Newsletter: Cardiovascular Health and Your Transplant

Here is the latest newsletter from The Transplant Experience, the educational arm of Astellas Pharmaceuticals. If you are a pre-transplant recipient, I suggest that you visit their website so that you too have access to the vast array of important information they offer.
Go to www.thetransplantexperience.com for registration. *(No, I don't get anything for that recommendation. I just know the value of the information and tools you receive.)


Cardiovascular Health and Your Transplant

Meet Mary Baliker
Kidney transplant recipient (1980, 1984, 1988, 1999)

Mary Baliker's remarkable transplant experience has taught her, among other things, how staying active—both physically and mentally—can help promote long-term success post-transplant.

Mary's Transplant Story

Mary was enjoying a normal childhood when, at age 9, she was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, a chronic disease of the kidneys. Since there was no standard of care for children at the time, maintaining a strict renal diet and monitoring her blood pressure were all she could do to try to keep her kidneys healthy. Mary’s disease went into remission until, as a senior in high school, she again started experiencing signs of poor kidney function. This time, her doctors placed her on an aggressive dialysis regimen that had her “missing a lot of school and not doing the things I wanted to do.” It was shortly thereafter that Mary’s brother, Doug, made the choice to be her living donor and give her a new kidney, which enabled her to attend prom, graduate from high school, and return to a more normal life.

Due to complications, Mary has had a total of four kidney transplants, all at UW Hospital and Clinics. Each procedure has presented a unique set of challenges, preparing her in different ways for the journey ahead—but affirming, always in the same way, her daily will to “live, laugh, and love.” Staying Physically Active Mary learned early in life the importance of remaining disciplined in following a healthy lifestyle. And with February as Heart Health Month, Mary reminds us to take simple steps to protect cardiovascular health, now and into the future: • "Start out slow, and set realistic goals." Whether it’s taking a Zumba® class, riding a bike, or going to the gym to weight train—Mary finds ways every day to fit in some physical activity to get her heart rate up. She suggests working with your transplant team to arrive at an exercise regimen that works for you • "Learn to adapt your diet." If you struggle with high blood pressure, as Mary has, she recommends eliminating salty and processed foods from your diet and using low-sodium alternatives—like garlic, parsley, and sage—to flavor the foods you eat • "Be proactive about your medical evaluations." Mary emphasizes the importance of preventative care, especially when it comes to assessing your cholesterol, including your triglyceride levels. By scheduling these evaluations early, you can track if you’re following the right diet and exercising enough to meet your body’s specific needs

What are HDLs, LDLs, and triglycerides? For an explanation of what each of these terms means to your diet and cardiovascular health, download the “Cholesterol and Your New Organ” booklet from the Helpful Downloads page of the Support section on www.TransplantExperience.com!

Keeping Mentally Fit For Mary, the commitment to overall health and well-being is as much emotional as it is physical: • "Find a way to meditate." Mary recommends low-intensity yoga, but even just setting aside some quiet time for yourself might provide the clarity you need to stay focused and positive • "Look to the support of your transplant team." For Mary, her transplant team has been instrumental in her physical recovery, but has also helped her adopt a positive outlook to recover emotionally from even the most difficult times • "Get involved with the transplant community." As a strong advocate for organ donation and as a participant in the Transplant Games, Mary recommends connecting with other transplant recipients to help you better understand "the gift of life you’ve been given" Mary Baliker is an Ambassador for Transplant Experience and has received compensation from Astellas Pharma US, Inc., for speaking engagements. Zumba is a registered trademark of Zumba Fitness, LLC.

Learn about other aspects of your transplant health by visiting the Healthy Body section of www.TransplantExperience.com.

Not registered with Transplant Experience? Join today.