Topic: My Pharmacy -- after Kidney transplant (Read 1330 times)

Eric Myrvaagnes · « **on:** March 25, 2020, 05:07:18 pm »

I didn't want to post it in the other Pharmacy thread, since my photo isn't very inspiring. II'm posting here for those who are curious what it is like after a kidney transplant.

It is now almost three weeks since the surgery, and the kidney is slowing coming to life. My wife has nicknamed it "Sleepy Joe."
I'm under house arrest for at least two months, even if there weren't Coronavirus to worry about. I have blood work and checkups twice a week, and tomorrow I get an ultrasound of the kidney. I do get out for short walks on nice days, but I am pretty weak, 'though getting a bit stronger every day.

The meds I take daily include three immunosuppression drugs, an anti-viral, an anti-bacterial, and a few others.
Each morning I take from 20 to 22 pills, and every afternoon and evening I take another 14 pills.

So here is my personal pharmacy:

armand · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2020, 05:17:35 pm »

I take it it's still recent, later they might be able to take off one or two.

Remember, it could always be worse, see attached. The glove is for scale, and no, not all those meds were needed.

LesPalenik · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2020, 05:18:29 pm »

Eric,

good to hear about your successful surgery, take it easy now.
Wishing you a soon recovery,

Les

KLaban · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2020, 05:22:22 pm »

Eric, here's wishing you a speedy recovery.

Stay safe.

Keith

Rob C · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2020, 07:01:25 pm »

Good luck with the pills; man's best friend, as several of us here have found to be the case, and why we are able to post.

Rob

Eric Myrvaagnes · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2020, 07:20:58 pm »

Thanks, all.

And for Armand: Yes, they have already started reducing some of them. I started Prograf (immunosuppression) at 6 pills in the morning and 6 at night. It is already down to 6 in the morning and a mere 5 at night.

And the Prednisone (another immunosuppressive) is to be reduced soon.

Can't do much photography yet, though. But since my Brookline Senior Center exhibit is up but closed, I am preparing an online version for my website. I'll let you all know when it's ready.

Best, Eric

RSL · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2020, 07:41:04 pm »

Hang in there, Eric. We need you in LuLa.

James Clark · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2020, 09:09:47 pm »

Hi Eric - so glad things are going well so far!

stevenfr · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2020, 10:08:07 pm »

Eric

I hope your recovery continues and you can put this behind you as quickly as possible.

I wish you all the best.

Steven

Frans Waterlander · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2020, 01:10:41 am »

Wishing you all the best as well.

francois · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2020, 06:51:00 am »

So glad that you got a transplant. Hope you recover as soon as possible.
Stay safe!

Slobodan Blagojevic · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2020, 06:59:22 am »

Speedy recovery, Eric!

Dale Villeponteaux · « **Reply #12 on:** March 26, 2020, 09:39:26 am »

Actually, the slow recovery of the kidney function
is a good sign. And the pills are better than
hours of dialysis.

I'm glad you're recovering.

Regards,
Dale

Eric Myrvaagnes · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2020, 01:06:30 pm »

Thanks a lot, guys!

Actually, my recovery is being supplemented by dialysis, but with slightly shorter sessions than before (3.5 hours instead of 4.)
Today my wife drove me to Mass General Hospital for more tests: blood work and ultrasound looking at my new kidney. I'll get results this evening.

We both wear masks and gloves when going to the hospital to lessen the risk of Covid19 infection. Some of my discussions with the nephrologist will be by telephone, but it's not easy to draw blood or do an ultrsound via Skype or Zoom.

You guys all please stay healthy too.

-Eric

Peter McLennan · « **Reply #14 on:** March 26, 2020, 07:47:07 pm »

Your daily regimen puts me to shame. I was whining about my three pills.
Amazing story, Eric. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

kers · « **Reply #15 on:** March 27, 2020, 07:24:11 am »

Eric, wish you a quick recovery after this complex body part replacement...
Amazing it is possible.
I never take any pills... yet...

Jim Pascoe · « **Reply #16 on:** March 27, 2020, 08:26:06 am »

Makes my daily statin look small-fry.

Best wishes

Jim

Eric Myrvaagnes · « **Reply #17 on:** March 27, 2020, 04:17:19 pm »

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

And note: My mother lived to 106 years old. For the last ten years or more, she never took a single pill!
I wish I could say the same.

-Eric

Arlen · « **Reply #18 on:** April 02, 2020, 08:23:16 pm »

Great news, Eric! I'm so happy that you finally got the transplant. Now make good use of it.

petermfiore · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2020, 04:24:07 am »

Hi Eric,

I wish you all the good the world and beyond can give...you are a special man. I always have and will continue look forward to your insight and level headedness.

Take care, you can do this new journey.

Best,

Peter

Author Topic: My Pharmacy -- after Kidney transplant (Read 1330 times)