Transplant: 10 Weeks and Counting

My, how time flies! It’s already been 10 weeks since my surgery and I’m looking at going back to work on the 21st of April.

I’m feeling good, and according to my last clinic visit, everything is progressing as it should. My labs have been within the normal range for the last several weeks. Now I can go two weeks between labs and 4 weeks before returning to the clinic. Soon I’ll start seeing my regular nephrologists and checking in with the clinic at 6-month intervals.

The doctor told me I could drop the Protonix, which was to protect my stomach (if I notice heartburn or acid reflux, I can start taking it again, but so far there’s been no need). By April 23, I can drop a couple more prescriptions; these were an antibiotic and an anti-viral.

These changes will leave me taking only four medications daily — my three anti-rejection drugs and one to lower blood pressure. Of the four, I take three of them two times a day. Really, not a bad schedule at all.

Feeling better and pain-free, I have been trying to get in more physical activity, so as to build up my energy and stamina (and for weight control as well). So I have been taking a brisk walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes every day. And I am getting back into the schedule of golf lessons and practices. Temperatures this weekend are heading into the 50s and even 60 on Sunday, which sounds like a good excuse to hit the driving range for the first time this season. It still may be too wet and early for most courses to be open, but I can’t wait to get out there and just have some fun playing 18 holes.