Transplant Recovery

Three weeks ago today I received the gift of life, a kidney transplant, so this is just a quick update on my recovery.

First, many thanks for all the messages of support, the support I've had has been incredible, with this army behind me I had so much to fight for.

Recovery is going well, I was discharged from hospital exactly a week after the operation, when I was expecting to be in two to three weeks. I now regularly attend transplant clinic appointments twice a week, so they can monitor my progress, tweak medication and of course identify any signs of potential rejection. The photo in the header shows the many drugs I am now on, the anti-rejection drugs I will be on for the rest of my life. A small price to pay for the chance of a life.

Results are good, creatinine levels, which is the waste product that your body creates with all the nasty toxins, are now virtually down to normal levels. Haemoglobin levels are increasing, which will help when I start to exercise again.

Hopefully I'll be able to drive again in April, and then I have one small, local anaesthetic operation to remove a stent and that should be it, I can regain my fitness and start enjoying life again.

I can't wait to enjoy a simple walk up the canal again, you don't always need mountains to clear your head.

At today's clinic I met someone whose kidney transplant was still going strong after 40 years, I'd be happy with that.

My live donor and friend, Geoff, is doing well in his recovery. He's very tired, but given that his body now has only one kidney, this is to be expected. He's an amazing man!

Before I go here is a link to the incredibly skilled and dedicated transplant surgeon who performed my operation, Mike Stephens.