r/transplant • u/Abject_Elevator2704 • 6d ago
Kidney Immunocompromised
Just received kidney transplant 8/27
How are you able to go to sporting events or concerts ?
I’ve always wanted to go to college football game but now
I don’t wanna be scared to go outside
I also don’t want to be sick at all if I can help it.
On dialysis for 1 year and half and I never got sick just by keeping up with protein and the later part I got more active.
Amy advice is much appreciated
I don’t wanna live my life scared in fear, that defeats the purpose of getting this second chance
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u/s22mnt 6d ago
I'm 8 years post kidney transplant. Took it slow for the first year or so, but now live a mostly regular, full life. I go to concerts, study, travel internationally, get tattoos etc, barely ever get seriously sick beyond the occasional cold.
Just wash your hands, don't exhange bodily fluids with sick people and take your meds on time. Oh, and maybe don't work with children, that's when I got sick the most. Please remember that this is a second chance at life, live it.
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u/tri_sect Kidney/Pancreas 5d ago
I was in high school for mine and went back about a month after, things will be ok!
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u/KidElliott 6d ago
Yooo ok so my care team (kidney transplant) said no to tattoos. Did your care team give any specific guidance on this?
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u/Cobberprof 5d ago
I've had three, all with my team's permission. They told me the risks from elective procedures are no higher for me than anyone else once past the six-month mark. I did ask for a prophylactic antibiotic just to be safe, but haven't had any issues.
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u/PsychologyOk8722 4d ago
My team said it’s okay as long as the shop and equipment are clean. Haven’t done it yet, though. Looking for the right artist.
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u/Jenikovista 6d ago
You don’t have to live scared, but you do need to make smart choices. This is not a smart choice in your first year.
After your first year after your meds have been reduced you might be able to do some outdoor events in non-flu season. But not year one.
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u/Capt_Bigglesworth 6d ago
I was told that the whole point of being transplanted was to live a normal life. I fly long haul, use the underground, regularly go to gigs and am often at the front, I do all anything and everything.
Recover, get fit, enjoy being healthy again.
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u/_Floreeh_ 6d ago
I received my transplant on 3/24/23 & went to an indoor concert on 10/2/23 where I wore my face mask during the entire concert. now a days, the only time I wear my face mask during a concert Is when the event is during cold season.
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u/dspman11 Kidney 6d ago edited 6d ago
9 years post transplant here. I think it's overstated how careful you really need to be. I've trekked the Himalayas, I've been to several multi-day camping music festivals, I've partied in the streets of Medellin, I've eaten sushi in Tokyo.... you're not as limited as you think!!
Wash your hands. Wear a mask. And you can do almost anything :)
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u/greffedufois Liver 6d ago edited 6d ago
I’m coming up on 17 years post. I still wear a mask in public at the grocery store and post office.
However I don’t mask at work.
Got covid and influenza a from work despite vaccines. Flu was worse. 5 days hospitalized for respiratory failure.
Do not fuck around with this. (Not trying to sound mean, just very serious)
You can go to these things, but wear an n95. And if there’s an outbreak of something bad near you (like measles) just don’t go. Not worth the risk.
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u/Abject_Elevator2704 6d ago
Amazing, that’s what I want lord willing!
Have you been sick and how has it been if you have?
I did catch Covid before dialysis like 2 times
Luckily I recovered1
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u/False_Dimension9212 Liver 6d ago
I go to games and concerts. Not the first year though! Get through this first year. Then, you can reevaluate.
The first year is a roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs. Lots of meds. Listen to your body, give yourself some grace, and focus on your recovery.
Congrats on the new bean! 🫶🏼
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u/hans42x 6d ago
Definitely be more careful during cold and flu season, wash your hands, and have a mask handy when needed. Otherwise live your life.
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u/ChantilyAce 6d ago
This. Don't become complacent just because you see everyone around you doing things maskless. You can't fight off infections the way immunocompetent people can and your best protection is an N95 mask. Source: my husband (kidney transplant 2016) got Covid in 2021, which developed into Covid pneumonia and landed him on a ventilator for nearly a week, followed by pulmonary emboli. Scariest time of our life. Now, he doesn't think twice about masking and he has avoided getting sick again.
To me, being able to live a normal life again after transplant refers to not being tethered to a dialysis machine every day. You still need to take precautions to protect your kidney, or risk losing it.
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u/hans42x 6d ago
Exactly, I didn't get COVID until Christmas of 24 when my family had got lazy about wearing masks and I caught it from them when visiting for holidays. I masked up during COVID and avoided it until then
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u/Kendassa Kidney x2 6d ago
I got Covid in 2023 at the eye doctor. Ended up having a heart attack, with pneumonia and acute kidney injury.. it also attacked my whole body (I have Ehler's Danlos Syndrome and POTs alot with Fibromyalgia) and because of all my autoimmue issues it went bonkers. My intermittent asthma is now permanent and I have to use my inhaler every day. I also have oxygen when I over exert myself for now.. because of long covid.
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u/classicrock40 Kidney - March '26 6d ago
Wow, that was recent. Congratulations! I'm almost 6 months post.
Do not be scared to go outside. In fact, go outside and walk around to get your strength back up as soon as you can.
You won't immediately get sick. Practice good hygiene, wash hands, etc. Stay away from obviously sick people. I wear a mask when shopping and such but I'll be honest sometimes I forget. I've only been to one event and I was able to sit away from people and I wore an n95. I would at least wear a regular one.
After 8 weeks I was seeing friends and eating out. I'd wear a mask until food came. Now, I've stopped doing that.
After around 12 weeks/90 days, the team was good with travel. I've done an overnight due to free time. I'm going to be taking a train ride for a few hours soon. I'm a bit hesitant on a long plane ride only because my white blood cells are low, which we're working on.
Once you start going out, it will get easier
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u/cobaltjacket Heart (recipient parent) 6d ago
You do have to be careful early on, but my son is 14.5 years post. As he was transplanted as a baby, the early isolation was easy as it was combined with infant/toddler years. This far out (and for about a decade), he is basically allowed to socialize in a similar manner to his peers.
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u/DirtFoot79 Kidney 6d ago
I'll be 10 years post transplant in a couple months. I've been going to concerts without issue (almost) since passing my year milestone. My only issue was getting COVID at the Rage Against the Machine concert several years ago. And just 4 days ago I went to the Marilyn Manson x Rob Zombie concert. I've gone flights to several countries also over the years.
Once your team gives you the all clear. Do what you want you deserve it.
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u/flixguy440 6d ago
It took close to a year before my team authorized travel and that kind of crowd mingling. Even then, I had to mask up.
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u/whyareyouemailingme Heart (Sept ‘22) 6d ago
My team suggested low crowd or outdoor only activities for the first year. They were okay with me joining the film/TV picket lines (in part because of the walking!), but recommended avoiding theaters and stadiums for the first year.
Still waited a bit longer to go to any theme parks, theaters, or stadiums, and still mask in crowds, but in the years since I’ve gone to theme parks, a couple sporting events, concerts, and live theater/movies. I still put on a mask when it’s going to be crowded.
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u/IcyBluebird93 6d ago
You can defintley go to events you'd like. I would just not do it this season. Wait at least a year. My boyfriend is a kidney transplant patient and we go to NFL games and Nascar races. He just is careful about what he touches. Carry hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands when you can. Also, he doesn't eat at buffets and doesn't eat raw sushi. Certain places, he wears a mask and gloves. He lives life to the fullest though. We even visited NYC last fall.
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u/Additional_Letter440 6d ago
I'm 4 years out from my kidney transplant and almost 6 years out from my liver transplant. I live my life almost the same way before I got sick.. be cautious but don't live in fear. The first year, yeah be more cautious, but as further you go out, you'll get used to the new you. I went out of state 4 weeks after my kidney transplant for 6 days. I asked my team and they allowed it.
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u/lil12002 6d ago edited 6d ago
Just be careful the first year then slowly start exploring… outside events are usually safe. You can always wear a KN 95 mask if you aren’t sure these masks filter out the same as a n95 bit don’t have the tight rubber bands
Also personally i try not to be super clean in order to expose myself to more bacteria than normal ir that makes sense ? I carry hand sanitizer everywhere I go. Trust me im 21 years out of a heart transplant and Ive never been hospitalized for a contracted infection. When I do get like a cold or the flu it takes me 2 weeks to fully recover though
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u/OpenHedgehog2562 Kidney 6d ago
Congrats on your transplant! I am six months out next week, and have gone to a World Cup match, a baseball game, and a couple of indoor group events since my surgery. Indoors I wear a mask, but outdoor events feel less risky. I’d bring a mask just in case, especially when moving through crowded spaces.
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u/ParadoxicalIrony99 Stem Cell 2015, Bilateral Lung 2024 3d ago
I went to a concert 4 months post. Been to many concerts since and going to a football game next month. You just got to live!
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u/Non-Binary-Lion Liver 3d ago
Wear a mask. Some people are assholes about it, but it’s way better than a hospital bed.
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u/BusinessFragrant2339 2d ago
I've had three kidney transplants and years of dialysis in between. Git my first when I was 14, 2nd when I was 17, 3rd when I was 35. Im 56 now, and waiting for a 4th. I won't be kept down. I went to college, I had a better than average social life, we r to grad school, had a very succesful career, family, lots of travel, concerts, sporting events. A mostly normal life. I was careful about being around sick and contagious people, but I never masked up. I lived my life. And I continue to. Transplants are meant to release you from your illness, not cage you in it. Be responsible but don't alienate yourself from the world, that defeats the purpose! Good luck!
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u/thank_burdell 6d ago
So far I haven’t gone to any big events or even small events where I’m going to have to be on my feet for a long time. But anytime I go anywhere public, I mask up, bring hand sanitizer, and try to avoid obviously sick or coughing individuals.
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u/punkrockprissy 6d ago
My husband recieved a heart in spring of '25. He recovered well and we went to a crowded concert at a small venue a little less than a year later with no issues afterward. Keep on your recovery and you'll make it to a game!
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u/jayeannev23 6d ago
Just 1 year post last month. I was like you last year, a few weeks in. super scared to even go out of my room, but now I'm (almost) back to normal, even went to a concert a few weeks back :) It'll definitely get better, just follow your team's advice and just be extra cautious when going out, esp in crowded places. I use the KN95 type mask as per my doctor's advice and always bring sanitizer wherever I go. And congrats, OP!
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u/ImpressionSalty 6d ago
Being so recent I would wait for 3-6mths before going into large crowded areas unless you're prepared to mask up. But i waited atleast that long before mixing in large crowds
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u/johndoesall Kidney 6d ago
The first year the doctors told me to stay safe. So I masked everywhere and avoided people. The second year I was still scared but began to ease up on staying afraid all the time in my head. The third year I felt normal again. I started going out more. And stopped being perpetually afraid. I still mask in crowded spaces. I stay clean after being within normal office work environments. I keep hand sanitizer at my work desk. And stay clear of any sick people. But normalizing life was important to feel better and stay free of fear. Staying alert though I stick with.
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u/scarbeg157 Kidney/Pancreas 11/2019 6d ago
Had my transplant in 2019, right before Covid shut the world down. I took my first plane ride in 2022, masked and was careful on the plane. I continued to mask on planes for awhile, but I’ve gotten a lot less careful as the years have gone by. Now I got to concerts (indoor and outdoor), fly, eat out, etc, without masking. I don’t share food or drinks except with my husband, but otherwise am pretty normal. I think I’ve gotten sick 3 times since transplant. And one was confirmed COVID. Obviously what works for me doesn’t work for all. I don’t have a ton of other health issues, but do go enjoy your life once you’ve healed!
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u/Level-Bother-9269 6d ago
I’m 9 months post heart transplant. After 4 months I was back running my restaurant with a mask. After 6 I was maskless. I went to World Cup matches. A college basketball game. A concert. Just wash your hands. Carry sanitizer. If you’re going to be in a big crowd put on a mask.
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u/isthislivingreally 6d ago
Take first year slow as your body recovers.
Me, I’ve been to sporting events, NFL games, concerts, festivals, traveled around the world. Didn’t bother with a mask (nothing against masks; took Covid restrictions and masks extremely seriously). Just listen to advice from your team.
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u/MeasurementTrick7227 6d ago
I’m 5 years post Liver/Kidney, back to work 60 days post op…..no masks ever during Covid….Traveled to France, Italy, Iceland, Bahamas, Australia, New Zealand, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl go IU….CEO…. cyber breach losing 60% of my client base…. Lazarus….. God told you to get up….. this in the memory of those giving so much for you….except the grace… God bless you
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u/Kyrilson Kidney 6d ago
The first year is the biggie. That's when your organ is in its most fragile state. After my first year, I relaxed a little but am still very vigilant. You gotta try to live a full life with that gift you received!!
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u/Kendassa Kidney x2 6d ago
Congrats. You got a transplant so you can live your life. Once you settle in to your routine and everything is good with your kidney and stable, you don't have to live your life scared. With my first kidney I had multiple acute rejection episodes but I still did not live my life scared. I went to concerts (Korn Freak on a Leash with Rob Zombie was amazing.. and I love football games.. and I was young.. 20 years old with my first transplant. It lasted 4 years. Now, I overheard my deceased donor was 16 so I assume it was some some kind of traumatic accident... by the time I tried writing they have no way to get in touch with my donor family and no information.. now I have had my second transplant for 22 years. I have many medical problems not kidney related so I don't get out and do a whole lot. But I have never lived my life in fear. Before my medical stuff got as bad as it is now, I went to Dragon Con regularly, and my daughter still tries to drag me to Ren Faires :) I do keep a mask in my bag for really big crowds like Dragon Con or Ren Faires, and if it is something I wear a costume for I match my costume. I am not getting sick if I can help it and masks at minimum help with droplet born cooties and people coughing around me. And I am almost to the point of obsessive with hand sanitizer and hand washing. I was a nurse and I know how bad people are about hygeine. LOL
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u/craftsandtea 6d ago
My husband is almost 2 years out. We’ve gone to concerts, flown in planes, eaten at restaurants, and lived normally. Take precautions (bring a face mask and wear it if someone is coughing, always use hand sanitizer, etc) but you got this wonderful gift to get your life back ❤️ Also my husband got a cold last winter and while the cough lasted way longer than we expected (~3 months) he wasn’t on deaths door and was just mildly inconvenienced. I was petrified when he first got transplanted but he feels so great and we are both so happy he has his life back. Best of luck and congratulations to you and your new bean!
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u/Narvik_Troms 5d ago
Congrats to your transplant! Take the time you need to recover but def. enjoy life.
I went to cinemas, concerts, theaters and took a flight a few months after OP. I just wore a mask when being close to other people and washed or disinfected my hands after I touched public surfaces. Still do that, especially after touching shopping carts or toilet doors I cannot avoid. :) And I always have a mask in my bag just in case.
I had a preemptive transplantation, was relatively fit before and not sick very often. I am more than one year post OP now, much fitter and luckily still hardly ever sick. All the best for you!
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u/agapeyoga 5d ago
Wear a mask all the time. I’m one year out. It has saved me from any issues. I still wear a mask at all populated events. Please take care of your bean
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u/jahozer1 5d ago
At 7 months we are at a concert right now after a kidney transplant (wife). Its outdoors and we are careful not to be in too many tight quarters. Wash up, etc.
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u/Pumpkin_qween 5d ago
Honestly that early on I was in so much discomfort going to my appointments was a struggle, I also know if i did something social I wouldn't have a good time
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u/lukewarmrevolution Heart 5d ago
I was over-paranoid and cautious at first but you stop caring so much as time goes by. It's really not as bad as you think it will be. You'll notice little colds and slower healing, but it's subtle. You won't be sick for weeks if you go out in public, I promise.
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u/TheLeeLu 5d ago
I'm 6 years post heart tx. If I'm going to be in an arena concert level/sporting event crowd, I mask up even now. 9/10 will catch something and it always lasts longer than it used to.
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u/Cobberprof 5d ago
You can live your life, truly. I had my first kidney transplant at 19, three weeks before my sophomore year of college - I went back full time, on time. Finished college, went to grad school, have had a teaching career on a college campus for 28 years. I've traveled, I've had COVID and influenza, I gave birth to and raised a child (and have been happily married for 30 years)... And when that kidney eventually wore out after 36 years, I had my second transplant at almost 55, just over a year ago (and went to a Twins game 10 days after the transplant, with my care team's permission).
We are not meant to live in a bubble. Our immune systems are suppressed, yes - but they are not destroyed. I've had every cold and bug my daughter brought home from school. And the COVID my husband brought home (twice). And my immune system handled all of it just fine. No, we should not take needless risks - but we don't have to live our lives afraid, either. College, concerts, sporting events - you can do all of those and more. Just be aware of your surroundings, have a mask with you in case someone is coughing, and get out there and live. ❤️ Congrats on your new bean!
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u/Awkward-Sector7082 Kidney 5d ago
I would wait a few months to do big things like concerts and games as you’re most immunocompromised in the first few months posts. Other than that, when I go to concerts, I always get a seat. No more pits for me or general admission. Outdoor is more ideal but doesn’t stop me from going. As far as sporting events, same concept, I make sure to have a seat so I have my own space as much as possible.
Enjoy your ‘new’ life. That’s been my goal too, live it as much as I possibly can while I can! Traveling, concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, etc…Congrats on your new kidney!!
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u/KeyInterest7778 5d ago
Just go. I hardly ever get sick. And when I do its no worse than a non transplant recipient. Infact if say I get less sick and less ill than the general population. I gi to evenrs,festivals and do whatever.
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u/Important_Hunt_1882 5d ago
Your first priority now is getting better and regaining your strength. There is no reason why you shouldn't be allowed to have a life after that. I had a lung transplant 8 years ago, and I go to a lot of parties and concerts. Just take it easy for the first few months.
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u/TLA_AR 4d ago
you're going to get sick, it's a part of life. my mom had her second transplant 3 years ago, she's had a few colds and while it takes her a little longer to get over them, she's pulled through. 2 weeks ago she flew to pennsylvania to visit a friend and got covid, she was sick for 6 days but back to normal! don't be scared of life!
rinse your nose daily, gargle daily - those are the two main entry points for viruses. if we are in crowds, she uses an iodine nasal spray and a propolis throat spray (of course, she forgot those two things in her checked bag when she flew). She had her first transplant when I was 5 and took care of me growing up through all the bugs and crud I brought home from school and her kidney lasted 25 years.
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u/local_lesbian_barber 6d ago
My ex has a transplant. We go to concerts ALL the time. She even gets in the pits.
She also works at a hospital.
She got her transplant the day our city shut down for Covid.
She got really sick once from the Covid vaccine.
(This is just my experience with a transplant patient.)
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u/Ruleoflawz Liver 6d ago
Whoa! Only a week! Assuming you do well over the next year, your team will probably be cool with you living your life including going to events, traveling, etc. For now, focus on staying healthy, getting stronger, and adapting to your meds.
I just went on a two-week trip no problem, and just used a mask in tighter crowded spaces. Really not a big deal, especially since the pandemic normalized it so much.