Post Transplant Immunosuppresion
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi, I'm waiting for a kidney transplant and have had something on my mind for a while. My husband's sister has a 5-year-old daughter and another one on the way and her and her husband are choosing not to vaccinate their kids. My husband and I had tried on numerous occasions to have a conversation with his sister about the risks unvaccinated children could potentially cause me post-transplant, but we've been shut out every time. We just learned that they are trying to file for an exemption from vaccines for her kid to go to school this year, so it seems like they are set on their decision.
I'm at a loss as far as what to do. I've heard from my doctors and nurses from just stay away from people who are visibly sick (a runny nose, fever, etc) to absolutely no contact with unvaccinated children post-transplant. Can anyone tell me what your experience has been posted transplant and what your doctors have told you to do as far as close contacts?
My concern is the following, something like the measles might not show any symptoms for weeks, and knowing my niece isn't vaccinated I don't feel comfortable putting myself in a risky situation if she's sick with something like that.
0 likes, 2 replies
marj01201 corina91140
Posted
Corina,
That's a tough issue. I haven't had a transplant and do will defer to others who have had transplants to share more specifically with you.
I do think it's critical that you have a conversation with your relatives, all of them, about what your doctor's have told you you'll need to do post-transplant. You'll need both their understanding and their support.
Perhaps a family function or a family phone call to talk specifically about this??? I'm not sure, but something that would include your husband's sister in the meeting. That way she isn't signaled out specifically. Plus she'll see how the family plans to pull together to support you before, during, and following thevtransplant. Maybe she will better understand how serious this is then.
Marj
matt66 corina91140
Posted
Hi Corona,
I have had 2 major organ transplants, liver in 2012 and kidney earlier this year. Obviously I am on immunosuppressants (Tacrolimus & mycophenolate), but lead a normal lifestyle. I do avoid friends and family is somebody is known to be sick (colds, flu, persistent vomiting / diarrhoea), but if you think about it most people would avoid those situations anyway!!
It is a tough one on what to avoid, but personally I don't let it dictate my life as it can quite easily do. I don't consider my human interaction has changed or been limited. I just go out as normal to shops, restaurants and bars (no drinking though!!) where you never know what people are harbouring.
It's a tough question as to what to do with close relatives as it is a personal choice. I can't say there is no risk, but neither would I say to stay away at all costs. What I will say is don't let immunosuppressants rule your life or the potential freedom a transplant offers will not be realised. It's best to be sensible, avoid known current ill people and keep your own home / self hygiene in order.
There's always going to be a risk of illness just being in public, as you'll never know if John Doe (sitting in the queue in front of you at the shop with his 5 year old child) has had them vaccinated. Be sensible but don't keep yourself in a bubble.
I wish they would at least talk to you, but family eh...What can one do??!! Good luck with any transplant.