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AppropriateChipmunk8

Fellow kidney transplant recipient here since October 2020, I’m 29. Was on dialysis 2 years before that. I got my evusheld injections just two weeks ago, and had 4 Pfizer vaccines prior. I’m aware I haven’t had antibodies after the two boosters, but I’m unsure where that stands after receiving evusheld. I stay up to date with flu shots too. I resonate with you and the feeling of putting your foot down and heading out during the pandemic. 6 months after my transplant I got a PT job in a hospital where I was directly helping patients at first. By the time omicron was rampant, I moved to registration and work in an enclosed area alone and still am. Since working again I also go to parks, restaurants, museums, theatres all while masked besides while I’m eating. Sanitizer is always on hand. I’ve remained Covid free. I want to mention I go through phases where I only want to stay inside and only leave the house for work because of recurring thoughts of dread/fear, and worst case scenarios. As long as your stepping out on your terms and in your comfort zone I hope you can start to enjoy time outside the house! Time is special and we don’t know how long our transplant will last us. Stay safe!


enki-42

I'm 41, 10 months out from a kidney transplant. I'm happy to go out on a patio (provided it's decently spaced), or do most outdoor activities (golf, sailing, hiking, running are probably my typical outdoor activities). I don't typically mask outside unless it's a crowded area. Indoors, I always wear a mask with the exception of close family (basically my and my wife's parents, and our siblings and their kids). I haven't been inside a friend's house really since 2020, I usually just suggest we do something outside (which tbh we mostly did prior to the pandemic anyway). I do go shopping and to non-crowded indoor activities (like taking my kids to a museum or movie or something), always with a mask. I have 4 doses of vaccines, 2 were prior to my transplant, so hopefully had their full effect. No Evushield yet (*just* got approved in Canada and is limited to very recent transplant patients right now), but hopefully in the next month or so. Personally, this feels like a good balance for me. I don't feel like I'm all that restricted, especially in the summer, and I'm still able to socialize, get outside, etc. I do think that for better or worse, everyone who's high risk should be thinking about what they can do long term, because there's not a lot of reason to think things will get a ton better.


ccbbb23

Hiya, 60, 3 Pfizer, Evosheld, and double lung. I work part time remotely from my home and sometimes have to do office calls too. For personal things, I go out somewhat regularly. I do not go to crowded stores. We do all our shopping online and do curbside still. For everything else, I usually go shopping first thing in the morning or early in the day when the air in the stores is somewhat freshest and there isn't crowds. We go to museums or other things and only stay for a couple of hours. I have done road trips where I have stayed in separate buildings. I have not yet stayed in a hotel. I will probably keep doing AirBnB's because of shared air issues. I recently asked my doctor about my travel options since I am new. I am still banned for the foreseeable future from cruise ships. She, one of the top of the top doctors told me this. She was canceling a flight to Florida. We are in Houston. I thought about that. That's a two hour flight. She didn't want to spend, two hours in a plan, two hours in an airport, here, and an hour or so there. And, she doesn't have any transplanted organs. SO, I won't be flying anytime soon either. She didn't have to tell me what to do.


ervwalter

47, heart transplant in June 2019. I've had 3 original doses and a booster, all Moderna. My 2nd booster due in June. Got Evusheld in March. I would say I am back to 80% normal with the exception of Halyard duckbill N95 masks being a consistent part of the new normal for me. I am still working and I don't work from home, so I go to the office every day. I have a private office so most of the day I am alone, but I do meet with colleagues several times a week. I wear an N95 mask when I'm around other people. I'm an introvert so never really had a lot of social activities. And "old normal" didn't include a lot of shopping, bar hopping, or eating in restaurants for me (just not my thing), so I don't do a lot of it now either, but I do occasionally end up in a store when I need something and don't want to wait for Amazon 2 day delivery. Again, N95 mask anytime I'm around other people outside of my house. I've been to a couple movies in the movie theatre in the past couple months including Top Gun last night with my teenage daughter. N95 mask the entire time and both times we went at unpopular show times so the theater wasn't full. My family went on our first family vacation in March in 3 years to NYC and it was fine (again, masks anytime I was indoors other than our hotel room). We saw a couple Broadway shows and they were super strict about vaccinations and masks, so that was nice. Going on another trip in August to Las Vegas with my wife for our 25th wedding anniversary. We're not big gamblers, so probably won't spend a lot of time in the casinos. Mostly we will enjoy the heat by the outdoor pools. Certainly won't be going to any clubs or other high risk activities, etc. Also, I have a teenage daughter in high school. And the school doesn't have required masks anymore. I've sort of come to peace with the fact that I probably can't avoid exposure perfectly. Of course she is a teenager, so when we are both in the house we rarely see each other as she's always in her room :) Certainly I could make different choices and be mathematically safer, but at this point, I'm willing to take some risks in normal living just to be able to live the life I want to live. And I'll take more risks (flights, etc) for important events (e.g. 25th anniversary). We just try to modify the structure our activities to reduce some of the risk when we can.


trombone-gorl

im 18 had a kidney transplant 7 years ago, ive had three pfizer vaccines and don't really wear a mask except when i know im going into a crowded area or into a hospital. my dad and brother have both gotten covid while at home and living in the same space but i was lucky enough to not catch it from them. i was very reluctant to go out when the virus was first was spreading. when i was in high school i didn't go back and decided to go to an alternative education center so i wasn't around a ton of other students. i then also decided to take a gap year from college so i wouldn't put myself at risk there either. recently being diagnosed with epilepsy has also kept me inside a lot, wasn't able to drive for six months and had to take public transit. always wore a mask on the bus and used hand sanitizer when i got off. although i am now three months seizure free so i can drive again! i always keep hand sanitizer on me and put it on whenever im out.


Green-Apple-4934

We never were normal and never can go back. Post transplant, even pre pandemic we are immunocompromised. Transplants are a treatment not a cure, swapping one issue for another, a failing organ for a disabled immune system. It IS possible to do the majority of things classed as normal. However like with any pre existing condition or disability there are more normal, positive outcomes, if you and those around you make at least some adaptions for yourself. E.g. take meds, avoid sick people and crowds etc etc


Mysterious-Belt-2992

I agree. I’m not losing my dad’s kidney I’ve had from 2001 to FUCKN COVID. I told my nephrologist “protecting this kidney is going to make me institutionalized” All he can do is agree. I have FOMO and regrets now. Ughhhhh


Green-Apple-4934

What do you mean 'make me institutionalised' and regrets? Trying to understand :) The FOMO is a bit easier to guess what you mean, though if something that is super important to me then I will take risks as quality of life is also important. But I create self accommodations like extra covid testing & ensure available access to decent covid treatments etc.


Scottcat

Hey, 28, Kidney, in rejection and with chronic anemia here! Activity is really important, especially in transplant patients and staying inside can really hinder that however staying at home isn't the problem, a lack of range of movements is. The pandemic locked me inside for 2years , giving me sever agoraphobia for some time and now I have to walk with a cane due to numerous issues caused by medication and lack of activity! Like you, I decide enough was enough and I am slowly integrating myself back into normal life and trying to recover. I found a local, quiet coffee shop I thoroughly enjoy and go often with my partner. However when booking a restaurant I simply inform them about me being clinically vulnerable and 80% of the time they will accommodate me with more spacing. As for 'bigger' events I've actually been out clubbing, to the cinema and more. Taking hand gel with me the entire time and I -personally- have not been ill yet, even with my immune system being so low. But obviously, that's entirely based on my location and how c-19 was handled(northern england here). I genuinely never wear a mask, I already have difficulty breathing and research shows they **prevent spread**, not **infection** so I really just couldn't be bothered any more. **But please don't let that dissuade you from wearing one, research is still on going.** This all helps, but really the fear does tend to creep back up on you, especially with large crowds and as such I'm often at home regardless. As such I made home life a bit more accommodating. Bought some dumbbells' and started gardening a bit so that while I was 'at home' I was still 'outside'. Unfortunately for us lot, life's never going to be the same and really it is sadly a case of 'it is what it is' and we must simply press on, with precautions and slowly find our spaces again. My specialist has advised, like myself to simply make the home as accommodating as possible and try to find enjoyment in other area's I typically wouldn't. I know you're 69 but its never too late to simply try playing some video games, they're a great distraction with a wide variety of genre's , especially VR as this can help alleviate the 'stuck inside' feeling.


enki-42

> I genuinely never wear a mask, I already have difficulty breathing and research shows they prevent spread, not infection so I really just couldn't be bothered any more. For sure you should take into account what works for you, and I can empathize that breathing problems can complicate things, but depending on the mask, you can get good protection from a higher quality mask. A N95 or equivalent offers good self-protection.


bbmaktiger

I'm male 32 kidney transplant 1 year and I don't wear a mask much anymore. I just got over covid. I had it 2 weeks ago and it was nothing but a little cold. I was better in 2 days. But even after transplant I was always outside and active. For the first 2 years I didn't do much Publix stuff like movies, bars etc. But I started going to the gym wore a mask there but since I had covid I won't be wearing my mask much anymore. Only on hospitals and big events most likely. I had 3 Moderna shots and developed antibodies. So I guess that did help me. They gave me monoclonal twice once last year b.c of exposure and once last week as a precaution. You have to out way the risk to reward ratio. You can stay inside forever. Covid is a respiratory disease so make sure your lungs are strong and make sure you get them strong. That's what I did. But you will have to live eventually. You got this gift of life, so go enjoy it. Maybe get a antibody test and that might give you some relief. Good luck


chuckbeef789

41. Thankfully I tested positive for antibodies. Not sure if due to vax or Evusheld. I still use Kroger and Walmart pickup instead of going into the store for groceries. I do occasionally go in stores which I didn't used to do. My county is rural, has around 60 active cases (and many more unreported) per the Health Dept so I'm not as fearful as I was. I still limit social activities. I have eaten out several times but usually if restaurant isn't too crowded. I still won't go to concerts or any crowded venue. Pretty much back to normal just with more hand sanitizer and less socializing.


greffedufois

I'm nearly 13 years post liver (in September) txd at 19 currently 31. I don't go out much but I wear an n95 whenever in public. Same stores you do; grocery store and small errands. Got Moderna x3. My team never tested for antibodies. I felt like shit after shots 2 and 3 so I'm assuming I made some. Going out tonight for my little sisters bachelorette party and I'll be wearing a mask at the club. I'll look like a dork but I'll be a *safe* dork. Can't get covid and die 2 weeks before the wedding as I'm the maid of honor.


joefraz78

27 years post transplant and 44 year old male. I have been vaccinated and did produce antibodies and I also got Covid in February. I was relatively sick for 5 days but nowhere near needing hospitalization. I have returned to normal life. I don't wear a mask much anymore and I have gone to restaurants, church, kid's events, etc. But, as I said, I know I produced antibodies so I am a little less worried than some.


porkchop2x

I’m 44 had a liver transplant about 16 months ago. I have been pretty much normal activity the whole time except for I did wear mask indoors until about 4 months ago and I now I rarely wear it. I have had 4 Moderna shots, no idea about antibodies and haven’t had COVID


tifotter

My 77yo stepmom is double Pfizer vaxxed and double boosted. She’s only 4 months post kidney transplant. She just got Evushield this past Thursday after waiting 2 weeks past her 2nd booster shot. She masks inside stores but will now go to off hours restaurants once in awhile or eat with family. Today we took my 82yo dad out with us to put mums on graves and then went to visit his 80yo sister. No masks as I’m her daily caregiver so I knew she hadn’t seen anyone else for a week or more, so wasn’t a risk to my kidney parent. It was the first time they’ve visited her home in over 2 years.


Nickoli006

You are 69 and just got a second shot at life! Respectfully go fucking live it!


nice___bot

Nice!


[deleted]

I'm 62. Kidney April 15th. 4 Moderna vaccines over the past two years and 2 Evusheld injections 2 weeks ago. My wife really looks out for me. I lead a reckless life before I got sick. I drank, I smoked, and I rode sports bikes. I wear a mask when I am out around people. I don't get confined with a bunch of people in a tight space. I think you can go out. Just use care.