Kidney for Karen Albrecht

Kidney for Karen was set up several months prior to Transplant to help promote finding a Kidney donor for myself and to share my journey with fellow Kidney Warriors. It is separate from my regular page, but it does show up on that feed as well. Not intending to duplicate. But that's how its set up. Thanks

TODAY MARKS TWO YEARS SINCE MY KIDNEY TRANSPLANT.

I am so happy to have accomplished this goal, very thankful and grateful as well. I have had a lot of struggles during this time. But happy to say my new kidney has been working fabulously through it all.

I now take about 33 pills a day. My most important ones are my two anti rejection drugs twice daily, 8:45 am and 8:45 pm. These two pills cause me the most issues, on a daily basis, but also most likely will cause other issues over long term time as well. I try to not dwell on it, I need them, I take them, period. The balance of the pills have to be taken at certain times as well. Some dont mix well together. Can't overlap. Thankful for pill alarms I have set to assist me in keeping track.

I have goals that Im constantly working towards.
I have to watch foods I eat for various issues, which can be frustrating, as some contradict others. I have frequent hand tremors that show up when they feel like it. I continue working on my balance issues. Giving up some things in life I enjoyed was hard, but you know I found new things to do that have actually been more meaningful to me in the long run. A revamp of life and finding my new normal.

One thing that I want to express. I cant say enough about the doctors at the U of M. I see several Specialty Doctors there and they have been nothing but amazing to me. The Transplant center also runs a system that is so efficient, considering all the patients they have.

As I say everytime I'm on here. Please, if you ever thought of being a donor, call the U of M, talk to them, ask questions, think about it, pray about it. Give someone a new life, like someone gave me.

My transplant has been a life altering total blessing. I do not take anything for granted. I follow doctors orders, making my appointments, following guidelines, timely on meds. Ive learned alot navigating the health system. And alot about people, friends and many things about family.

Sometimes moving forward means slowing down and taking in the whole picture.

Until next time

Karen

It's been now 16 months since Kidney Transplant. As I look back on 2025, I have to say the first 6 months were pretty rough, and a couple times in there, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. But tonight I'm thinking WOW I'm entering 2026. How spectacular is that?? I had numerous physical therapy appointments this year. My strength and balance greatly improved, but unfortunately entering the New Year with my trusty cane, as I still have balance issues, and dont trust myself to leave the house without it. I also still have a couple other issues I'm unfortunately dragging with into 2026. It's a work in progress for the Dr's to hopefully get to the core of it all. When I entered Transplant day I was so excited that my problems would be solved, but not so. A Kidney transplant is not a cure, its a treatment. Even though my new kidney is functioning great. There is way more involved to cause bumps in the road. Im so happy and fortunate to have had the opportunity for a selfless, generous person(s) to be my donor. Getting off dialysis treatments was the best thing ever. And since my 1 year anniversary I can say I've finally started turning the corner to a "New-OK" norm for me, that I can happily and greatfully live with.
I usually have a good 5 days a week. And that's not bad in my book.

2026 will hopefully bring us on more traveling adventures. I will start next week working with doctors to guide me through a successful, safe trip, traveling internationally to Mazatlan Mexico.
Shooting for the month of March. Looking forward to be able to spend some time with Mazatlan friends and enjoying our condo I havent seen in 4 years. Glad we were able to share it with family and friends during all this time, so it wouldn't have to sit empty.

We wake up tomorrow to 2026. A time for New beginnings for some. A time some want to make a difference in this world. A time for new years resolutions. If you are under, say 75? In good health and weight. You might consider donating a Kidney. There are currently so many on dialysis, waiting for just the right match to come along.
Maybe you could be the one to make a difference in someone's life. I welcome you to contact me and I'd be happy to give you more details and the people at the U of M to contact. If a kidney donation is not possible for you, maybe visit a local elderly care center and make a difference in their world. I visit a local Asst. Living center, several times a week, and I can assure you that there are many elderly that have no visitors and are so happy to engage with others. My dog Dixie visits weekly, and she brings smiles and hugs to many. If you have talents to share like musical, arts/crafts or just want to volunteer, the elderly homes are a great place to start.

Happy New Year! Let's make a difference in 2026.
Karen and (my best caregiver) Dan

Today is a special day! 1year ago I had a Kidney transplant. In the Kidney world, that is a big milestone to reach. I'm shocked I made it to this one year mark, with all the issues I've had. However, thankfully the workings of the new kidney has been excellent through out the past year. I am very appreciative and thankful for all that made this transplant possible.

Since my bad spell in April, I have had several visits with specialty doctors, who have been trying to figure out my liver and blood issues. They finally recently all agreed I needed to go off one of my anti-rejection drugs and go back on the original anti-rejection I was on after transplant. My regular blood tests, future liver scans and how Im feeling, will determine if this was the right move to make.

In late winter-early spring we started planning another trip out west. Wasn't sure if I would be able to go thru with this, but at the last minute we loaded the camper and headed out. So. Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. A busy 17 days of scenic drives, visits with friends and family, and enjoying all the wild life along the way. And leaving soon, for another special trip out there, with dear friends.

The rest of the summer we spent a few days here and there exploring Minnesota. After owning Lakeshore property, on the same lake for almost thirty years, we made a pact, when we left the lake, that we were going to " Explore Minnesota". And that's what we do inbetween doctor appointments, blood draws, physical therapy and mama visits.

Our next goal is to get to Mazatlan. Not happening this fall, but for sure after the New Year. Just figured out 2026 will be 4yrs since I've been there. Kind of sad, as we had just had the condo remodeled, and haven't been able to spend winters there as planned, to enjoy. It's been nice that we've been able to share it with a few friends and family, while we have been absent.

Again, I can't thank enough, those that have been an important part of this transplant, and have helped me this past year. I really dont know if I could have made it through another year of dialysis.

I super appreciate all those of you that have been following this Kidney journey.

I will be in touch.....
Karen

Hi everyone, happy summer. Haven't been on here for awhile. Yesterday 6/20th, celebrating 10 months out of Kidney Transplant. Busy, busy, mostly medical appts. mom visits and physical therapy. I think you all are aware from my last posts that I had a rough winter. Mid March I started developing swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs. Something I hadn't had to deal with before. Contacted my Transplant team, got basically nowhere. I had gotten to the point that I could hardly walk and my legs felt like heavy weights. Finally, knowing that Buffalo hospital would just be a stepping stone, I went to ER, and even though they were so busy, they took me in immediately. I was put on IVs and started removing fluids. Can't say enough about Buffalo hospital and staff. Their Hospitalist, tried to get me transferred to U of M, but no bed for me. Super P.O.d at them. So he was able to get me delivered to Abbott NWestern. Hospitalist and staff were excellent there.

Nine days in Abbott with many tests, scans, Biopsy and more procedures. Kidney function doing excellent, but trying to figure out where fluid retention was coming from. Finally towards the tail end of visit, they determined I had a liver issue, which wasn't there prior to transplant. Sent me home with future appt. With a liver specialist ( few and far between). Had the appt. and Dr. Wants another scan in Sept. Also told me there is a small blood clot in between veins in liver, which they will be watching. With possibility of future surgery and or liver Transplant. But said all this most likely side affects from all my transplant drugs. Even though I was quite impressed with this Dr. I got on the phone with U of M and begged for a second opinion from their Liver guy, and scored an appt. for later July.

My weekly blood draws have gradually decreased to monthly. In Late May, got a call from Transplant team, suggesting I go see a Hematologist, as something doesn't appear right with blood
So next week I see Dr. Vamula at Buffalo Cancer Ctr.

In March/April, I really thought I wasn't going to make it, but at this time I can say I'm turning the corner, that is if I make it through these Liver and blood issues. I try not to dwell on it. I now have more good days with a few bad days inbetween.
I will continue with Physical Therapy through summer and in to fall.

So thankful for Dan and his caregiver skills to help me through all these past months. And of course the others that have been big helpers for us as well. And most Thankful for those that made this transplant possible. Even though I have a few more hurdles to jump, at least I'm not suffering through Dialysis.

I will continue with updates.

Karen

Happy Spring Everyone. Sure looking forward to this season. Hope I can get out walking now, to build up my leg muscles and strength.

TODAY marks 7 mo. Post Transplant. Just a quick update.

Everything is pretty much the same. Low blood counts with anemia. The doctors are working on it. Last week my doctor called me on Wednesday , to tell me that the docs at Wed. Morning meeting agreed that I should go in for a Kidney Biopsy to make sure I wasn't going into rejection. That was hard to take. One of the downers of this roller coaster of emotions I'm on. Friday the 14th, we were at the U of M hospital having a Kidney Biopsy. Quite an interesting procedure, makes you wonder who thinks up these things. Over two hour prep, 20 minutes in procedure, with very light sedation. Then over two hour recovery. Long day.
Doctor was very nice to call me early Sat. Morn with preliminary report, that appeared to be fine. He wanted me to enjoy my weekend. Final reports came back yesterday. All that was tested for was negative. 🙏🙏🙏

In the past 6 yrs, thru all my surgeries, months of visits to Mayo and then visits to U of M. Prep for dialysis treatments and then Transplant....I think I've had just about every lab test, procedure, scan and xray there is. My sister said "yes, until they invent a new one"😄

So last week I started PT in Buffalo. I have a great therapist, one I got to know two years ago when she helped my mom. I think we are going to make a good team. She said I'm not in very good shape, so we are looking at 6 months or more, depending on my anemia and stamina.

Awhile back Dan bought us tickets to Dwight Yokam and the Mavericks. Duluth convention center for this Saturday. We are a bit skeptical about this outing, but called ahead for good instructions on the easiest way to reach our chairs on main floor. I will wear a mask and hope for the best. Haven't seen him since 1999 at one of our last of 12 yrs of We Fest adventures with good friends. After being homebound for so much, Im looking so forward to this outing.

Hoping for upcoming good weather, for all to enjoy!!! Thankyou for your continued prayers and support.
Karen and Dan

Today marks 6 month post Kidney Transplant. First off, before I get into some details of my journey, I want to say my new kidney is doing great. I am so thankful for that. Unfortunately I have had many other issues along the way, which mostly seems to be caused by medications especially anti-rejection drugs. A few weeks after surgery, I started getting bouts of nausea and as time went on they took over my days, in which a minimum of 4 days a week I was house bound.

Dec. 1st they switched an anti rejection drug they believed was causing all the nausea. Wow within a week I was feeling so much better. However within a few weeks my White Blood Cell count started declining, along with other misc vitamin/minerals that had been low all along. And now have anemia. Had my 6 mo post surgery visit last week with Dr. I told him I have been through so many surgeries, through my life, and always try to be positive and push ahead. But this is meeting my limit. He said "we have 4 doctors and 1 nurse following your case very closely. Your Kidney is doing fine, and all the rest will fall into place, but could take up to a year. We may have to switch you to another anti rejection drug as a last resort."
I'm currently down to 26 pills a day, thankful for that compared to where I started.

I'm now more, extremely suseptible to catching infections/illness. So I consider myself somewhat homebound. And when I do go out it's masks again. I feel bad I have only been to see my mom in the asst. living once in the last few weeks.
Very unusual for me. Thankful for Dan and Laurie, between those two they try and cover the week. They also do volunteer work there, so that makes
my mom feel good.

I had hoped to make a short trip to Mazatlan in March, but no go. Dan and Laurie will go for 8 days in March. Laurie hasn't been there yet, and Dan has a few things to check on.

Many know me as a go getter, always use to being on the go. This has definately grounded me. What do I do?? I read, some crafts, drawer cleaning, crocheting and various TV shows or Netflix movies. And somedays just sleep. I try to make plans for dining out with friends, music shows etc. When the time comes if I'm too sick to go, I cancel, otherwise I'm thrilled to go.

I have very limited energy right now, which really limits my activity. I had a lot of inhome physical therapy this fall. Which helped some at the time, but now have gone backwards. Hope to start physical therapy in two weeks at Sister Kenny in Buffalo.

Sorry this got so long, and I even left some things out. I will try to give you a brief update as I continue along.
Thanks all for your continued concern.
Karen

It's hard to believe it's just over the 6 week mark since transplant. Time has flown by with several trips to U of M, (which is an hour away). Kind of a pain, with road construction and traffic, but we have parking down pat and have been down there enough to establish a routine. Our dog "Dixie" enjoys these days as she gets dropped off in Golden Valley at auntie Laurie's, where she's insured to get lots of walks, love and attention. The trips down there, were for various post transplant doctor visits and some infusions to help boost my electrolytes.

I still have a nurse that comes Mon/Thurs morn. She takes blood samples, vitals and discusses any pertinent issues etc. She has two hours to get blood to a U of M lab. Then within 24 hours I usually hear from transplant nurses to discuss results, add, subtract or tweek certain meds.

Two weeks ago a physical therapist started coming to my home and will be working with me on my terrible balance, getting my strength back up, so I hopefully can leave my cane behind. I'm sure this will be a rather lengthy project, after sitting idle for the past 3 yrs.

My Staples (29) came out at the 3weeks & 2 day point. I've had many a staple removed with past surgeries, which was no big deal. However this time was horrible. Some of them had already grown in. I felt bad for the nurse, as it took close to an hour. It was very painful for me, and a stresser for her. Dan was our coach of encouragement.

Last week was a day at the U of M clinic for a series of 4 blood draws over 5 hour time frame. Checking to see if my body is absorbing certain meds. Also had a procedure to remove a stint put in at surgery. Not so much fun, in a clinic setting. Also a couple different doctor visits. Busy day.

I have a couple of pharmacists that call me frequently to discuss current meds I'm on, ask questions and offer advice.

So as you can see, they keep me busy. I have to keep an accurate calendar. And also Dan and I work together on filling my med trays weekly with all the pills I take. 4 slots a day. 8am slot, lunch time. Dinner and 8 PM. Each slot has certain pills, and must be taken at certain times.

When I entered into this transplant, I had no idea what to expect. Other than thinking I would have no more dialysis, and hoping to feel better. It's totally wonderful to be off dialysis. I'm having way better night sleeps. I have random days where I feel great, but followed by days of feeling poorly. I have days of nausea, headaches, chills and digestive issues, and just plain weak and tired. Mostly caused from med side-effects. Last week in meeting with one of my transplant doctors, she said to plan on a good 6 months to really turning around. So I do the best I can and try to make the best of my "good" days. And hopefully the bad days will be less and less.

Dan, my trusty caregiver continues to enjoy no dialysis treatments. I couldn't make it through all of this, without all his daily encouragement, and putting up with me when I get a little bitchy or maybe its witchy?? He keeps busy with house chores, chauffering me and my mom to our various appointments. He plays golf, bingo on Thursday's, and helps out friends. He does a lot of volunteering at the local assisted living, where my mom lives. He calls Bingo, helps with various activities and works on the flower beds in front of the complex.

My last thing I'd like to bring up is, a few days returning home from the surgery I received this anonymous, beautiful care package. Sent to me through Amazon.
I attached a couple of pictures of it. It was an amazing surprise and I want to thank the person that sent it to me. A great idea, and something I'd keep in mind for future giving. Thankyou so much, whomever you are.

And again I'd like to thank everyone for your continued prayers, cards, notes and following my journey through my Kidney Transplant.

Much love to you all.
Karen

Post Transplant week 2 completed. Time has flown by. Some days have been good, some not so. The actual incision area has not been too bad, but have had some uncomfortableness off to the side in muscle areas. I'm not running in any races, but do plan on getting out walking with my walking sticks in the next few weeks. Staples coming out week 3. That should be interesting.

Doctors said new kidney started working right away and is doing great.

The 60 pills I'm on throughout the day have been taking some getting use too.
They will wean me off some of them in the next few months and I have an idea maybe to approx. 40. Still alot, but doable. Anti rejection and anti viral drugs are probably forever.

We are working on getting enough of the right foods. I'm low on Magnesium, phosphorus and a few other things.

During my Dialysis days I had several issues that made my life miserable. I see some things dissappearing🙏🙏, one being insomnia. I now sleep, and it's wonderful to wake up in the morning feeling good.

I can't say enough good things about the U of M. It amazes me the number of people involved in my case, transplant and through the past couple weeks. They call me almost daily. They monitor my twice weekly blood draws and call me with tweeks that have to be made. This Thurs. Will be my 4th trip to U to meet with someone since transplant. Thursday will be my actual surgeon. I have a wonderful nurse that comes to my home twice a week 8am. So they all give you the confidence to get through all this.

I'm pretty tied down to this process for now and don't see much travel in the next several months. But I'm sure we will find some entertainment along the way.

Incidentally, my Dan is enjoying his freedom from being my Dialysis tech.
He has been golfing, and doing some volunteer work at the assisted living center. And in October he plans on a quick trip to Mazatlan to check on the condo, and bring his sister with, as she has not had a chance to visit yet. He will be a good tour guide for her.

I will keep you all updated along the way, as I find it to be such an amazing process. I'd like to share. And if any of you have any questions, please reach out.
Happy to 🥰❤️answer if I can.

Karen

Mission Kidney Transplant complete. Now for the healing.