Does it ever get better? Increased aggression post transplant

Posted by Nonagon @nonagon, Mar 28 8:30pm

My family member received a kidney transplant about a week ago, and ever since, they're been nothing but extremely aggressive despite not having a history of being *this* bad. They're not feeling bad and are up and back to their typical daily activities, so a lack of freedom clearly isn't the source of the bitterness. Every time I open my mouth to speak I'm told to shut up in a less than polite way to say the least; Worse yet, they're treating their living donor (closely related), who's been having a long and complicated recovery like garbage too. Donors morale has been through the floor, and it hurts to see. I think the source of all this unprecedented aggression is the anti rejection meds, but I can't be certain.

I feel like this ordeal has permanently damaged my relationship with them, but my question is; does it ever get better? To be honest, I'm not hopeful at all, but I'd like to hear from others.

Thanks,
Nonagon

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chickytina | @chickytina | Mar 29 8:55am

I would recommend someone speak with their doctor. The doctor might be able to adjust the meds for any side effects that they are having.

Lou | @lcd | Mar 29 9:21am

I can tell you from past experiences-the MEDS bring on many mixed emotions. Especially the first couple months. It is hard to describe-you know your emotions are extreme, but when you look back later in the day-you are like "What is wrong with me?". I would cry one minute and laugh at silliest thing an hour later, AND I could communicate this with my support group. I once saw a T-shirt that said "Sorry for everything I said, it was the PREDNISONE." Hopefully for everyone's sake the team can adjust some meds.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Mar 29 11:21am

@nonagon Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Being able to have a transplant can be a life changing experience, not only for the patient but the family/friends/caregivers also. This was a major surgery, and there are almost always aftereffects of the anesthesia, that could be part of the cause of this change of attitude. And definitely, as you have already read here, speak to the transplant team and social worker about the changes you see. While there is a lot of medications to take at the beginning, they get titrated down after some time.

Is there a loving way you can bring up to the family member about the drastic changes you see?
Ginger