@hopeful33250 It's hard to say because with the old nail gone now and the new one already growing in it looks odd but not sure if that is from the treatment or just the way it would look regardless. Just above the new nail there is an irregular band of white, looks like a dead area, so maybe that's from the laser.
JK

@contentandwell, @hopeful33250, @lcamino, This current toenail discussion has jarred my memory!
I remember that during my pretransplant days, I was severely jaundiced, and my fingernails took on that dark hue, too. I did not think much about it at the time. But as soon as I came out of my transplant surgery, one of the first things I remember hearing from one of my sons, was, "Mom, your aren't yellow anymore!" Well, my nails remained darker than the rest of me. As time went on, I noticed (quite happily) that I was forming new nails - and they were my 'normal' coloration. However, some nails came in smoothly with new one under the old damaged one - like roofing shingles. On others there was with a rough joint where they met. The new ones grew in but were weak. At my 5 month visit after transplant (postponed from 4 month due to sons' wedding) the transplant dermatologist that saw me said that it would be okay to take biotin to strengthen them.
I transplanted in April of that year, and in November, I went on a trip that included some hiking. Last week, I was again hiking, and as I was lacing up my hiking boots, I remembered that I had to wrap tape around my toenails to keep those rough joints from catching on my hiking socks! And even a couple of my fingernails needed layer s of clear strengthening polish to prevent them from coming off too early (ouch). I also remember that I needed to wrap tape around a couple of them...interesting what un pleasantries we choose to block from our memories!
I have always assumed that this was a result of my body reacting to the severity of my own complications, or the medication, or surgery meds, etc. I never even considered the possibility of a fungus. Fortunately for me, it apparently was not an issue. JK, I am impressed that you have taken the self determination to get this checked out and treated. In my ignorance, can I ask what led you and podiatrist to consider and test for fungus?
Thanks for keeping us informed on this!
Rosemary

@rosemarya Thank you for the input. That seems to make it even more likely that it is not fungus but the podiatrists probably see very few patients with a problem from transplant since the large scheme of things we are not that common. Of course your problem started prior to transplant whereas mine just started more recently, about 8 months after transplant.
The nail was looking sort of ugly and I had no idea if it could be fungus or not so I just wanted to get it checked out particularly since in some instances a fungus can cause a spread of infections, the last thing I need. I guess I am fairly cautious; I want answers.
JK

@contentandwell, We are a special set of patients, and many doctors have not had to treat people with our medical issues. But I am in complete understanding and support of your approaching this issue. I think that you mentioned your visits to the gym and pool and spa, and those play a major part in your choice to get it treated. Early diagnosis and treatment is always the best policy - even more important after transplant. My husband likes to tells me that I'm 'not normal' anymore - so I should not settle for normal care. btw, husbands professional career was as a psychologist.
Correction: My nail darkening began pretransplant, But the outgrowing wasn't until afterwards.

I'm loving what you said, "I want answers"!
Rosemary

@contentandwell and @rosemarya I agree - you are not normal, but far above normal - in that place called "special." You are both intelligent and planners - you don't let anything get past you! I admire both what you have been through and how you handle it. Teresa

@hopeful33250, Teresa, you are very kind to say this.
I believe that after this experience and a new life, we cannot 'afford' to let anything get past us. My husband and I consider it our own special way that we honor my donor - by taking care of this gift that was freely given in my time of need.
Living with a transplant requires lifetime commitment to being aware and proactive. On this forum, it is wonderful to receive ongoing encouragement from others who are in similar circumstances.
Thanks for your encouragement,
Rosemary

@rosemarya Sometimes I just wish I could "double-like" some comments - this would be one of them! Teresa

@hopeful33250 Thanks Teresa. One thing I know for sure is this experience changed me forever. One of things it has done is to make me want to shake people who are very overweight. They, like I was, just do not realize the harm they are potentially doing. I know my cirrhosis came from fatty liver. Not every overweight person develops these problems but I hate to see people putting themselves at risk. We went to a bbq at my stepson's on Sunday and he has gotten very overweight. I would love to sit him down and talk to him about his weight but my husband would not be happy with me if I did that.
It's changed me a lot on a more personal level also.
JK

@contentandwell I understand where you are coming from. However folks can only change when they are convinced that it is in their best interests. It does make us feel helpless, though, doesn't it? Teresa

@contentandwell - Being safe is always better than being sorry. Don't ever doubt your ability to advocate for yourself.