1. < Transplants

Changes after Transplant

Posted by 2011panc @2011panc, Nov 22, 2016

I have learned that following a transplant there are many changes beyond your physical situation. What is your experience? Has your mood changed? Are you happier, calmer, more agitated, more anxious, more relaxed or something else? Do you feel you have changed emotionally, spiritually or mentally? Do you feel that your personality has changed? I am curious about more than physical. I appreciate your input on this issue.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

garyandrade | @garyandrade | Apr 20, 2018
In reply to @garyandrade "I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also..." + (show)
@garyandrade

I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also heard that this is quite common for any major abdominal Surgery. My taste buds have changed for sure but nothing quite that drastic. My surgeon seems to think there is a link to the chemicals in the anesthesia. Many changes have been for the good... I really can't stomach a Big Mac which is probably a blessing in disguise. My rebirth date is August 12 of 2015 so even today I'm still finding new things about my body.

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Wow! That sounds super interesting. I'm sure there is more going on in Transplantation experiences, things that current science can't explain or has even researched!

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JK | @contentandwell | Apr 20, 2018
In reply to @garyandrade "I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also..." + (show)
@garyandrade

I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also heard that this is quite common for any major abdominal Surgery. My taste buds have changed for sure but nothing quite that drastic. My surgeon seems to think there is a link to the chemicals in the anesthesia. Many changes have been for the good... I really can't stomach a Big Mac which is probably a blessing in disguise. My rebirth date is August 12 of 2015 so even today I'm still finding new things about my body.

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@garyandrade I had in my mind that when my MELD went over 28 I would dual list at Mayo in MN. My home hospital was Mass General. I had spoken to people in the Transplant department at Mayo and they felt with my B blood type I would probably see a transplant at 28. Out of the blue one day, about 2 months prior to when I was told I would probably get called by MGH, I got the call and the rest is history. I too was happy to be able to do it at a hospital fairly close (55 miles), it sure simplifies things, and Mass General has in some ratings been rated at the best hospital in the country! Generally I have seen it at #3 behind Mayo and Cleveland Clinic. I could not have been happier than I have been with MGH though. It seems like the transplant departments in all of the hospitals are truly top-notch, and from what I have heard, everyone has been very happy with their experience.
On a divergent note, how lucky are you to live in SD? I love it there, hope to get back there one of these days.
JK

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Apr 21, 2018
In reply to @garyandrade "I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also..." + (show)
@garyandrade

I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also heard that this is quite common for any major abdominal Surgery. My taste buds have changed for sure but nothing quite that drastic. My surgeon seems to think there is a link to the chemicals in the anesthesia. Many changes have been for the good... I really can't stomach a Big Mac which is probably a blessing in disguise. My rebirth date is August 12 of 2015 so even today I'm still finding new things about my body.

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@garyandrade, If you want to address your response or question to a particular member, you can copy and paste their @name as I just did with you.
FYI for you and any of our new members: There is a "Get Started on Connect" active link in the grey box at the bottom left of this page. Lots of helpful hints!

PS - I think my niece is a nurse at Scripps in San Diego:-)
Rosemary

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Apr 21, 2018
In reply to @garyandrade "I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also..." + (show)
@garyandrade

I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also heard that this is quite common for any major abdominal Surgery. My taste buds have changed for sure but nothing quite that drastic. My surgeon seems to think there is a link to the chemicals in the anesthesia. Many changes have been for the good... I really can't stomach a Big Mac which is probably a blessing in disguise. My rebirth date is August 12 of 2015 so even today I'm still finding new things about my body.

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@2011panc, I want to thank you for sharing your personal experience with our members. That is lone of the reasons why Mayo Connect exists. - We are an online community where you can share your experiences and find support from people like ourselves.
It is very clear that you are, "Not trying to preach, convince or convert anyone else".
Blessings to you, too.
Rosemary

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jodeej | @jodeej | Apr 21, 2018
In reply to @jodeej "I've heard of this happening so often! I met someone at the Gift of Life House..." + (show)
@jodeej

I've heard of this happening so often! I met someone at the Gift of Life House that has had two liver transplants and with each one her food tastes have changed. It is so fascinating. Just goes to show how much your body is connected. God does good work!

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@rosemarya i totally understand that one. When I was pregnant with our youngest my husband got me a coffee grinder and coffee for Christmas not knowing that i couldn't stand the smell of coffee! I'm so glad I got over it as I love my coffee!!

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jodeej | @jodeej | Apr 21, 2018
In reply to @garyandrade "I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also..." + (show)
@garyandrade

I have no logical explanation other than I understand this is very common. I have also heard that this is quite common for any major abdominal Surgery. My taste buds have changed for sure but nothing quite that drastic. My surgeon seems to think there is a link to the chemicals in the anesthesia. Many changes have been for the good... I really can't stomach a Big Mac which is probably a blessing in disguise. My rebirth date is August 12 of 2015 so even today I'm still finding new things about my body.

Jump to this post

@2011panc what a wonderful testimony. Faith is what is getting my husband and I through this journey. I've told a lot of people that I am getting through with prayer and yoga! Lol We still have the why us moments, but they are fewer and farther between. Letting go and letting God is hard sometimes, but we are still works in progress.
Thank you for this post,
JoDee

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JK | @contentandwell | Apr 21, 2018
In reply to @jodeej "I've heard of this happening so often! I met someone at the Gift of Life House..." + (show)
@jodeej

I've heard of this happening so often! I met someone at the Gift of Life House that has had two liver transplants and with each one her food tastes have changed. It is so fascinating. Just goes to show how much your body is connected. God does good work!

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@jodeej The only times that the smell of coffee bothered me was when I was in labor. My husband went out for a cup of coffee and I couldn't stand the smell on his breath when he got back, and I too love coffee.

When I was in our local hospital for a few HE episodes pre-transplant the coffee was so AWFUL that I couldn't drink any coffee for a few weeks afterward.
JK

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jodeej | @jodeej | May 4, 2018

Hi All! I thought this was a fascinating article. I know of a couple of people that have noticed some changes in food and music preferences after a transplant. Have any of you noticed anything?
https://www.medicaldaily.com/can-organ-transplant-change-recipients-personality-cell-memory-theory-affirms-yes-247498

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2 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 4, 2018
In reply to @jodeej "Hi All! I thought this was a fascinating article. I know of a couple of people..." + (show)
@jodeej

Hi All! I thought this was a fascinating article. I know of a couple of people that have noticed some changes in food and music preferences after a transplant. Have any of you noticed anything?
https://www.medicaldaily.com/can-organ-transplant-change-recipients-personality-cell-memory-theory-affirms-yes-247498

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Hi @jodeej thanks for posting this article. I actually moved your post along with @glinda's response to the discussion @rosemarya mentioned, called Changes After Transplant. The stories shared by members are fascinating.

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Kelly Smith | @kellysmith1215 | May 28, 2018
In reply to @wkary "Absolutely! I was far from creative prior to my live tx. Since I want to learn..." + (show)
@wkary

Absolutely! I was far from creative prior to my live tx. Since I want to learn to draw, sketch and design.

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I am currently going thru the transplant steps. I feel i have a lot of the same feelings you have or had. Is it for me. What will my life be like after transplant. Will it be better??

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