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[noxcat]

I think I've figured out the root of my ambivalence about a transplant. I keep getting told 'it will change your life!', and it's suck a common statement used by just about anyone pitching something that I automatically distrust it. I always wanna know what the 'catch' is..and no one has told me that sie of it

Comments

[malwae]

They say that about babies too, but really aside from the lack of sleep for the first year, it feels kind of normal.

[dark_phoenix54]

I guess the only way to know (or at least, get a better idea) is to talk to people who've had a transplant. Perhaps the transplant doc/team can point you to someone? Or find a support group online?

I can see some things- you could travel without planning ahead for access to solution, just make sure you have enough of the antirejection meds with you. On the other hand, your immune system won't be as good. You'd probably feel better physically, with your blood sugars and kidney waste products all stable. You should stop developing complications of diabetes.

[sewaddicted]

Hi I'm reading your post through my friends of friends list

[noxcat]

Thanks!

I've pretty much decided to go for it, but there is that small voice of fear and doubt that gets louder when I'm tired or not feeling good. :)

The hospital I'm going through doesn't use steroids as anti-rejection meds unless there's a rejection crisis post-transplant, and it's only for a short time - steroids do too many nasty things elsewhere for them to want someone on them long term. And I'm actually going for a pancreas and kidney, so the diabetes will be functionally gone - the damage it's caused won't be, but hopefully it'll prevent further damage and protect the new kidney.

But there is still that little voice that I ust can't get to shut up... :)

[sewaddicted]

Wow, given the transplant medication will be the same whether it's for a kidney or both kidney & pancreas, you'll be so much better off. My friend still has the diabetes to monitor.

She was very trepidatious about her cataract surgery, as she went blind in one eye from corrective laser surgery (unlucky enough to be the teeny tiny percent that don't work). But as she was almost blind from the cataract, well it wasn't too hard a decision, but still she had reason to be worried.

[noxcat]

I'm actually legally blind from blind spots due to laser surgery for diabetic eye problems. I had three surgeries for that, as well as laser treatments. The cataracts removals were nothing compared to all that. :) I co have enough vision to do some things, but driving is out.

Is there a reason your friend didn't go for a pancreas too? Or were they not doing pancreas transplants when she got the kidney?