Happy One Year Kidneyversary? One Year Later

Today is my one year anniversary since my kidney transplant. It has been a ride. A ride that has had its up and downs and a ride that I cannot seem to find a way to get off the ride.

I invite you to read my past posts leading up to, during and aftercare of my transplant.

Today. In the beginning my rehab focus was definitely physical. Caring for the incision, getting around...typical everyday movement. It was a bit painful but not excruciating. I was also tired all of the time. Quarantined to my bed I felt like a prisoner in my own house.

Slowly I gained my strength back (somewhat) and appointment by appointment began to get some of my freedom back. It was a thrill to be able to ride around and see the great outdoors! Ok, you call it your neighborhood, I call it the great outdoors. Ha ha ha My issue was what we thought was gastroparesis, looks like it is actually pancreatic insufficiency, was and continues, to negatively affect me. Still battling with it today.

I could only stand or walk small distances before I was out of breathe, became nauseous, severe stomach cramps and the need to sit down. I still get these episodes today and am working with a doctor to get better.

Things physically have gotten better slowly over the past year. I was introduced to the social media platform TikTok which allows me to share my personal adventures over the years and keep my sanity. I am what you may call an "introverted extrovert." I prefer to be to myself but enjoy the interaction with people on all stages. I thrive on interaction, not to be confused with attention.

Therapy

During the past few months I was diagnosed with severe depression. I will not go into detail right now what that includes, but I can tell you it has not been good. I do see a therapist and she has really helped me a lot. The challenge is life doesn't stop. Just before your "stress fire" dies out, it decides to throw a few more logs on at one time to see how you cope. I am not coping well.

As I mentioned before, TikTok (@sthooch ) has become another type of therapy. I am amazed at the number of new friends I have met and the support and following I have there. My Hoochikins (followers) support me and I greatly appreciate what they do for me.

Watching my TikTok's you may think that this guy looks perfectly fine. He doesn't look sick. Why is he on disability? He should be working!

These are all valid questions and opinions. I've never been one to feel I need to entertain any specific question launched at me, but I am an open book and glad to share. When you watch my videos, you see an energetic fun person who is having a fantastic time. What you do not see is me struggling to get out of bed. You do not see me having to rest after making those videos. Sometimes I will go a couple days without posting because I'm not there physically or mentally.

I am unable to work because my current condition does not allow me to be fully dependable, consistent or able to get into any type of routine.

Support...or there lack of

Over time I have removed myself from certain social media platforms. In the beginning support from friends and family was amazing. The encouragement was unbelievable.

Today, I still have a support system however it looks vastly different than it did a year ago. This is by no means meant to be any kind of guilt trip. I totally understand that everyone has there own "transplants" in life that they must give full focus. It's totally ok. Just not something I was expecting.

What's Next?

Fantastic question! All I can do is continue working hard to get better. One step at a time. Continue taking my 30+ medications a day.

My doctor recently gave me the clearance to travel. I just have to be smart about it. If we go someplace with large crowds, I need to find a way to traverse through or around them with minimal contact or avoid them all together.

I want to thank everyone who has been there for me and continue to keep me in your thoughts. This has been an incredible experience and I would not have been able to do it without the love and support from you.

Please, if you have any questions or comments please post them below.

Here is to 2023!