@Smedstad, CodeZed, Trick, Tom & Baldbandit - Thank you for your support and well wishes. I am continuing to do well. My latest creatinine reading from yesterday was 100 which is still excellent (and completely normal). Creatinine fluctuates a lot depending on how much you drink, your physical activity and even by how much protein you consume. My biggest concern right now is balancing the anti-rejection medication specifically tacrolimus which has to be monitored by blood level. Each clinic visit, I have a blood test and my tacrolimus level is measured. Then they adjust the dosage I take. They are aiming for a specific range which I am still above. I will see on Thursday how everything lines up.
@ Geoff - That is a very good question. My sister should be able to continue with a completely normal and very healthy life. The testing done beforehand on donors is extensive to not only ensure a good match but to make sure that the donor is extremely healthy and can carry on normally after surgery. In terms of kidney function, the remaining kidney will gradually increase its function to give her about 75% function of what 2 kidneys would do. This is a similar case for myself. There are certain considerations for someone with decreased kidney function including avoiding NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Some examples are: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin. These drugs are filtered through the kidneys and can be a concern with limited function. It is possible to have alcohol too, but in moderation. My sister does not drink a lot anyways. It is also a good idea for those with one kidney to avoid contact sports or high impact activities. She will also be monitored regularly to ensure that she is doing well. Additionally, here in BC all kidney donors go to the top of the waiting list for transplant should there ever be a problem with kidney failure. To my sister's credit, she had already decided she wanted to donate before she even knew that the procedure would have little impact on her life. When she found out she could carry on completely normally, she considered that a bonus.
@Don - That is great news. I'm so glad to hear that. I'm finding that getting everything to balance so far is difficult but I am just at the beginning. The elevated tacrolimus level is raising my potassium. The doctors assure me that as the tacrolimus drops my potassium will too. Thanks for sharing more of Bill's situation and wish him the best for me.
@Andy - Thank you. I was just able to have my first shower since the surgery a few days ago. My incision is healing well and getting less sore every day.

- Fred

You either live life -- bruises, skinned knees and all -- or you turn your back on it and begin dying - Christopher Pike paraphrasing Dr. Philip Boyce (Star Trek - "The Cage")

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