AboutLeslie Expertise I am a social worker in a dialysis unit. I can answer kidney transplant, Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis questions. I can aid in insurance issues, dietary issues, and almost every aspect of kidney.
I also have personal experience in these issues, having kidney failure since I was eleven, including three transplants.
Experience I have had three kidney transplants, and worked at the National Kidney Foundation and volunteered at the Gift of Life. I have signed up donors, and been a peer mentor since I was 13 years old (I am now 29). I am a kidney social worker at a well known company.
Organizations NASW
Education/Credentials Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Social Work.
iam 38 years old i had kidney transplant 13 monthes ago> my Question is : if i drink beer once a week is that going to effect my kidney ?
my medication is :
FK ( PROGRAF): 4 mg twoice a day.
cellcept : 750 mg twoice .
prednisone : 5mg one time a day.
cozaar : 50mg twoice a day.
zocor : 20mg one time a day.
iam taking too much medication is that right??
thanx
Answer Hi!
First of all, congratulations on a successful transplant! Also, I am not a medical doctor, although I have been immersed in the medical field since I was a child. I am a medical social worker.
Prograf, Cellcept, and Prednisone are okay (In fact, I take more medicine than you do, and I am only 5'1 - 110 lbs.) with alcohol, but there are some issues.
If you drink one time a week or less, it should not be an issue. This being said, don't have more than 1-2 drinks. Some people fare better on immunosuppressants than others.
As for Cozaar and Zocor, are you taking them for heart issues? If you are, I would recommend you ask your Nephrologist or Cardiologist for information. I do know that people with ESRD tend to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, even with a successful transplant. The high cholesterol is a side affect of the immunosuppressants.
Also, be sure to monitor your blood tests. Are your Creatinine and BUN stable? Is your Potassium within range?
Since you are only on those medications, it seems as though you are not a Diabetic. But if you -do- have Diabetes (75% of Kidney patients do), I would recommend staying away from alcohol.
In essence, it has been my experience that it is okay to enjoy 1-2 alcoholic drinks on occasion, but I will also recommend you talk with your Nephrologist, just to be on the safe side.
Good luck! Thanks for the question. I wish you health and happiness in the future.
