2000 I had a Kidney transplant. Kidney failure due to PKD. 1st in family to show the disease (dominant). Learned I had it after having 4 children. 2 of them have it. They are in their 30's. So far no complications. My husband was to be my donor. His kidney was removed, cancer found in it. I saved his life, but didn't get his kidney. My oldest dtr was to be my next donor. 2 weeks before that surgery a cadaver donor was found. I have had no rejection episodes in 9 yrs and just know the kidney will outlast me. Went into depression with general anxiety for several years, under psychiatric care. Finally found the right combo of drugs 20mg of prozac and .25mg-.50mg of Xanex. Was on those for several years. The side effects of those kept me in la la land.
Numerous other conditions diagnosed since 2000. 3 rotator cuff surgeries, copd, pericarditis and the wonderful breast cancer. The breasts were removed in 2005. Am now on Arimidex to prevent further spread of cancer. Could not have chemo or radiation because they would destroy my donated kidney. Side effects of Arimidex after 2 years of treatment are I now have bad joint pain in my wrists, fingers, hips, and knees.
I have been exercising doing pilates and yoga 2-3 times a week. I am so strong that when I go to the ER they can't find anything wrong and want to send me home. The immunosuppressant drugs cover up symptoms of illesses I catch. I have been hospitalized since the transplant with pneumonia, and 2 admits for c-diff. I want to stay strong to help the docs and nurses and know what is going on when I get into the hospital setting. Last hospitalization was 5/2009 for a C-diff infection.
I have really had to educate my team of docs. I have a gp, oncologist, kidney doc, dermatologist, gynocologist, heart doc, and dentist. All of whom I see regularly. I go to Chandler Regional Hospital when ill because all of my docs go there. I want them to talk with each other and me to keep me well and for them to all know what is going on. So far that doesn't happen. I feel like a hypochondriac, professional medical patient, or science project.
I have had mouth ulcers because of a med change to Rapamune from cellcept. No thank you. It took me 2 months and a concoction from my dentist to get over that. This was last June.
My kidney docs office won't fax me personally with lab orders so last week I went to the lab and the orders were wrong (I caught it) Had to wait for the docs office to open to get corrected. Went sent this time just the gengraf number was requested with out a full CBC panel which is usual.
I see the kidney doc Tues. My hands, fingers, ankles and toes have been swollen for a week.
I took myself off the prozac and xanex last May. Now my appetite is out of control. I hope I can get put back on this Tues. I believe my seratonen level is gone wacko and my full switch is turned off. I have gained at least 10lbs.
During this time my younger sister has died and her oldest son has died. I have been able to hold things together so far. I feel like I am sitting on a time bomb, not knowing what will hit me next.
My husband found this site for me. I hope some info comes that will keep me encouraged.
Thanks,
Anne