Hi all, had some bad news yesterday, I have chronic renal disease, having been stable for years, my kidney function has just taken a nose dive and I'm now at the level where a transplant is necessary. My problem is because things haven't changed for so long I have continued life as normal, with my dogs plus numerous other pets/livestock (we have a proper little small holding!!) I have a litter of puppies due any day and am now worrying about whether I will be around to look after them. Has anyone experienced a kidney transplant, do you know how long between referral (which is happening on monday) to transplant? I have a donor, my dad, so don't need to wait for one to become available. Also how long before I'm about and about after the op? I bred to keep a pup, but can't put more onto my husband as he will have to look after me, 3 kids, animals, home etc while my mum looks after my dad. This really couldn't have come at a worse time and I'm really bricking it, any info would be much appreciated, though I don't want gory details ( can't get myself in a state if I don't know whats coming!!!) Thanks x

A friend of mine donated her kidney to her son a few years back. She had to lose weight and get fit in order to go ahead with the op. She was out of hospital quite quickly, but her son was in slightly longer. It's transformed her son's life and they have both enjoyed good health since the transplant and haven't had any problems. I can imagine how daunting it must be for you. Sending lots of positive vibes and good wishes your way :-)

My aunt had an equestrian stud and training stable when she went into renal failure, 4 nights a week on dialysis but kept the stables going doing a lot of the physical work herself.

Once she had the transplant she was back working within 2 wks - dr's told her to chill out for longer coz of the incision site and muscle's needing to heal so she didn't do heavy lifting or riding but started teaching again and lunging the horses etc.  Tends to be worse for the giver than receiver purely based on wound site and of course their remaining kidney adjusting to the extra work load whilst receiver generally feels a lot better quite quickly once the kidney is doing a little of its work let alone upto full function.

Referral to op time all depends on both your health, test results, staffing levels, beds available etc plus its been a few yrs since aunt had hers so things could well have changed, took a few mths in her case but she kept getting infections.

My mom donated her kidney to her sister years ago- her sister (my aunt) accepted the kidney all worked fine but she was still very sick, think she was on meds till her body accepted it- she was on dialaces for the longest time till she was healthy enough to recieve the transplant. It did prolong her life alot longer but she never did stop smoking which is real sad :-( She is no longer with us but like I said she was a very sick women.

Now my mom is sick with cancer taking TB tests every wednesday and they had to check to make sure her 1 kidney was strong enough- so far all seems fine so fingers crossed...

I hope you do find one soon and I think as long as you are healthy all should be fine- (((hugs))) and prayers all goes well.

it sounds as though up until this sudden kidney failure you had been doing quite well health-wise.you must have been keeping active and as fit as possible to look after all your commitments.your surgeon will have performed a great many transplants and will welcome all your questions.write down everything you want explained and tell him you feel nervous and afraid.i'm absolutely sure that he will reassure you and because your donor is your dad,it will be an excellent match and fantastic that you don't have to wait.i think your dad also needs lots of reassurance too,but he must be so glad to help you in this way.you're going to feel great when you get back to normal,but don't be too impatient,let your body heal and it will be as though you were born with your new kidney.good luck to you and your dad,let us know how you go on,won't you?x

Hi Thanks for your comments I do feel reassured, yes I have been keeping well, my kidneys have been working at 18% for about 4 years, and the last time I saw my consultant he said I could stay like it many more years as I had it so under control. Which is why after my most recent blood test I was shocked to see I had dropped to 11% in only 2 months!! I haven't got my head round the whole transplant thing I thought it was years away, but now I'm going to hospital tomorrow to start the work up. It sounds silly but I'm really scared that If I drop another 7% in 2 months I could be in complete failure before the transplant happens, and its something I've never considered before as they originally said they would operate once I got to 15% to avoid the need for dialysis.
My dad is great, he's looking forward to it, dieting like mad to get fit for the op, and i think he is enjoying the fuss from my mum!! He's almost up to hero status in their house LOL and loving every minute!! He is coming to hospital with me tomorrow, my doc said take another person with you as there will be a lot to take in.
Hopefully I will know more tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again x

i've no advise but wanted to say i'm sorry your unwell and i really hope the operation goes smoothly for you and your dad

Best of luck and keep us all informed. My aunt gave her son a kidney when she was in her 70's both she and He (he's 53 now) are doing really well. He has a new lease of life and she has outlived a lot of her siblings she is the eldest now in my Dad's family.

Its a wounderful thing your Dad is doing a real hero in my eyes, he must love you very much. You'll be fine and walking dogs again before you know it.

i understand what you mean,but after you have been to the hospital tomorrow you will know a lot more.what a good idea to take someone with you to help you remember what you've been told.you are going forward now and even if function drops again you will still get your new kidney,what a lovely dad you've got,he must love you very much indeed.hopefully,by the end of summer or during autumn this will all be behind you and you'll be running around as busy as ever.get as much rest as you can tonight and don't be too nervous tomorrow,your doctor will know exactly what he's doing and has your and your dad's best interest at heart and although it's your first time he will have done this operation many,many times.won't be long nowx

I dont have any advice but wanted to wish you and your Dad the best of luck. Think yourself lucky that your dad is a suitable donor, some people never find the right match. Im sure it will greatly improve your life.x