1. < Transplants
Mentor

This and That and Talk - My Transplant

Posted by Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor @rosemarya, Apr 9, 2017

As our Mayo Connect community grows, I am constantly meeting organ transplant members on a wide variety of forums with a wide range of issues that are not directly transplant specific. However, because we are all transplant recipients, we have a special connection: a unique journey and best of all - a new life! We don't always need help or advice. Many times we just want to chat with someone like us! That is my purpose in starting This and That and Talk.

Drop in and say 'Hi'. You are welcome anytime.

What do you want t to talk about? What words can you offer to someone who is on the journey? Do you have any questions for another recipient?

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

Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 22, 2017
In reply to @2011panc "This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant..." + (show)
@2011panc

This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant (pancreas) I lost a great deal of weight due to gastric issues. Ironically while still having giant yoyo blood sugars! At the time I was malnourished and losing hair also. Following transplant I was unable to wear any of my previous clothes because of distension and tenderness in my stomach. Immediately following the transplant I continued losing weight for a while and then gained a little back. Over the last year I have been working on losing again in hopes of getting a better bmi and into the normal range of weight/height/age. I am now down 3 dress sizes and on the brink of needing to shop for the next smaller size. I hope to lose another 20 pounds for a total loss of 90 pounds from my highest ever weight. I am on 5 limiting diets and eat when I am hungry rather than on a schedule. I drink a great deal of water, black coffee, herbal tea and chicken broth. I tend to run low on sodium, so the chicken broth helps with that. Thank God for small favors! lol I limit dairy, fiber, oxalates, fats and carbohydrates. The carb cuts are mostly from dropping potatoes and things made with flour. I also rarely eat eggs or drink soda, as they seem to upset my stomach. I do not have gluten intolerance, I just feel better without the flour products. We mostly cook from fresh at home, so that cuts out a great deal of preservatives also and help me feel better. Exercise is difficult because of trembling and balance issues, but I do my best to keep up with yoga, stretching and walking. I'm thinking of attempting swimming laps, but just have not made that commitment yet. I encourage everyone to do your best and be mindful of what your hands are doing and what you put in your mouth. If you eat something you shouldn't have . . . we all have. Just start over. We can do this!

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@2011panc, I hope that you will sleep good in your own bed tonight! I am going to be on the sidelines, and cheering for you as you proceed with your plan of action.
A lovely spring day with shopping (and finding some nice things) sound like a nice way to treat yourself after your rugged week.

Do you stay at the Gift of Life House when you go to Mayo in Rochester?
Rosemary

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 22, 2017
In reply to @2011panc "This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant..." + (show)
@2011panc

This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant (pancreas) I lost a great deal of weight due to gastric issues. Ironically while still having giant yoyo blood sugars! At the time I was malnourished and losing hair also. Following transplant I was unable to wear any of my previous clothes because of distension and tenderness in my stomach. Immediately following the transplant I continued losing weight for a while and then gained a little back. Over the last year I have been working on losing again in hopes of getting a better bmi and into the normal range of weight/height/age. I am now down 3 dress sizes and on the brink of needing to shop for the next smaller size. I hope to lose another 20 pounds for a total loss of 90 pounds from my highest ever weight. I am on 5 limiting diets and eat when I am hungry rather than on a schedule. I drink a great deal of water, black coffee, herbal tea and chicken broth. I tend to run low on sodium, so the chicken broth helps with that. Thank God for small favors! lol I limit dairy, fiber, oxalates, fats and carbohydrates. The carb cuts are mostly from dropping potatoes and things made with flour. I also rarely eat eggs or drink soda, as they seem to upset my stomach. I do not have gluten intolerance, I just feel better without the flour products. We mostly cook from fresh at home, so that cuts out a great deal of preservatives also and help me feel better. Exercise is difficult because of trembling and balance issues, but I do my best to keep up with yoga, stretching and walking. I'm thinking of attempting swimming laps, but just have not made that commitment yet. I encourage everyone to do your best and be mindful of what your hands are doing and what you put in your mouth. If you eat something you shouldn't have . . . we all have. Just start over. We can do this!

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@2011panc Fasting and tests are not fun at all. The stress of the testing is bad enough. I remember joking with my nurses during my 2 week hospital stint prior to transplant about the 'mayo diet' that they had me on because of so many fasting procedures.
It is amazing how Mayo can get so much accomplished in a short span of time. People here at home, cannot imaging such a thing.

Please keep in touch.
Rosemary

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 22, 2017
In reply to @chattykathy "Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell..." + (show)
@chattykathy

Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell out, could not eat very much at a time, had diet restrictions due to kidney and liver condition. I also developed acites which made me feel full all the time. This is not a way to lose weight. I have regained most of the weight back and am trying to lose it again. I just saw in my local newspaper that our local health department is starting yoga classes. I am thinking about joining if I can get transportation to them and back. I have balance issues, so I am hoping this might work for me. Our yard is unlevel with lots of roots which throws my balance off at times. I do not know of any pools close by that I could exercise in. Gyms will not accept me due to the blindness and liability. I will keep trying to control portions while eating healthy as much as possible.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. CK.

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@contentandwell, No salads? Is this a forever thing, or is it temporary? Are there any veggies or fruits that are OK? Or are canned in natural juices OK?
Rosemary

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 22, 2017
In reply to @chattykathy "Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell..." + (show)
@chattykathy

Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell out, could not eat very much at a time, had diet restrictions due to kidney and liver condition. I also developed acites which made me feel full all the time. This is not a way to lose weight. I have regained most of the weight back and am trying to lose it again. I just saw in my local newspaper that our local health department is starting yoga classes. I am thinking about joining if I can get transportation to them and back. I have balance issues, so I am hoping this might work for me. Our yard is unlevel with lots of roots which throws my balance off at times. I do not know of any pools close by that I could exercise in. Gyms will not accept me due to the blindness and liability. I will keep trying to control portions while eating healthy as much as possible.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. CK.

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@2011panc, @contentandwell
I am sending this link to Mayo Healthy Lifestyle Page. You might be able to find some nutrition information or recipes that might fit your needs. There are a lot of interesting topics, so I included the full page. Plus some special diets on the Fitness and Nutrition section.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle
Rosemary

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | May 22, 2017
In reply to @chattykathy "Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell..." + (show)
@chattykathy

Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell out, could not eat very much at a time, had diet restrictions due to kidney and liver condition. I also developed acites which made me feel full all the time. This is not a way to lose weight. I have regained most of the weight back and am trying to lose it again. I just saw in my local newspaper that our local health department is starting yoga classes. I am thinking about joining if I can get transportation to them and back. I have balance issues, so I am hoping this might work for me. Our yard is unlevel with lots of roots which throws my balance off at times. I do not know of any pools close by that I could exercise in. Gyms will not accept me due to the blindness and liability. I will keep trying to control portions while eating healthy as much as possible.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. CK.

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@rosemarya I hope it will not be forever, I love salads and they are so healthy. I've found some dressings that don't say "lite" but they really are lower in calories and some are very low in sodium, and they taste great. It's Braswells. I love their vidalia peppercorn. The only ingredient in it that is not something a person would not use at home is xanthan gum and I don't think that's bad for you.
I can eat cooked veggies because then the fiber is softened and less abrasive. Same with fruits. I love oatmeal in the morning with strawberries but the only hot cereal I see on the list is cream of wheat and I think my beloved strawberries and blueberries are off limits except in very small quantities. They said to not eat things that are more than 1 gm of fiber per serving. White bread is fine.
How crazy is this? It eliminates all the healthy eating foods.
Juices are fine but I rarely drink them because lots of cals and not much better for you than sodas really, plus I love grapefruit juice which is off limits due to the immunosuppressants of course.
JK

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | May 22, 2017
In reply to @chattykathy "Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell..." + (show)
@chattykathy

Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell out, could not eat very much at a time, had diet restrictions due to kidney and liver condition. I also developed acites which made me feel full all the time. This is not a way to lose weight. I have regained most of the weight back and am trying to lose it again. I just saw in my local newspaper that our local health department is starting yoga classes. I am thinking about joining if I can get transportation to them and back. I have balance issues, so I am hoping this might work for me. Our yard is unlevel with lots of roots which throws my balance off at times. I do not know of any pools close by that I could exercise in. Gyms will not accept me due to the blindness and liability. I will keep trying to control portions while eating healthy as much as possible.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. CK.

Jump to this post

@rosemarya Thanks Rosemary. I took a look but "healthy living" diets are pretty much the opposite of what I am forced to be eating now to control these digestive problems. Today I dared not leave the house again.
JK

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 22, 2017
In reply to @chattykathy "Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell..." + (show)
@chattykathy

Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell out, could not eat very much at a time, had diet restrictions due to kidney and liver condition. I also developed acites which made me feel full all the time. This is not a way to lose weight. I have regained most of the weight back and am trying to lose it again. I just saw in my local newspaper that our local health department is starting yoga classes. I am thinking about joining if I can get transportation to them and back. I have balance issues, so I am hoping this might work for me. Our yard is unlevel with lots of roots which throws my balance off at times. I do not know of any pools close by that I could exercise in. Gyms will not accept me due to the blindness and liability. I will keep trying to control portions while eating healthy as much as possible.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. CK.

Jump to this post

@contentandwell, I admire your attitude with all of this going on. But as we have agreed before, there is no good in complaining because it is what it is, and we are alive. I really hope that you get this straightened out before too long.

Previously you said these digestive problems are from the immunosuppressants. I have not experienced any similar symptoms, but I do know that many people have varying complications during 1st year. Maybe this is just one of those bumps in the road; soon to be a distant memory.

It will be interesting to find out if this will resolve with the dietary restrictions that you are implementing. Did your NP indicate anything about the time involved. I have also heard of some people who need to be changed to a different immunosuppressant meds.
Hugs,
Rosemary

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | May 23, 2017
In reply to @chattykathy "Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell..." + (show)
@chattykathy

Hi all; prior to transplant, I was malnourished due to GI symptoms also. My hair fell out, could not eat very much at a time, had diet restrictions due to kidney and liver condition. I also developed acites which made me feel full all the time. This is not a way to lose weight. I have regained most of the weight back and am trying to lose it again. I just saw in my local newspaper that our local health department is starting yoga classes. I am thinking about joining if I can get transportation to them and back. I have balance issues, so I am hoping this might work for me. Our yard is unlevel with lots of roots which throws my balance off at times. I do not know of any pools close by that I could exercise in. Gyms will not accept me due to the blindness and liability. I will keep trying to control portions while eating healthy as much as possible.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. CK.

Jump to this post

@rosemarya Thanks for the support and encouragement. Prior to calling the transplant clinic I googled both prograf and cellcept and discovered that they both can cause my problem. Prior to that I was thinking I had just developed a sensitivity to something I was eating and my main suspect was salads!
I sure hope it is just a bump in the road and that once it is settled I will once again be able to eat a more healthy diet, including salads.
In the meantime, the weather is getting nice, although a bit cool this week, we are heading to Bar Harbor in Maine for the weekend with another couple, my son and daughter are both in good periods of their lives, and life is good.
JK

REPLY
IWantToBelieve | @IWantToBelieve | May 23, 2017
In reply to @2011panc "This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant..." + (show)
@2011panc

This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant (pancreas) I lost a great deal of weight due to gastric issues. Ironically while still having giant yoyo blood sugars! At the time I was malnourished and losing hair also. Following transplant I was unable to wear any of my previous clothes because of distension and tenderness in my stomach. Immediately following the transplant I continued losing weight for a while and then gained a little back. Over the last year I have been working on losing again in hopes of getting a better bmi and into the normal range of weight/height/age. I am now down 3 dress sizes and on the brink of needing to shop for the next smaller size. I hope to lose another 20 pounds for a total loss of 90 pounds from my highest ever weight. I am on 5 limiting diets and eat when I am hungry rather than on a schedule. I drink a great deal of water, black coffee, herbal tea and chicken broth. I tend to run low on sodium, so the chicken broth helps with that. Thank God for small favors! lol I limit dairy, fiber, oxalates, fats and carbohydrates. The carb cuts are mostly from dropping potatoes and things made with flour. I also rarely eat eggs or drink soda, as they seem to upset my stomach. I do not have gluten intolerance, I just feel better without the flour products. We mostly cook from fresh at home, so that cuts out a great deal of preservatives also and help me feel better. Exercise is difficult because of trembling and balance issues, but I do my best to keep up with yoga, stretching and walking. I'm thinking of attempting swimming laps, but just have not made that commitment yet. I encourage everyone to do your best and be mindful of what your hands are doing and what you put in your mouth. If you eat something you shouldn't have . . . we all have. Just start over. We can do this!

Jump to this post

@2011panc, I'm just getting caught up with emails. I can't help but notice your comment about arthritis in your spine. Have you been screened for Ankylosing Spondylitis (arthritis of the spine but also other joints)? It often takes 10 years to get a diagnosis because before arthritis appears in imaging of the spine the symptoms can be "explained" away. There are great medications to manage future progression and pain so it is worth seeing a rheumatologist if you don't have a reason for the arthritis in your spine. Either way, water exercise is great for arthritis of any kind so I hope you can enjoy adding that to your daily routine. Best of luck finding a way to keep moving because that is the key with arthritis of any type.

REPLY
2011panc | @2011panc | May 25, 2017
In reply to @2011panc "This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant..." + (show)
@2011panc

This is in response to diet and weight loss through the transplant process. Prior to transplant (pancreas) I lost a great deal of weight due to gastric issues. Ironically while still having giant yoyo blood sugars! At the time I was malnourished and losing hair also. Following transplant I was unable to wear any of my previous clothes because of distension and tenderness in my stomach. Immediately following the transplant I continued losing weight for a while and then gained a little back. Over the last year I have been working on losing again in hopes of getting a better bmi and into the normal range of weight/height/age. I am now down 3 dress sizes and on the brink of needing to shop for the next smaller size. I hope to lose another 20 pounds for a total loss of 90 pounds from my highest ever weight. I am on 5 limiting diets and eat when I am hungry rather than on a schedule. I drink a great deal of water, black coffee, herbal tea and chicken broth. I tend to run low on sodium, so the chicken broth helps with that. Thank God for small favors! lol I limit dairy, fiber, oxalates, fats and carbohydrates. The carb cuts are mostly from dropping potatoes and things made with flour. I also rarely eat eggs or drink soda, as they seem to upset my stomach. I do not have gluten intolerance, I just feel better without the flour products. We mostly cook from fresh at home, so that cuts out a great deal of preservatives also and help me feel better. Exercise is difficult because of trembling and balance issues, but I do my best to keep up with yoga, stretching and walking. I'm thinking of attempting swimming laps, but just have not made that commitment yet. I encourage everyone to do your best and be mindful of what your hands are doing and what you put in your mouth. If you eat something you shouldn't have . . . we all have. Just start over. We can do this!

Jump to this post

Well, @rosemarya I am not home yet. I stopped off to spend a few days with my son and we are binge watching Blindspot. I have never binge watched anything before so this is quite interesting to me. I expect to finish the last half of my trip home this weekend. I am surely looking forward to my own bed! We have stayed at GOL almost every time since I first went to Rochester, MN. Rarely they do not have room for us, but it has been such a Godsend for us to have a home atmosphere and reduced housing costs when we have to go.

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