Post Liver Transplant Recovery

This is normal. I had the same issue and I loved the ice cream too.
What I think he’s basically going through, because the anti-rejection drugs, is depression! You can also have anxiety issues.
It also is possible survival guilt.
May need to get into a support group or a psychologist that understands transplant patients. It’s mostly a mind thing.
It’s not impossible to get through this! It’s basically takes a reset of your outlook on life!
What he does have is you and that is huge! I went through everything by myself and to this day, I am alone. Going on 10 years now. So I’ve been through the worst possible need to be subtle with him and let him know he has a new life and he does have a responsibility for the liver that was given to him by a person who is no longer with us. So he does have a responsibility to make the best of that Liver in honor of where it came from.
But it’s only been one year! So be subtle with him comfort him and introduce him to his new life! Having you by his side is a great gift! It’s not an impossible task. Nothing is impossible. There’s no such thing as impossible.
This is a quote from Muhammad Ali!
IMPOSSIBLE IS JUST A BIG WORD THROWN AROUND BY SMALL MEN WHO FIND IT EASIER TO LIVE IN THE WORLD THEY’VE BEEN GIVEN THAN TO EXPLORE THE POWER THEY HAVE TO CHANGE IT. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A FACT. IT’S AN OPINION. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A DECLARATION. IT’S A DARE. IMPOSSIBLE IS POTENTIAL. IMPOSSIBLE IS TEMPORARY.

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.

I happen to be in a very similar boat as your husband. My transplant was Aug 28th 2023 at Mayo so I'm just past my 1-year mark. My situation is a little more complicated due to my Lab results and several reoccurrences of CMV. I am still going in for Labs on a weekly basis (UGH!!!) due to a few of the Lab results remain outside of "normal" levels. But who is to say what is "normal" anymore?
I too am somewhat depressed, but I try hard to get "outside" and exercise as often as I can, and I truly believe this helps me. I'm 67 and still work. I walk and go to one of the Scottsdale Aquatic Centers to swim laps. The Water and Sunshine really help me. For work, I'm a salesman, I'm lucky and work from home, but it's all day in front of a computer and phone. "Sitting" pretty much all day and that will kill you fast if you're not careful. My everyday condition is a general unwell, but I just push through it as best I can. I've done "a lot" of reading about my Lab results and about the medications I'm on, which I believe have a lot to do with my overall outlook and how I feel. If your husband hasn't started reading about it already have him start. It's a pretty big eye opener to read through the side effects of the medication we take for this, and it may highlight something about the symptoms he is experiencing. The biggest thing I would recommend is to get on his feet and start moving around. This is new for all of us, and it's just not going to be the same as it was before. Good luck, if I can help with anything, please let me know.
Here are a few links that could help:
Liver Transplant - Mayo:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-transplant/about/pac-20384842
Long-term Management of the Liver Transplant Patient:
https://www.amjtransplant.org/article/S1600-6135(22)01809-3/fulltext
6 Signs Your Body Needs More Nutrients:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/6-signs-your-body-needs-more-nutrients/ss-AA1rbdBb

Liver TXP 12-8-20 MAYO JAC
5 days inpatient began walking a mile in 1 month.
I am 77 years old. Now walking just under 2 miles, running some everyday.
I was totally healthy but dying with Cirrhosis from high iron in my blood.
YOU MUST PUSH FORWARD. SEDENTARY EQUALS DEATH!!
Walk as much as you can everyday day. Do not sit more than 30 min at a time. Eat well get 9 hrs of sleep.
TACROLIMUS is awful but necessary for a while.
I am part of A CLINICAL TRIAL to eliminate immunosuppressants'.
ALLOSURE using FREE CELL DONOR DNA measurement.
Kidney TXP folks have had it for years but I am trying to help get Liver folks in this procedure. It's only a blood draw every few months while TACROLIMUS is reduced.
Started last week. My dosage is 0.5mg BID. in three months it could be only 0.5mg a day them maybe 0 at some point.

I'm a few months away from my anniversary, too! I was/am in the same boat as your husband. I include "am" because I still have those days when I don't want to do anything, but they are much fewer than they used to be. The mental health component of the transplant experience is real. So, I started a concerted effort toward building structure into my day. Tiny steps, like getting up to an alarm, not sitting in my 'spot' for periods of time, wearing shoes, etc. My main motivations to get moving were about supporting my family and losing a steady income because of the liver disease/transplant/recovery. I'm sure there are motivating factors for your husband.

Please do not underestimate the influence of the drugs from both the surgery and what he's taking now. I only tasted 'texture' for months. I mean, doughnuts and plain white bread tasted the same to me - and they were good doughnuts! As an experiment, I started with a flavor I knew and reconnected it to associated flavors. For example, I started with peanut butter. Once I was solid with peanut butter, I added strawberry jelly until I got that. I did the same with cinnamon, then followed where my brain wanted me to go.

I'm sorry for the long answer. I could've just said, 'Yes, it's normal,' but I hope some of my experience gives you peace of mind and some ideas. Please nudge gently ;). And be kind to yourself. This is hard work for everyone involved. The support available is incredible, so keep using it! You got this, and so does your husband.

Thank you, everyone. And God bless you all and keep you healthy. Your answers do help. It's a process, but a worthwhile one.

@lsheerin, I think that you have already realized, from the shared experiences of other transplant recipients, that each one of us is different as we recover from out transplant surgery. I also want to point out that each of us had a different experience leading up to our transplant. You are absolutely correct in saying. "It's a process, but a worthwhile one." I'm nor sure if there is a 'normal' recovery. Please keep his transplant team updated about his progress.

Here is a newly formed support group that you will find helpful.
- It's just one of those days: Share your transplant recovery tips
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/its-just-one-of-those-days/
This is one of my favorites:
- Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/snapshots-of-hope-life-on-the-other-side-of-transplant/
I'm tagging - @abider, @8899, @apachanga1, and @glover to the above groups.

Thanks, Rosemary! I love hearing everyone's story, because each one is unique, but with the same basic issue......the transplant. I will check out the new groups. Stay well.

@isheerin, How is your husband progressing on his recovery?

He's doing Beyond great from the transplant. He has labs done every other week and they are spot on!! He developed muscle separation from the surgery, and he has a bulge in his stomach. They told him, besides wearing a belt for it, there is really nothing to do. There is a surgery, but it's quite extensive. They also said it's a cosmetic surgery, so insurance will not cover it. I really do not think he has a depression issue. He's always in a good mood, talks to people and does want to go out, time to time, not like he used to. He's very interested in the news. We have a cruise booked in May and he's looking forward to it. He's actually planning things for it. He just sleeps...alot. And doesn't move, if he doesn't have to. I read the Envarsus does make you tired. Food is another issue. I think it's slowly starting to get a bit better. I noticed him being a being a hungrier, but he goes for junk food. Sorry for the long reply. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a fun holiday sseason.

@lsheerin, sounds like most things post transplant are really good for your husband (and you!). But...there are still a couple of things.

Regarding the belly bulge, I wonder if these 2 discussions might be helpful for you:
- Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/incisional-hernia/
- Liver Transplant - abdominal hernia and exercise
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-transplant-abdominal-hernia-and-exercise/
And then the 2 "Fs" Fatigue and food. It seems counterintuitive, but getting in some movement might help the fatigue. Is there any activity that he enjoys? If it's fun, it's more likely he'll do it, right?

And then the food. Junk food is just so much easier to reach for when scouring the cupboards. Might he reach for ready-to-eat healthier options if they're on hand, like cut up veggies and dip or fruit? Unsalted nuts? I'm just tossing out some thoughts.