We just celebrated our 5th month post transplant. It has been quite a busy time. I have been doing yoga or cardio on a daily basis. Loving it, must just say. Having the energy to do that has just been totally amazing. But as much as I have enjoyed my new found freedom, I have had some difficulty. I got a cold for 3 weeks after the transplant, then no sooner that cleared I got a nasty chest infection. I put it down to my body getting used to the immune suppression, so I really didn’t get too bothered about that. I knew it would get sorted out at some point. But I also got a very bad shingles virus. Like seriously bad, twice. I was n a world of pain, had loads of blisters and the nerve pain was just too awful, I was in so much pain. I was put on Lyrica twice a day for the nerve pain, thank heavens that drug exitst, otherwise I would be in a mental institution now, the pain drove me slightly crazy, so I can’t imagine having no meds to at least dull the pain.
Anyway, that cleared up after 8 long soul destroying weeks. Then just as I think the end is in sight, I hurt something somewhere with jumping jacks. I have a severe pins and needle pain shooting down my right leg. I’m going for physio now, and hopefully that gets sorted out quickly. I’m seeing the physio therapist again tomorrow. But I’m not complaining too much, because, although I am adjusting to lifelong medication, I am still so happy and relieved to be where I am now. I have learnt through all the things we go through in life that we always having something to be grateful for. And I am very grateful. I have lots of fun and will continue like that while adjusting to my new life.
We went to Durban in August this year, the boys had a holiday and we wanted to do something fun. And since we could travel sans the old ball and chain (PD machine) we decided why the hell not! So off we went. And it was great fun! It was so good to go out at night and not rush back to dialyse. I loved that most of all. Pete and the boys jumped off the Moses Mabida stadium, highest jump in Africa. They loved it! I did my jump when I was much younger, have the certificate to prove it!
Pete and Tim at Ushaka beach having a swim.
The big shark jaw at the entrance. Yes I am that person!
Pete and the boys ready to jump.
My 2 gorgeous boys!
The roof of the stadium, it’s magnificent!
The stadium.
The 3 boys just after the jump!
We really had such a good holiday. We also caught up with Pete’s cousin and had dinner with them. And had breakfast with one of Pete’s friends who now lives in Durban.
Then my Sister and I went to Dullstroom last weekend. What a blast that was! We decided to go clay pigeon shooting! We LOVED it! I now see why boys are so gun mad. It’s heaps of fun!
Lunch at the Mayfly!
Also, they had wi-fi!
We had Hunter’s dry! I had to skip my blood test on Monday for this! lol!
Hells yeah!! Bad ass chicks!
That gun was heavy! But such fun!
My Sister went first. I was was a bit chicken hahahaha!
Will definitely do this again!
So all in all I am having a blast with my new found freedom! My Sister is doing so well, she’s back at Bootcamp, I take my hat off to her, that’s not easy. She has to be up at 4:30 every morning. I could not do that! But she loves it. We made a decision to “kidney bump” every now and then just because we can!!! I still marvel at what we have come through and how well we are doing. I still smile broadly when it’s all quiet and I have to go to the loo. It’s still such an amazing feeling I have.
“Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.”
“I promise you I’m up to no good!” -Unknown
November 15, 2013 at 18:07
Thats so awesome, my pd catheter started to malfunction in may so i recently started hemo, and really recently started using my fistula (5th time yesterday) I’ll be going back up to OHSU for my final eval then I’ll be on the list and hopefully my dad will be a match and I wont be waiting long. It helps to hear the good more than the bad about post transplant life, thank you so much.
November 16, 2013 at 06:07
Hi Shannon, it’s so good to hear your Dad wants to donate, it’s an amazing experience. You will be a totally different person after the transplant. Life just gets better each day. I started on heamo and never used my fistula, I used my Permacath, dialised for 8 moths then switched to PD, did PD for 18 moths then got a transplant. I still have to have my fistula removed. Good luck with everything and I hope your transplant is very soon!