Post Transplant Update (7 weeks)

Today I went in for another post transplant appointment.  I am doing so well I won’t have to see Elizabeth, my nurse practitioner, for another 3 weeks.  I am down to one lab draw a week, as opposed to two, and some of my medications have been tapered or stopped altogether.

I feel 100% normal again, though I am not really fully there.  I am still not allowed to lift anything over 10 pounds nor do sit-ups nor go running.   My wounds have not healed completely, so I cannot take baths or go swimming.  (There are scars from both the transplant as well as the removal of the dialysis catheter.  Surgeons put in the new kidney and removed the catheter during the same surgery.)

I have been cleared to drive again, and the fake hot flashes have subsided.  The hand tremors are mostly gone too, and I no longer need to wear an abdominal binder.  For a few weeks the band around my waist kept my weak and sensitive abs comfortable and supported.  But my body has gotten stronger so I have packed the binder away.

Other than driving my boys to and from their various camps, I haven’t been out too much.  And the happy introvert that I am, I love being at home. My older son just got his driver’s license last week, however, (watch out, Oakland!) so I’m now only chauffeuring one teenager about town.

There are a few events that have gotten me out of the house too:  Kyle’s 8th grade promotion ceremony, a concert at Concord Pavilion, and a food packing event to feed the hungry that my friend Alyssa hosted.

Kyle’s 8th grade promotion ceremony

This Sunday I plan to go to church, first time since transplant.  My immune system is still weak but my anti-bacterial gel will be close at hand.  I miss seeing everyone! 😀