This and That and Talk - My Transplant

Thanks for the support.

@livertrex, I'm so happy that the surgery went well for you. And I am sad about the pain that you are experiencing. Is your team aware of the pain level?
I hope that you can get some rest and begin to heal.

I have been following along and agree that communication with your docs on
pain are good practice for all of us.
I visited my own GP today due to bronchitis and stomach virus. Fighting
this over Christmas pre and post. Today as a belated present...my doc
ordered up 2 shots. Prednisone and antibiotic..hope they work..sick of
being sick.
Haven't been real active lately as my beloved cat Cami developed throat
cancer and had to be put down. It went very quickly and there weren't any
viable options. She was my therapy and love. So..seeing my unhappiness my
daughter, who lives next door helped me research and find my new Christmas
rescue kitty! Maggie is my new Maine Coon companion and is providing me
with more energy and happiness than I thought I ever had...When I'm
exhausted she is right there on the bed with me. Follows me
everywhere..even to the bathroom in the middle of the night. She is
extremely smart which challenges my brain to focus. And of course she is
close to my daughter too...should I have to go to the hospital.
Liverwise....I'm doing a great job managing so far they tell me. So I keep
reading and following orders...
Best wishes to all over this holiday season.. it can be stressful for many.
We are in this together and as we approach 2020, I am ever so grateful for
your advice and support. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020!

I am on the road again today, and headed for my granddaughter's 7th birthday party! She is our only grandchild and is the extra special blessings that I have received since my transplant in '09.

could someone please explain why the comments about sunscreen and being in the sun? Is this post-transplant, and you need to avoid the sun?

All recipients of organ transplants take powerful anti-rejection meds that affect our immune systems. Post- transplant patients have a higher percentage of likelihood to get cancer. Here in Arizona skin cancer is a real possibility. Sunscreen is a must. Hope that answers your question. Other folks may have additional information.

@tsreever, Welcome to Connect. Your question is an excellent one. I am not sure which comments you are referring to, however, Yes, sun protection is necessary after transplant. Have you seen the explanation from @estrada53 which states the reasons why transplant patients need to limit, or avoid sun.

Here is some more about sunscreen protection - Groups>Transplants>Anyone have tips on sun protection? (Click on this link) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-tips-on-sun-protection/

@tsreever, What brings you to Connect? Are you a Patient? Recipient? Caregiver?

I'm with you...much rather wear long sleeves than sunscreen! I often wear a seasonally appropriate tank or t-shirt with a loose long sleeved shirt open over it. Arms and neck are protected well without sunscreen.

@dcwilkie Harmful rays can still penetrate long sleeved shirts. My husband is a kidney recipient, and I am always reminding him about sunscreen. I have had malignant myeloma so sunscreen is part of my daily regimen.
Ginger

At my last posttx check up, one of my appointments was with a dermatologist. I was informed that transplant recipients have 60 to 240% higher chance of cancer. While I sometimes don't trust statistics!, this is about my health and future, so every precaution helps.