a stable health spot. Also ensure to tell your tattoo artist that you take immo drugs and eat before you get work done.

I've had my transplant 4 years and the tat for 1.

I've had my kidney for seven years now, I go for appts every six months, at first it was every few weeks, but it slowed down over the years.

About four years after my transplant I got my first tattoo. My doctor advised against it because of the risk of infection and hepatitis. I did my homework and found a very reputable place and artist. My tattoo turned out fine and I had no complications. I now have four tattoos and still plan on getting more, I just got my current one last month. The key is to take care of your tattoo as you are advised, and make sure you find a good place to go to, not some back alley shop, and an artist willing to work with you and recognizes all your concerns.

My life has been so much better now than before my transplant, I was sick and on dialysis six months prior, and before that my parents were so paranoid that something would happen to me that I was a pretty sheltered kid. I was 17 when I had my transplant, I just turned 25. In these past seven years I graduated high school (I missed a year during the whole transplant ordeal), I got my driver's liscence, I started dating, I met my husband, we got married last year and went on a caribbean honeymoon where I swam with dolphins, stingrays, and got to hold baby sea turtles. I've been to Vegas (to visit hubby's side of the family), and I saw the hoover damn, we drove through redrock, and I even went on the crazy roller coaster in upstate Nevada. I've done and seen more things than my father has. So if you're worried about your life changing, it does, but generally for the better. And I do take care of myself, I take all my medications, I get my labs done every month, when the doctor calls to make a change to one of my medications I follow his changes, and etc.