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Has anyone noticed personality changes in kidney transplant patients?
Caregivers | Last Active: May 30 5:21pm | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
My spouse of over 40 yrs never had dialysis but received his kidney transplant over 7 yrs ago. THe organ functions , though it took 14 months at the beginning for that to occur. The immunosuppressants he takes 3 times a day have many negative side effects. His nephrologists realize that many people experience such things. I've told his doctors that often I feel his personality is not the person I married any more. Alot of his behaviors are opposite of his normal traits. I am not surprised by what you wrote. What are some things you are noticing different? My spouse admits he feels different. I look forward to your responding. It is hard to move onward in our relationship when learning such off things happen. I only heard the doctors talk about rejection of organ and not much else as we waited for a kidney. I wish we knew all that 'could' happen being on these meds. The man I married is gone and I'm still coping with that. I love him. This is the most challenging time in our entire long marriage. I feel betrayed by the transplant clinic (not Mayo) that were not transparent on the possible side effects of taking these strong medications. Please know you are not alone. Thanks for sharing all this.
Replies to "My spouse of over 40 yrs never had dialysis but received his kidney transplant over 7..."
@dotygl My husband received a kidney transplant October 2016. At that time we were still in the beginning of our relationship, so I cannot tell you what changes he might have gone though mentally of emotionally.
Any medications we take can have a variety of effects on us. I'm really not sure that is something the transplant doctors have a handle on, but the social worker from the transplant team may be able to give you some direction? And don't forget to factor in if your husband is on medications for other health concerns, as the combination might have less-than-stellar side effects.
Don't be afraid to consider couples counseling!
Ginger
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@dotygl This is an interesting question, and I have done some thinking about my own experience with my transplant. I am not aware of any changes other than feeling more emotional and more appreciative for my "new life" of 17 years. I have learned to be more aware and careful of my surroundings which means being selective of where/when I go somewhere. I accept that it is OK to say "no" if I am unsure about something, and always include my husband in my decisions. He is a wonderful support and has been with me thtoughout my entire transplant process. Together we make decisions, and he gives my health needs priority. I also have made new friends since transplant who actually "get it" and support my safe luncheons and activity dates! Today, I'm going to my quilting group chatiry sewing day, and will sit where I feel safe, but also be alert if someone appears to be sick - and respectfully make my exit.
As the patient, I need to get out on my own and participate in my activitiea. And my husband get to have a free day at home! Togetherness is good, but does have its limits!
Have you considered "fresh air" for you and/or your husband? for example:
Does your husband have any activities that he enjoys? Is he able to participate in outside the home events?
What about you? What do you enjoy doing? What are some things that you used to enjoy that you might resume doing?
Try doing something nice for yourself today!