What helps with diarrhea & nausea after kidney transplant?

Posted by sarahdemare04 @sarahdemare04, Jul 14 4:15pm

I am currently caring for my father who got a cadaver kidney about 2 weeks ago. Although my father is a primary care physician, this is unlike anything he has ever experienced. He doesn't understand much of what is going on. He has had wonderful care, but he is experiencing a great deal of diarrhea and nausea. If you have any experience as someone who is older and has received a kidney, I would love to know any suggestions or experiential anecdotes. I just want my fathers to know that he is okay.

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

I'm not a doctor but if he's taking CellCept It could be that but I would ask his transplant team because it could be a gastrointestinal infection. My team is always available for me and answers all my questions. I normally get a response message in just a few hours or sooner if it's during working hours.

REPLY

@sarahdemare04, I want to extend a welcome to Mayo Connect. I am happy to hear that your dad has received a kidney transplant and is beginning his recovery.
You and your dad are right to be concerned because this entire post surgery/post transplant period is new for both of you. I received a liver and kidney transplant in 2009, and remember what it was like. Your dad is taking lots of powerful medications to prevent rejection of his kidney, and sometimes these medications can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea. Your dad has a transplant team who will want to know when anything seems unusual or abnormal for him, especially with recent kidney transplant. As
@ernestbrandt1980 has already shared, it could even be the start of gastrointestional infection. It is always best to refer to dad's transplant team first. They transplant team will be able to advise him about a remedy or treatment if needed.

Here is some information about caregiving that I want to share with you:
-What to Expect as a Transplant Caregiver
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/what-to-expect-as-a-transplant-caregiver/
-Transplant Caregiver Advice: Got Tips to Share?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-caregiver-advice-got-tips-to-share/
.
@sarahdemare04 Overall, how is your dad's recovery coming along? How are you handling the caregiving part of his journey?

REPLY

Thank you so much for the support and kind words. His team has been extraordinary. I just feel bad for him when he starts to feel frustrated and a little down. He's got a great fighting spirit. His team has told him that so much of what he's going through is normal and expected. I just wish he had people he could talk to who have gone through it who can confirm what he's feeling and going through. I really appreciate all the information and support as a caregiver as well. These resources look really good. Thank you again for your support. I am just glad there are communities like this for caregivers and patients.

REPLY
Profile picture for sarahdemare04 @sarahdemare04

Thank you so much for the support and kind words. His team has been extraordinary. I just feel bad for him when he starts to feel frustrated and a little down. He's got a great fighting spirit. His team has told him that so much of what he's going through is normal and expected. I just wish he had people he could talk to who have gone through it who can confirm what he's feeling and going through. I really appreciate all the information and support as a caregiver as well. These resources look really good. Thank you again for your support. I am just glad there are communities like this for caregivers and patients.

Jump to this post

@sarahdemare04 Your father can ask any questions that he might have to the community (Mayo Clinic Connect) and we will try to answer any questions that we can. It is different to go through it than what the doctors experience is. He can only state what has been relayed to him. Congratulations on your transplant.

REPLY
Profile picture for sarahdemare04 @sarahdemare04

Thank you so much for the support and kind words. His team has been extraordinary. I just feel bad for him when he starts to feel frustrated and a little down. He's got a great fighting spirit. His team has told him that so much of what he's going through is normal and expected. I just wish he had people he could talk to who have gone through it who can confirm what he's feeling and going through. I really appreciate all the information and support as a caregiver as well. These resources look really good. Thank you again for your support. I am just glad there are communities like this for caregivers and patients.

Jump to this post

@sarahdemare04 I had my liver transplant 9 weeks ago and the first month was extremely tough for me but trust me when I say it gets better day by day. It's overwhelming sometimes but I'm getting used to it. I'm walking a mile with my dog each morning now when it's not too hot in Tucson AZ. Staying hydrated is really important especially if your father is having diarrhea. One of the doctors told me to make drinking water my second job. I got a smart watch after surgery so I can monitor my health and I keep logs of my vitals and it keeps me busy and motivated. I have a partially closed artery in or around my liver so I'm on eliquist until my 4 month check up and an MRI. Prayer has kept me going ever since I got sick a year ago July 19 and that's giving me the strength, calmness and guidance I need. You guy's are already in my prayers.

REPLY
Profile picture for ErnestBrandt1980 @ernestbrandt1980

@sarahdemare04 I had my liver transplant 9 weeks ago and the first month was extremely tough for me but trust me when I say it gets better day by day. It's overwhelming sometimes but I'm getting used to it. I'm walking a mile with my dog each morning now when it's not too hot in Tucson AZ. Staying hydrated is really important especially if your father is having diarrhea. One of the doctors told me to make drinking water my second job. I got a smart watch after surgery so I can monitor my health and I keep logs of my vitals and it keeps me busy and motivated. I have a partially closed artery in or around my liver so I'm on eliquist until my 4 month check up and an MRI. Prayer has kept me going ever since I got sick a year ago July 19 and that's giving me the strength, calmness and guidance I need. You guy's are already in my prayers.

Jump to this post

@ernestbrandt1980 I have some experience as I received a deceased kidney transplant 4 years ago when I was 76 years old. Everything has gone reasonably well. After the first year of suppressing my immune system, I did get a malignant melanoma which required surgery. It was still very early in situ and had not spread and the surgery was deemed to have gotten it all out. I now get a full body dermatologist exam every 3 months Which is sometimes including a biopsy but so far no more melanoma. I exercise a lot including running, walking, Karate punches and kicks, aerobic jumping jacks and deep squats. I was watching my diet very closely for 10 years before the transplant since I was in ead stage for all 10 years but managed to stay off dialysis. Do you have any specific questions that you would like to ask?

REPLY

Please, please, please keep communicating with the team. A man in his 80’s suffering from diarrhea can become dehydrated very quickly. He may need an IV to get back on top of his condition. Cellcept (Myfortic) is often the culprit. Any of us on this site are happy to encourage you. Best to you.

REPLY
Profile picture for m1rmiller @m1rmiller

@ernestbrandt1980 I have some experience as I received a deceased kidney transplant 4 years ago when I was 76 years old. Everything has gone reasonably well. After the first year of suppressing my immune system, I did get a malignant melanoma which required surgery. It was still very early in situ and had not spread and the surgery was deemed to have gotten it all out. I now get a full body dermatologist exam every 3 months Which is sometimes including a biopsy but so far no more melanoma. I exercise a lot including running, walking, Karate punches and kicks, aerobic jumping jacks and deep squats. I was watching my diet very closely for 10 years before the transplant since I was in ead stage for all 10 years but managed to stay off dialysis. Do you have any specific questions that you would like to ask?

Jump to this post

@m1rmiller No, I was just telling @sarahdemare04 what I've experienced so far since her father is only a couple weeks post transplant and had concerns. But I do appreciate it Sir.

REPLY
Profile picture for ErnestBrandt1980 @ernestbrandt1980

@m1rmiller No, I was just telling @sarahdemare04 what I've experienced so far since her father is only a couple weeks post transplant and had concerns. But I do appreciate it Sir.

Jump to this post

@ernestbrandt1980 Sorry, I was actually trying to reply to her myself but I must have clicked the wrong reply link. Keep up the good fight!

REPLY

I shared with my dad today that I joined this community and he was happy to hear it. It takes a village. He understands that his team is essential to his health and healing. He was wondering if anyone has any tips for the Myfortic and diarrhea. He is drinking a lot of water. He has inspired me to drink as well! But does it get better and better or is this possibly a new reality?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.