| Author |
Message |
AndyR
Member
Username: andyr
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 02:44 pm: | 
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Hi everyone,
Had my third clinic visit today and everything looks great. My staples were removed today as well.
I met the new director of Liver transplant at Einstein as he reviewed my case and gave me the once over.
I am currently on Prograf and prednisone.
He wants to start me on Cellcept along with the Prograf with the purpose of getting me off of prednisone to avoid prednisones side effects. He states that testing has shown better results with the Prograf and Cellcept therepy verses Prograf and just prednisone. Do any of you have any comments, thoughts or experiences with this.
Andy |
Jeff
Member
Username: jeff
Post Number: 837
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:01 pm: |
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Hi Andy, I am a kidney recipient but am currently on Prograf and Cellcept only. My tx center is a steroid free one and only use prednisone if they have to. I am a little over 8 months post tx and have been doing fine. My center used thymoglobulin for a few days after the tx, some centers use Campath. Did your doc. mention the use of either one of these drugs to wean you off of the prednisone or give you an idea on how they were go about it? Glad to hear that your numbers are doing well. Best wishes.
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AndyR
Member
Username: andyr
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:14 pm: |
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Thanks for your reply Jeff, No mention of the other drugs. He spoke of weaning me off of the prednisone with a schedule of lower doses while taking the cellcept.
Andy |
Robyn
Member
Username: robyn530
Post Number: 28
Registered: 06-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 03:37 pm: |
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Hi Andy, I am a kidney tx patient but I am on cellcept, prograf & pred. All my labs are coming back great but the side effects of the pred. can drive a person nuts. Not even the hunger & moon face (although I cant stand either!! Lol) but i dont sleep much now. I always feel very awake, which seems like a great thing to have energy but its like anxious feeling. Not to mention all the long term side effects if you take it for years +. I started on 60 mg and am already down to 5 mg so they have lessened a lot but if i was never on it to begin with, i would of been very happy.
Robyn
Kidney TX 02.27.08
Living Donor, mother
St. Barnabas Hospital - Livingston NJ
Strength is being able to hold it all together when no one would blame you for falling apart |
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AndyR
Member
Username: andyr
Post Number: 8
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 05:30 pm: |
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My doc did mention to me that cellcept is used frequently with kidney transplants. Is it used regularly in Liver transplants or is this something that is rare or new? I am taking 20mg of prednisone daily right now being newly transplanted. Started at 100mg then to 50mg now at 20mg.
The nurse just called with my lab results from today and everything is excellent.
Andy |
Robyn
Member
Username: robyn530
Post Number: 29
Registered: 06-2008
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 08:12 am: |
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I'm not sure about cellcept w/liver tx transplants -- a lot of people I have talked to who have had kidney tx aren't even on cellcept, they are on a drug called myfortic, which I think is cellcept in a different form. When is your doc starting you on cellcept? Some people have problems with it, b/c it can be harsh on the stomach - I felt a little sick to my stomach for about a 1/2 - 1 hr after taking it but only for the first week post tx, but I haven't had any side effects since and its been almost 5 months. I am on 1000 mg, twice a day.
Wow 100 mg of pred.? That is very good that you are already down to 20 mg though :o) Im glad to hear your labs are good! That is awesome news!
Robyn
Kidney TX 02.27.08
Living Donor, mother
St. Barnabas Hospital - Livingston NJ
Strength is being able to hold it all together when no one would blame you for falling apart |
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David H.
Member
Username: floridabuilder1
Post Number: 11
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 01:37 pm: |
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AndyR,
I've been on Prograf and Cellcept since my liver TX 4 yrs ago with no problems. I take 500 mg Cellcept twice daily along with 1.5 mg Prograf twice daily. |
AndyR
Member
Username: andyr
Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 04:15 pm: |
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Thanks David H, I'm am now on 3mg of Prograf but Im not sure what the doc will want to do with the Cellcept and Prednisone. Are you taking any prednisone? |
David H.
Member
Username: floridabuilder1
Post Number: 12
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 10:37 am: |
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Andy,
No I'm no longer on prednisone. I was only on it for maybe 2 mos. after the TX. |
Richard Owens
Member
Username: richardindy
Post Number: 323
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 06:00 pm: |
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AndyR,
I was on prednisone and Sandimune (Cyclosporine) for 21 years with a kidney transplant. My dosage was 150 mg/daily, Sandimune and 5 mg prednisone/daily. May 15, 2007, I received a liver transpant in the same hospital as Jeff. I, too, received Thymoglobulin with the transpalnt. Now, I take only Prograf 2/3. Never took prednisone at all! At first, I was taking Cellcept, but my digestive tract would not tolerate it. Reluctantly, they took me off Cellcept. I never had a rejection with the kidney, so my need for antirejection meds is not so severe as for some patients. I haven't had a rejection episode with the liver either.
I am SOOOOOO happy not to be on pred! About 5-6 yrs ago, I began breaking metatarsals with no cause. I've broken 11, the latest still in a boot. You guessed it! PREDNISONE When it began, my nephrologist, a man who has been in transplantation since the 60s, told me all of us survivors were rewriting the "Long Term" pages in their books. Doctors didn't know what pred could do (negatively)! Now, it is rare to hear of a transplant program who uses prednisone for any length of time at all. Perhaps a few months to begin (as David H, above), but no longer than a year. I'd talk to the doctors abuot that for sure!
Richard
Kidney Transplant - Aug 30, 1986
Liver Transplant - May 15, 2007 |
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Moonchild30
Member
Username: moonchild30
Post Number: 8
Registered: 04-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 09:58 pm: |
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Hi. I had a heart and Liver Transplant in 2004.
I have always taken Prograf and Cellcept only.
I take now Prograf 2 MG twice a day and Cellcept 250 MG 2 times a Day.
That is all I have every taken.
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AndyR
Member
Username: andyr
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 12:14 pm: |
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Hi everyone,
I was admitted to the hoapital on Saturday after talking with the docs about continued discomfort on my right side. They wanted to run tests althoiugh i was was not expereincing any troubles other than the pain. They ran Ct's and ultrasounds and a battery of other tests. Everything checked out fine and they are attributing the pain to continued post operative discomfort.
They have me on 3mg of prograph 2 X per day and 500mg of cellcept 2 X per day . They are starting to wean me off of the predisone and I am now at 15mg of pred 1 X per day.
Take care!! |
oguguao
Member
Username: Oguguao
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 08:14 am: |
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Hi everyone,
Its been good reading your experiences and its given me a lot of insight to the dangers of prednisolone.
Ive just had my third transplant 6weeks ago and ive been on pred for more than 15years now. Am also on a combination of prograf 6mg x daily and cellcept 500mg x daily. I really want this to be my last time
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Tony
Member
Username: Tony
Post Number: 199
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 09:59 am: |
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Hi Andy
I've been on Prograff and Cellcept for eleven+ years and i've been off prednisone for about six years and all my liver panels have been coming out normal. I take 2mg of Prograff and 500mg of cellcept daily
.
A Valentines Liver
2/14/97
at Massachusetts General Hospital |
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Boop
Member
Username: Betty
Post Number: 29
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 06:49 pm: |
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Post kidney transplant x 4 years. only I"m on Myfortic 540mg twice daily and prograf 2 mg in am and 1.5 mg at nite My last clinic check at 4 years showed great labs as far as graft functions Watching liver function due to Lipitor Wants my LDL to be below 100 no questions!! I think lots of center are starting new tx patients on steriod free protocols Best luck
Boop
polycystic kidney disease
living organ recipient 9/30/04
Lifelink/ Tampa General Hospital |
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Joe Berry
Member
Username: Joe910
Post Number: 6
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 08:00 pm: |
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I am one year post transplant and on Cellcept 500 mg 2x per day and Prograf 2 mg 2x per day. I was on Prednisone for six months along with Cellcept and Prograf.
My Labs are great - the only thing I must watch is my sugar intake. Both meds can help increase glucose numbers. I have been able to keep that in check with diet and exercise.
I wish you well. Getting off of Prednisone is a good thing in my opinion. It has too many side effects.
Liver Transplant 10-17-2007
Northwestern Memorial, Chicago, IL |
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AndyR
Member
Username: Andyr
Post Number: 46
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2008 - 09:13 pm: |
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I'm still at 500mg Cellcept 1X, 4mg Prograf 2X per day and 5mg prednisone 1X.
Liver transplant 6/20/2008
Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia
arspas@aol.com |
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 7060
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 01, 2008 - 07:53 am: |
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Hi Andy
I currently take Prograf and Cellcept. I am very happy with this combo for myself.
Feel better and keep us posted Andy.
=====================================
WELCOME OGUGUAO
I see we have a new member, please start a new thread and tell us about yourself.
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Marisa
Member
Username: Marisa
Post Number: 287
Registered: 06-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 04, 2008 - 10:15 pm: |
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Why even go on cellcept? Many livers are down to just prograf after the first year....at least at my center.
~Marisa
born with liver disease
Liver Tx. 5/88
Univ. of MN-Minneapolis |
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AndyR
Member
Username: Andyr
Post Number: 51
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 09:15 pm: |
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Marisa, is that without prednisone??
Liver transplant 6/20/2008
Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia
arspas@aol.com |
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Dan
Member
Username: Newlife
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Friday, November 07, 2008 - 10:41 am: |
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Hi Andy,
I am 2 year post liver transplant. Currently take Prograf 1mg x 2 daily. CellCept 500mgx2 daily.
I stopped Predisone 6 month after transplant. |
Marisa
Member
Username: Marisa
Post Number: 290
Registered: 06-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 10:13 am: |
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Yes, they try to get our recipients here down to only prograf I believe withint in the first couple years.
~Marisa
born with liver disease
Liver Tx. 5/88
Univ. of MN-Minneapolis |
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ono
Member
Username: Ono
Post Number: 3
Registered: 06-2009
| | Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009 - 10:33 am: |
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I was told by my doc in S.F. that cell cept is used for the first 3-12 months while they wean you off prednisone during the first 3 months.
I had my tp in April in Taiwan. The surgeon there had me down to 1 pred., prograf and cellcept when I left in late May. He said the cellcept would be stopped at month 3.
Now my doc here wants to keep me on two immune suppression drugs though I have no idea why. I'll ask him at my next appointment.
ono |
Sarvenaz
Member
Username: Sward
Post Number: 35
Registered: 02-2009
| | Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009 - 06:49 pm: |
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Hi everyone
dear Joe, you mentioned in your postearlier that you should watch your sugar intake because meds can help increase glucose numbers.
I have to say my sugar intake is crazy, Iots of chocolate and even sugar by itself! ( I know it's bad but...
I am slim and my sugar level is fine (as far as I know), should I still be watching.
By the way I take Metformin 1g twice a day for PCOS!
I feel very embarrass to tell my doctor how much chocolate and sugar I take. should I tell them?
Sarvenaz
| Liver Transplant 10/08/97. London, UK |
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Joe Berry
Member
Username: Joe910
Post Number: 83
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009 - 07:22 pm: |
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Sarvenaz,
I must watch my sugar still. My glucose is right at the border of normal and too high. If your doctor, hasn't let you know about your glucose, it is more than likely OK. Ask what your glucose is the next time you have labs.
I get copies of my lab results each time. I want to know what my numbers are - matter of fact my transplant center requests that I get copies.
Joe
Joe Berry, Peoria, IL USA
Diagnosed with PSC and UC in 1990
Liver Transplant 10-17-2007
Northwestern Memorial, Chicago, IL |
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Sarvenaz
Member
Username: Sward
Post Number: 36
Registered: 02-2009
| | Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009 - 09:16 pm: |
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Joe
Many thanks for advise , I'll ask about it. Since my Prograf was reduced to 1mg a day I do blood test weekly for last couple of month and I get a copy of the result to know my liver function test and kidneys function too. but blood sugar never been wasn't included.
Hope everything is going well with liver and UC.
Keep well
Sarvenaz
| Liver Transplant 10/08/97. London, UK |
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Tony
Member
Username: Tony
Post Number: 226
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 - 08:44 am: |
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Hi Andy
I've been on Prograff for twelve+ years and it was 6 years ago they had to take me off prednisone because it was destroying my bones. My kidney functions and all my liver panel tests are normal. I did have other things go wrong and i did develop type 2 diabetis from all the drugs that i take.
.
A Valentines Liver
2/14/97
at Massachusetts General Hospital |
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CJ
Member
Username: Still_standing
Post Number: 196
Registered: 11-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 - 07:16 pm: |
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Hi Andy,
I am a little over a year post tx and I take 4mg of prograf 2 times a day. I took prednisone and cellcept after my tx they took me off prednisone after roughly 2 months and cellcept at 6 months.
I hope you are doing well.
CJ
CJ
Liver Transplant
3/1/08
Maryland |
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Melanie
Member
Username: Melanie
Post Number: 5
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 11:31 pm: |
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Hi Andy,
I am a liver transplant from July 2008.
Initially, I took Prograf , CellCept and Prednisone. But I stopped the prednisone at 1 month post transplant and have remained on just Prograf (now 2mg in the morning and 3mg at night) and CellCept (no 750 mg morning and night). My liver panels are stable,great in fact.
I have followed a fairly strict schedule, taking the drugs the same time every day, and with of no food two hours before my immunosuppressants and no food for one hour after. I find they are easy to manage, but at times the restrictions of when i can eat are a bit of a bit of a hassle, but far less, I recall, than the alternative.
Be well. |
Desiree
Member
Username: Smithde83
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 01:29 am: |
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I am two yrs post heart and I was wondering if anyone has ever come off Cellcept all together. I am on 4 mg Prograf daily and 500 Cellcept daily. I am only 28 and would like to start planning for a baby and my drs mentioned switching me to Imuran but I feel I am already on a very low dose, so why bother? I haven't rejected once and my meds are already lower than most peoples out here. I even wonder if they stick to close to what works in the studies and don't considering finding the lowest dose before a patient rejects. I mean the meds aren't exactly good for the rest of your body . . . |
CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg
Post Number: 4376
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 09:01 am: |
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Desiree, I was taken off of Cellcept quite some time ago due to WBC being all screwed up. Yes, I still take prednisone, but my level is 2.5 mg. I also take 2 mg prograf morning and evening. I am sure that your tx team looks at the blood levels of any medications that they give you. I think they probably use that as a judge of whether you need medications or not.
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BamCKY29
Member
Username: Bamcky29
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2011 - 05:57 pm: |
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Hey Andy!
I have been transplanted for a month and am on 1500mg cellcept 2x a day, 3mg prograf 2x a day, and 20mg Prednisone once a day. The only side effects I experience are the prograf shakes (and I like to write too!) and for some reason if I eat certain foods or eat my food too fast the cellcept makes me throw up. (I have to remember to eat slower and not eat the foods that make me nauseous) My doctors plan to eventually wean me off the prednisone, I think in a 6mth to a year time span (and I can't wait, I've had read other tx patients experiences)
Heart-Post transplant-12/19/2010
Postpartum Mycardiopathy
I delivered a healthy baby after a healthy pregnancy.
Heart failure was caused by being pregnant. |
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Jack R
Forum Leader
Username: Jack_r
Post Number: 297
Registered: 08-2010
| | Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2011 - 06:54 pm: |
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Bam,
Congratulations on the birth of your son and receiving your Transplant so quickly. Regarding your those occasions when you throw up: Most of us have been told to space out taking our Prograf and Cellcept - don't eat anything 2 hours before or 1 hour afterwards. I believe there has been several discussions about this issue within our website.
You have a great attitude and will do very well.
Cardiac history going back to 1993. Heart Transplant received in Oct. 2004. Interesting first year and have been very physically active ever since. I currently am pro-active with the SE PA. Gift of Life and a member of Johns Hopkins patient administered Heart Transplant Foundation.
Exercise - look around you and don't tell me you can't -Blog |
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Christy
Member
Username: Christy
Post Number: 17
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2011 - 03:32 pm: |
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I am a double-lung/kidney recipient, and I'm on Prednisone, Cellcept, and Prograf. I'm only on 2.5 mg of pred, so don't really have any side effects from that.
The only thing that I find with Cellcept is that it gives me nausea about 2 hours after I take it. It last several hours. My dose was decreased from 1000 mg/day to 500 mg/day, so it's better, but I still have it. Other than that, I find no side effects from it.
I hope it works well for you!!!!
Christy, 40
CF, CFRD
Living-related lobar transplant 11/12/01
Kidney transplant 11/10/08
Married with a healthy 14 year old daughter
http://colormehealthy.blogspot.com
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Elon the cocker
Member
Username: Elon
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2011
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2011 - 03:41 pm: |
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Hi !
Im still on Prograf, Cellcept and prednisolone,15 years after my lungtransplant and 5 years after my kidney transplant |
Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 15722
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2011 - 05:09 pm: |
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Hi Elon,
Welcome to TransplantBuddies Thank you for contributing to our forum.
You certainly are an inspiration.
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ananas84
Member
Username: Ananas84
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2011
| | Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 06:04 pm: |
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Hey!
I've been reading these posts about different types of immunosupressants and no one seems to be on Neoral (cyklosporin)? I visited another forum where people were talking about cyklosporin being the most brutal out of all the immunosupressants... Here the focus seems to be on tryin to cut cortisone :D
All this is relatively new to me as I had my liver TX 7 months ago after an acute liver failure (my surgery was 2 weeks after I got sick so it all happened pretty quickly). Right now I am on 250mg Neoral (125 twice a day), 1000mg Cellcept and 8mg Medrol (cortisone). My doctors are talking about getting rid of cortisone as soon as possible, but what I am having problems with is the cyklosporin. Or how should I put this... Neoral definitely causes more visible side effects. As a 27 year old girl I find it a little hard to accept that I have hair all over my body and I constantly need to remove it. No hopes of having a relationship anymore!!!
I mentioned Prograf to one of my doctors and apparently it might be an option (even though it would actually be Advagraf and not Prograf) but for the next couple of months I will still be on Neoral for sure. I was just told yesterday that my cortisone dosage will most go down next month if all goes well, but that means they're not touching my cyklosporin dosage for a while - they dont wanna change both meds the same time. Im still sort of wondering about Prograf. It seems to be working well for people but my docs said it is still a new drug compared to cyklosporin and the long term effects are not known whereas cyklosporin has been used for decades so its risks are wellknown (my kidneys already failed last summer due to my liver failing but they started working on their own after a while and I really dont like the idea of them failing again). Then again Prograf apparently causes kidney related problems aswell??
Soooo i guess what I am aiming for here is hearing everyones thoughts about Neoral - and why is it not as commonly used in the states as it seems to be in my country?? I came here cause our local forum really isnt that active, probably due to the fact that I am from a ridiculously small country and the amount of transplant surgeries in a year is roughly 250 (liverTX 50/year). I trust my doctors, think they are the most amazing and talented people I have ever met and I'm super glad to have been born here as our healthcare system is probably one of the best in the world.. But cant help but wonder why in my country Neoral seems to be the #1 option if it is as brutal as everyone says it is.
Oh and overall Im doing well, no rejections, ALT this week was 17, creatitine apparently within a "safe" range, Im back to working and studying full time after being on sick leave for 6 months. Im taking my immunosupressants + disperin and pantoprazole daily aswell.
Anyways... Would love to hear about your experiences! |
cruizin
Member
Username: Cruizin
Post Number: 52
Registered: 09-2010
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 05:29 pm: |
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Hi ananas,
Cyclosporine was the first immunosuppressant to come to market. Sirolimus was discovered next (in 1975) came next, then Tacrolimus (in 1984).
The biggest trial of immunosuppression efficacy is called the Symphony trial. It compared a Tac-based regimen against a Cyclo-based regimem and Tac clearly had better long-term graft outcome. Many transplant centers base their "recipe" on this study. I'm really not sure why a modern transplant center would still be based on cyclo - maybe cost? I would love to know.
Of course there are side effects from Tac that are not present with cyclo, but graft survival is where most transplant centers place a lot of focus.
Awaiting KTX
Dx 1995 - believed to be chronic glomerulonephritis
Started CAPD Oct 2008 |
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Laura B
Member
Username: Hawkwood
Post Number: 23
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 10:38 am: |
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Hi guys,
I have been on Cyclosporine for 24 yrs. (100 mg. , 2/day.) The side effects have been a tremor and loss of sensation, most in the extremities. It started as a slight ‘buzz’ in one little finger, and, over the years has led to loss of fine and gross motor coordination, some problems with balance.
In the 1990’s I heard there were other immunosuppressants which, I hoped, would not have these side effects. My transplant team didn’t think switching was a good idea because:
a) other drugs had their own side effects which might be just as unpleasant, and ...
b) I was doing so well - “Don’t mess with success.”
In many ways, I’m doing very well. My husband gets colds, etc., more often than I do. I never heard of Prograf or Cellcept before I encountered this board a couple of weeks ago.
I’m also on Imuran. I was weaned off Prednisone just last fall. I was taking 5 mg./day, and have osteoporosis and severe muscle weakness especially in the legs. My meds have been pretty much the same for 24 yrs.
Anybody else had these side effects?
| Dx~Eisenmengers Syndrome and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. 24 years post heart/double lung transplant. |
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Jack R
Forum Leader
Username: Jack_r
Post Number: 347
Registered: 08-2010
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 05:23 pm: |
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Laura,
Congratulations on 24 years post transplant.
I'm one on the new generation of Immuno Suppuresent drugs prograf and cellcept.
I found, through a local support group, that the Heart xplants, done many years ago, on cyclosporine tended to have severe muscle atrophy in their legs to the point they can't exercise.
With prograf I don't have that issue. In the beginning we all had what we fondly called the "prograf shakes" (actually hand trembling) but that faded over 6 months. I haven't met, at my transplant center, anyone on prograf having a continuing problem.
I went off Prednisone 8 months post transplant but am one of the 25% of heart xplants who, while off steroids, became diabetic.
Regarding osteoporosis we are all, because of the immuno drugs, prone to it. therefore I have, over these 6+ years been on a twice daily dose of Calcium Citrate+D 500mg.
Given you had, at the time unusual, a double transplant for heart and lungs and are 24 years out is stunning and their "don't mess with success" is right on target.
Have a nice day.
Cardiac history going back to 1993. Heart Transplant received in Oct. 2004. Interesting first year and have been very physically active ever since. I currently am pro-active with the SE PA. Gift of Life and a member of Johns Hopkins patient administered Heart Transplant Foundation.
Exercise - look around you and don't tell me you can't -Blog |
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Jacques
Member
Username: Coffeedragon
Post Number: 14
Registered: 08-2011
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2011 - 09:50 am: |
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Hi
I had my kidney/pancreas transplant nearly 4 weeks ago, so still 'fresh out' but doing well on prograf2mg and cellcept1000mg twice a day.
Unfortunately I'm also on prednisone, 20mg daily at the moment which is wreaking havoc with my previously diabetic body as far as sugar levels go.
At first my doctors assumed the sugar spikes were pointing to a rejection episode but the bloodwork was stable and I proceeded to prove to them by doing 2 hour sugar tests, that the prednisone was to blame.
This week I tried splitting the dose and taking 10mg with breakfast and 10 with a snack at 4pm. Along with some light exercise, this seems to have stopped the spikes in the afternoon, so I'm not having to inject insulin anymore 
What I have found downright annoying is that I had to research this information for myself. My doctors seem to be of the 'we'll just throw more drugs at side effects' school of thinking and this is why I am so very grateful to have found this incredible site and all of you with your collective wealth of experience and advice
| Kidney/Pancreas transplant 3 August 2011 |
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Kris
Member
Username: Krislh
Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2011 - 05:27 pm: |
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I am a pancreas tx post 5 yrs and I was on cellcept after my tx for about 2 yrs. Just beware that cellcept puts you at a higher risk for CMV which you are already at risk of due to being immunosuppressed. My transplant center believes in 3 immunosuppressant drugs, my surgeon said stats show that the graft has a longer life span with patients on 3 rather than 2.
Kris
Pancreas
Sept 2006
Indiana University Medical Center |
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surviver
Member
Username: Intlmech
Post Number: 26
Registered: 05-2011
| | Posted on Monday, September 26, 2011 - 01:00 am: |
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little over 3yrs liver transplant been on 2mg prograf 2x daily and 500mg cellcept till 4months ago when they cut it in half to 250 mg 2x daily,still geting monthly blood tests to make sure its ok.there going to eventually take me off cellcept if possible,coincedently i didn't get the shakes,but do have a lot of nasia.
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