Swollen ankles post transplant

Stephen, swollen ankles, as you would already know, (I'm assuming you've suffered from chronic kidney disease for a number of years before transplant?), is a sign of fluid overload, and it's an indication that your heart cannot cope with the excess fluid, therefore, the fluid pools at the lowest end of the body being the feet. The body will only circulate blood efficiently around the vital areas and organs of the body, before the lower limbs.

im interested to know whether or not, you were placed on a restricted fluids I take regime for the rest of your life (which most post transplant people do/are), and also, the type of work you do. If your either on your feet all day, or in a sitting type position- this will also result in swollen lower limbs in even the healthiest person with no history of CHK. 

As as a matter of interest, at end of the day, press your thumb onto the swollen area. If it takes up to 5 seconds, for the thumb indent to return to normal, it's a sign your retaining fluid and I'd urge you to make an appointment with. Your nephrologist immediately- as you do not want to risk any chance of destroying your new kidney.

if the indent immediately re turns to normal and colour returns, it's simply that you need to take the time at the end of the day to elevate your legs, like most people do, and I'd restrict yourself to approx 12-1500ml of fluid a day. If elevation of feet, with a bit more monitoring of both fluid input and output, I'd monitor and measure it and record it daily, but nothing is more imports than taking care of that kidney! Unfortunately, my mother wasn't lucky enough to receive a kidney due to multiple other health problems, and we were flat out disgusted when in the renal unit of a major hospital, that an Aboriginal woman was I. For her SECOND kidney, due to alcohol abuse, and was quite vocal about cracking open a tinny (Aussie slang for drinking alcohol) as soon as she was discharged as second transplant had taken well.

So never EVER compromise that kidney. Personally, if I even suspected I had problems, I'd be ringing and making an appointment to see your nephrologist. You may think it's trivial, but are you willing tand to take that chance? 

You were here lucky and blessed with a precious gift, so on behalf of everyone out there on the transplant list, I urge you to seek medical advice from either your care link nurse who is your first point of contact, or your nephrologist - but ensure it is someone who is trained in both  CHK or even the surgeon who did the operation!

Regards, Sonya

Stevie, I'm sure you are probably reporting this to your doctors.  The fluid retention (if that is what it is) could be from sitting all day (if this it your type of work) and for having had the transplant so recently, I'm sure the doctors will adjust your medication to handle.  I had my kidney removed in July 31.  In December I experienced pain in area of my native kidney.  It was examined and turned out to be muscular caused by the operation on the other side.  I did some physical therapy and 4 weeks later was fine.  Ask your doctor soon.