Surgery in a Kidney Transplant Patient

[Barb62]

Hi everyone,
I my finally have my consultation with my surgeon tomorrow morning and I am a little nervous, but I feel pretty prepared after reading (mostly lurking) on the forums. I was wondering if anyone out there is a transplant recipient? I had my kidney transplant at UCSF 14 years ago and now I will have AVR surgery there as well. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and am wondering how the 2 surgeries compare in terms of the pain level.
There are definitely some specific questions I have for the surgeon in terms of type of valve for me. My main concern is that with a tissue valve the anti-coag med is mainly aspirin. I cannot take this because of my transplant. (It is not good for the kidney). I am hesitant to be on warfarin because I take enough meds as it is. I know that mine is a specialized circumstance, but I wonder if anyone has had both of these surgeries?
Thanks!
BTW i am 49 years old

 

[kfay]

Barb, I don't have the experience with the kidney transplant, but just want to let you know that I got a tissue valve and have an issue with aspirin so I don't take anything for an anti-coag. Both my surgeon and cardio were okay with this and said it is mostly a U.S. protocol and that people all over the world do just fine without the aspirin. I have had my valve for almost 4 years now without any problems. I did have 2 ablations for rhythm issues and since I couldn't take aspirin afterwards, they just put me on coumadin for a 3 month period both times. I also took coumadin for 3 months post op as well.


Kim

 

[Lynlw]

I cant think of anyone off the top of my hed, however i wouldnt worry about having to have aspirin with a tissue valve, since in most cases it is only in the very beginning if at all, and im sure they could do whatever would be best for you. But it is a good idea to ask

 

[bradvo]

I have had Kidney surgery on my R/side, not a transplant tho. I have about the same size incision on my side as my OHS gave me.
I was 17 when I had the surgery so I don't really recall much except for the obvious, hurt like heck when cough, laugh sneeze, same as OHS.
I would say my side was more sensitive, OHS my front was not bad but my back was a different story. I think many of the same pains existed , getting up from lie down position, walking etc.

I know after that Kidney surgery I never wanted to go under the knife again, well almost 40 years later it happened to me. I can't tell ya how much I dreaded having to have major surgery again. Then I read about all the multiple OHS that many members here have endured , so I'm not alone and better off then some. :smile2:

So in a nut shell you will have many similar pains and challenges...it will be interesting to hear your comparisons, like I said my operation was so long ago.
Like others have said, it's no cake walk but better then the alternative. :biggrin2:

Brad

 

[bradvo]

Barb, let us know the date, you will have support and prayers coming your way.
When all done we can compare scars, side and front eh ... :wink2:

 

[Barb62]

Yay! I have a date. It is January 19th. I am actually excited to get this taken care of and move on to the next stage of my life. My consultation went well and I have my pre-op appointment next Thursday. Now I just have to decide between a tissue valve and a mechanical valve. Thank you everyone for all of your support!

 

[bradvo]

I do we get Barb62 on the official calendar, surgery is Jan 19, 2012. ? I can view it but not enter data .
Thanks

Brad

Never mind, I found the add event and put her on ...