Hi Kat, if it’s any consolation, my liver numbers still tend to fluctuate even 5.5 years later. My doctor suspects gvhd too but since there is no steady upward trend and often the numbers retreat, we’re just keeping any eye on things and riding it out. Tacro is a possibility in the future if numbers change. So yes, there are those little reminders from time to time that let us know we’re not 100 percent our former selves…life as a chimera, eh? 😅

CMV, along with other latent viruses is usually part of the pre-transplant testing. So somewhere in your bio is the list of pre-existing conditions pre-transplant. In theory we lose most of our immunity to preexisting illnesses. Such as measles. I had those when I was a child and had antibodies in my system. They were still detected after transplant but since the efficacy of those antibodies couldn’t be tested I still needed the vaccinations. I didn’t have CMV but my donor did and so I received that latent virus along with the stem cells. But as predicted, since the donor cells and CMV were old buddies, it didn’t take long for my new immune system to wag a finger of smite and knock those bad guys back to immunity prison. LOL.
However, if there is ever a time when our immune system is weakened with another illness, the CMV can start emerging. So this may be what you are seeing. You’ve mentioned you’ve been tired and feeling like you’re coming down with something and that may be all it takes to have the CMV tiptoeing about on little cat’s paws. Rest, eat healthy fruits/veggies and proteins and limited stresses for a while.
I know! It can feel like backsliding but it’s not! There are days when we get wake up calls to slow down. That’s difficult when we’re otherwise feeling on top of the world. But we have to listen to our bodies. They are well informed, capable healing machines and we need to heed their warnings. 😅

So sorry about that pesky DVT. The stockings are a pain in the biscuits to wear, especially if it’s hot outside. Do you need to wear the thigh high variety? I have some really nice calf-sleeves/compression socks. They’re so comfy and look like cute knee socks but with a little extra oomph built in. Graduating tightness from the ankles on up to the knee but they don’t cut. Also, if your ankles are swelling besides walking 200 steps every hour try elevating your legs over your heart for a while. I had varicose veins from my former job and did have Sclerotherapy, which worked fantastically. But I still make sure I don’t relapse. So daily, I lie on the sofa and swing my legs up to the back rest. Then read a book or watch a movie for 30 minutes. It does help to keep any swelling in check.
Sending a hug from the frigid south! Yes, I said south. LOL It’s minus 23 degrees back home in Wisconsin right now. But down here on the gulf we’re expecting 23 degrees and SNOW tomorrow!! What the heck!! I’ll have my camera ready to snap photos of snow on the palm trees. Poor lizards aren’t going to be happy!