Another 2 cents

Kidney Transplant Journey

2 pennies on a table

It is 115 days since kidney transplant. My numbers are really good except I contracted the BK virus, a virus that is only in some transplant patients and is not found in the general public. So you can’t get it from me.

My doctors have been saying that as soon as my anti-rejection drugs are reduced that my body will be able to fight it. Even so every time I get my labs, the BK virus has gotten more prevalent. It is one of those things that I cannot change. I drink more water and recently, I’ve had to take naps in the day.

These aren’t the worst outcomes. A nap for an older woman is quite expected. It is annoying though.

I made the mistake of exercising too hard for my body. I felt so good that my mind was back in my 40 year old body. I used to walk miles everyday and I had some smaller weights I would lift. I was in much better shape than I am today… and younger.

I swear. All I was doing was using resistance bands. I had several micro tears in my right arm for over two days. Before I managed to damage myself, I didn’t need afternoon naps. My body has been objecting rigorously.

I couldn’t even lift my right arm for a few days. My doctors scolded me for overdoing it. I laughed about it later. Here I am—a 62 year old woman— thinking I can exercise as much as the 30 and 40 year old women who had the transplant near the same time I did.

It’s a testament to how good I’ve been feeling lately.

My body complained so much that even my spine got into the act.

I had to walk slower and quit doing the resistance bands. When I’m ready to do those exercises again, I’ll have to do them without weights or resistance.

My body got its two cents in— “You are not a young woman anymore.” And of course, because I am stubbon, it had to make the point to the extreme.

So yes, I am doing much better. Still wearing a mask because I was advised to wear it until flu season is over in April. And, still being careful around people. Thankfully it has been enough to keep me safe from infections.