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Quest Protein bars

Transplants | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (8)

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@hello1234 I suffered acute liver failure and received a transplant in August 2024. The Doctors had no idea why my liver was failing and they still don't know why it failed today. In those 3 short weeks leading up to my transplant, I underwent countless tests and was asked a ton of questions. Many of those questions were focused on infectious diseases as well as what medicines or supplements I may have taken, which was basically nothing. Based on those questions and the discussions that followed , I learned how harmful some supplements can be to your liver and other organs because there isn't enough testing to guarantee they are what they claim to be and the benefits of many aren't supported by science. Basically, I got a crash course on supplements and the overarching message was clear - approach any supplements or processed food with extreme caution.

Over the last few years, I've also learned about the effects of immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus and mycophenelate, which do things like raise blood pressure and glucose levels, and place a significant strain on our kidneys. That impact is plainly visible in post transplant blood tests. I now do whatever I can to ease the burden on my kidneys. I get my vitamins through real food and drink 120 ounces of water per day. Despite the inconvenience, those regular post transplant blood tests can be very beneficial if we use them to evaluate the pros/cons of the lifestyle and dietary changes we make.

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Replies to "@hello1234 I suffered acute liver failure and received a transplant in August 2024. The Doctors had..."

@jimb43581921
You are amazing! I can't thank you enough for sharing your story. I now understand the importance of reviewing these protein bars (whey protein) and other supplements with my transplant team.
Also, I didn't think about how some of these ingredients may interact with my Tacrolimis and Cellcept.
I am very happy that I decided to post this question on our Transplant Support Connect. Now that you are two years post transplant, how are feeling?
Did you run into any challenges with your Tacrolimis and Mycophenolate that needed adjustments? I had my dosages adjusted multiple times in the last six years. My transplant was 2020.
Thank you again for sharing all your wonderful knowledge!!